When I walked in I noticed it was many seating options and people waiting on their food for take out. I was greeted by multiple people which felt great. I love that they have options to add chicken and shrimp in your food. A lot of places haven't done it that way so I was happy. I ordered cassava leaf with shrimp and rice on the side for someone and it was 8.9/10 the flavor was good had a great kick to it and it was my first time trying potato greens and I was happy with it actually I'd always ordered Egusi soup but I wanted to try something different this time and I paid $10 for fufu enough for two people or more. The portions are fantastic I actually can't wait to eat the rest later. It was 10/10. The best fufu I've ever had. I'm a texture person and I'm part Korean and black so I didn't grow up eating African food so I could never eat fufu much I end up wasting it but here was totally different it was PERFECT I know I'll keep coming back to try their food! The pricing wasn't bad but it also can get costly. I paid $4 for a Minute Maid drink so total I ended up spending about $50 for two people and one drink. read more

African Small Pot - Cassava Leaves Shrimp - Senegalese Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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I came here based on the reviews. I am not sure if I had a one off incident but I had the most terrible service and sad food experience. the server tried to add extra menu items to our order. He mentioned something that my food came with sauces and confirmed that they would but when the food came out, he declined he ever said that. I ordered the pepper soup and it was outright nasty. The meat was extremely tough and chewy, they didn't give it ample time to cook. I love me some African food but feel that because my girlfriend and I aren't African, we were treated differently. We could actually hear the microwave while they microwaved our food. Very disappointing experience, I wanted to see what everyone was raving about but this is just sad. At the end of the day we were charged for three meals though we ordered two. He did the math on his phone, no cash register and kept telling me that everything I ordered had an up charge. read more

The food was great. I suggest everyone should order the lamb and rice, red snapper is so Good.

First of all, I was very nicely greeted by the owner. As I placed my order, the owner was surprised to learn that I wanted broken rice. I got Yassa Poisson and lamb with broken rice. I am sooo excited for my order because there was a little spot on 116th in NYC I used to love and frequent. Prices are super reasonable, the restaurant is BIG and CLEAN. I will definitely be back. read more

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The restaurant was clean and I didn't have to wait long for my food the customer service was nice too read more

African Small Pot - I tried their Yassa Poisson it was really good I'll be back to try some Egusi Soup - Senegalese Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

First of all the address is 6133 woodland ave.. food is amazing. Portions are large.. we will be back. Please try it you will not be disappointed read more

Hands down the best food ever!!! I ordered red snapper with rice, cassava with shrimp and fufu, and pepper soup and fufu. The fufu is a up charge of $10 but it was the real fufu not powder. Cassava is on of my favorites dishes, The snapper seasoned to perfection and fresh, so flavorful. Pepper soup was excellent, spicy enough and seasoned. The customer service was excellent, Barcar, and Ms. Nice Lady ( I don't want to mess up the spelling of her name). Was so pleasant and patient with all of 1 million questions Hands down, the best in the city! If you want authentic quality African food please don't hesitate. I assure you won't be disappointed. Le Mandinque Kings & Queens Have nothing on this this spot here!!. Can't wait to go again and I'm 40min- 1 hour away and will happily make the trip for some good food. read more

Food is excellent. Had rice and chicken dish that was spicy and extremely flavorful. Loved this meal!

I got the Fufu and Egusi stew and it was REALLY good, I can't knock stars off based on what I didn't like because they prepared it the way their culture does, so taste can't equate to the review. I was full after just half the portion from the stew and fufu, there were tender, fresh beef pieces in the stew and tofu alongside greens which made for a really nutritious meal. read more

I've hesitated to write a review for African Small Pot because I wasn't sure how to go about it. Basically, my experience is that the food is good to excellent when Diop Senior is cooking, but the food is bad (overcooked and bland) when he's not there. Service seems friendly but is problematic because they consistently overcharge us (by billing us for items we didn't order or overcharging us for items we did order). FOOD After I first tried African Small Pot last summer, I was hooked on it for weeks, maybe months. The chef Diop Senior (the father) made wonderfully tasty food & was excellent at making his ingredients shine. Quick summary of food cooked by Diop Senior (with ratings in parentheses): Chicken kabob - very tender dark meat, perfectly grilled, succulent, tasty (5) Beef kabob - overcooked, dry, tough, hard to eat/chew Dibi lamb - not bad (3) Jolof rice - very nice, topped with sauteed onions, peppers & spicy sauce (spicy is optional) (4) Fried flounder platter - fillets of flounder, fried up good (3) Plantains - okay (3) Potato greens - good (3.5) Flounder francaise - fish fillets battered in egg mixture, tasty, seals in all the juices (4) Peanut butter stew - soft pieces of lamb, but sauce is too watery for my liking Fufu - okay Okra - okay (3) Yassa shrimp - spicy, and shrimp texture is so-so When Diop Senior is not in the kitchen, the food gets worse -- I would avoid if he's not cooking: Grilled tilapia (not Diop Sr) - burnt, overcooked, whole fish Chicken kabob (not Diop Sr) - overcooked, flavourless, tough chicken breast SERVICE First time we went, the service was great. The waitress was friendly and full of helpful advice about African food. She made it feel like a cozy, friendly, family-run place where we were welcomed in. (We never saw the original friendly waitress again.) However, on subsequent visits, we came to realize that we were routinely overcharged or billed for items we hadn't ordered. Often, we never realized we were receiving extra items until we got charged for them after the meal. 1. Once, we ordered sides of jolof rice & attieke. We receive 3 sides: jolof rice & attieke PLUS a white rice that we didn't order. We were subsequently charged for the white rice we hadn't ordered. 2. Once we were charged $5 for a side order instead of the $4 price that was stated on the menu. 3. Once we were charged $10 for a mysteriously "different" version of a $4 side. We ordered jolof rice, which is listed on the menu as a side dish for $4. When settling the bill, we were told that our jolof rice was actually $10 because it was different that day. There was no indication on any menu, sign or by any staff that the jolof rice that day was special or more expensive. We were never given a choice. The only jolof rice mentioned anywhere was the $4 side on the menu. When we asked about this discrepancy, Diop Junior (the son) simply insisted that our jolof rice was $10. 4. We ordered 5 kabobs ($5) and a dish of dibi lamb which includes one side ($10). We chose jolof rice as the side dish accompanying the lamb. When we got the bill, we were charged $19, instead of $15. I'm not sure what happened. Perhaps they gave us a double order of the side dish without telling us & then charged us for it? Or perhaps we got a mysteriously "special" version of the jolof rice? 5. We asked for tap water to drink with our meal. We received a pitcher of water & drank it. When settling the bill, we were told that they had poured 4 bottles of bottled water into the pitcher (water bottles were $1 each) so we were charged $4 for the water. None of this was communicated to us when we asked for the water (or anytime after that before the bill). I hoped that these were one-off mistakes or misunderstandings, but finally I realized that this seems to be the way they do business. After a few of these "mistakes" happened, I ordered extremely clearly on our next visit, by confirming the price of each item as I ordered it -- but then they pulled the trick with pouring bottles of water into a pitcher (detailed in point #5 above). We had become regulars & had expected to remain regulars, so I'm disappointed that I can't trust that they will treat customers fairly. For these reasons (as well as inconsistencies in the kitchen itself), I can't recommend African Small Pot. read more

What a wonderful find this was! Off the beaten path on Woodland Avenue in the Elmwood neighborhood in southwest Philly is this gem of a restaurant. It is small with just a few tables but features zesty and spicy cuisine from Senegal in west Africa. The owner, man behind the counter, and chef are all one in the same! He is a busy fellow but he just rolls with it. Very personable and passionate, you can see the love of cooking manifest itself in his food. I had a Yasa Poulet, which is chicken cooked with onions and peppers in a beautifully flavored sauce on top of yellow rice. Just terrific! Delicious and spicy without crippling the taste buds. African Small Pot is in a part of Philly with lots of African restaurants and other shops that cater to the African community. It is very worthy of a road trip and can be accessed easily from the #11 trolley. read more

This place is TOO SWEET-o! I could not choose, from the menu, so after much palaver about what I might like, they brought me a sampler platter. Goat meat - firm and TASTY. Greens - spicy and delicious. Plantains - not too sweet, not too starchy - just right. But the palm red oil the goat bits were served with - holy CATS. If you've never had palm red oil, you just haven't lived. Smooth, spicy, exciting, terrible for your arteries and just a perfect joy. Add a seriously real African restaurant vibe - not a bunch of cutesy carvings, no slick wall hangings; just honest mom n pop restaurant detritus, a restaurant focused on food and food only. The neighborhood wanders through and talks politics, religion and just things. The owner brags about his son the excellent footballer and how good a cook he is (I can attest firmly to the latter!). Parking is on the vibrant street, but watch out for the no-parking zones. And it's tight on the streetcar line. Go there. A-o! read more

Great food great service. The hosts comes out and asks about my day. The food always comes out fresh and hot.

Had been watching a bunch of JL Jupiter reviews when my boyfriend and I came across a video about this spot. It was basically right down the street and the cassava leaves they showed in that vid looked sooo good, we immediately had to come check it out for ourselves. When we arrived, the owner greeted us with a warm, familial welcome and had our order made so fast. We took it home and devoured it. Chile, that cassava was BOMB. The spice level was perfect and the flavor was ...*chef kisses*. AND that rice was nice and fluffy--whew talk about a good meal! Currently eating my leftovers the next morning (cause them portions, girl they know how to feed their customers!) We'll definitely be coming back and putting my family on to it too. read more

1st time trying Fufu and Cassava. Man I'm full and ain't even eat half. Soooooo good !!! I will definitely be back. All those spices came together with the right amount of spicy in that Cassava dish @here2live read more

This review is strictly based on the food, as I did not visit this establishment... I've tried African food, lots of times but I normally don't get such a simple dish. I ordered the grilled red snapper and it came with rice and sauteed onions and peppers. First and foremost the fish was extremely fresh and grilled to perfection. I couldn't tell you what spices were used to season the fish but it was simply amazing. Now, if your an onion lover, like I am, then you should be able to tell from the picture that I was in heaven. The sauteed onions had a slight smoked flavor with hints of black and white pepper... Again, I'm only guessing because I'm unsure what spices were used. This platter was very large and it took me two days to finish my meal, but I can definitely say, I'll be back to speak with the chef... I must know what spices were used on this dish... The food is a solid 10, across the board!!!! read more

African Small Pot - Grilled red snapper and rice with grilled onions and peppers... - Senegalese Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Delicious. Very nice staff. A bit expensive but the food makes up for it. Overall I was satisfied. I ordered the fried Tilapia w/ Fufu and Potato Leaf. The nice man at the front offered me tea but I don't like my tea sweet, unless it's over ice.. It's a personal preference. I would honesty love for the place to be just alil more cleaner but that's because I have Virgo energy! Also just another preference but had it been I would give 5 stars. read more

I called and placed an order for the lamb shank and rice, and tilapia with achieke. When my husband arrived 20 minutes later, the front desk person said "we don't have any lamb shanks and you didn't call to order because they would have told you we didn't have any lamb over the phone". Then to make matters worse, the tilapia was not ready because whoever took my phone order never put it in. The man at the front went as far to show their called ID to try and prove that no call orders were placed, but my number was the last number on their history. No apologies or anything. Any who, my husband waited for them to make the fish. Now on to the food: it was bland. I've had Senegalese food many times and the achieke was very tart and there was no sauce to eat it with. It was literally so dry, and the tilapia was not seasoned. Based on the fact that they screwed up our order and that the food was not good, I will not be returning and would not recommend this place. read more

Love the cassava and rice! I always ordered food to go, and haven't had an issue yet.

Invited here by a friend I hadn't seen in years. Loved the ambience walking into a Muslim storefront - the greetings, the artwork, and the small of good food. I sat at a bistro table with my face glued to my phone as my friend took a call outside. A gentleman came over and left us two cups of tea. As a warm beverage isn't often free with purchase at most establishments, I was so very charmed. Gotta live hospitable cultures! I drank my tea... and my friends tea :) and waited for the lamb and rice dish he promised would make me fall in love. When they came out I saw how utterly huge the trays were. And all for $20! My friend and I sat and talked in my car for almost an hour before I made my way back up 95. When I reached some inexplicable traffic about 10 minutes out I took an opportunity to uncover my meal and dig in. The meat was tasty, the rice was flavorful and the veggies.... I can't even describe the combination of sweet and savory... soooo good. I'm not often in this area, and probably wouldn't return at that hour, but I would definitely come back again. read more

African Small Pot - Senegalese Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

It was my first time visiting here and I was absolutely taken aback by the kind and hospitable owner. He made my friends and myself feel very welcome and even remembered my friend from years back when she first visited. The food was absolutely wonderful! The chicken was so tender that it pulled right off the bone. I am so excited to go back. The service and food are both equally amazing and it has a very authentic and homey vibe. Portion sizes are huge so you definitely get a bang for your buck. My new favorite spot in Philly! read more

African Small Pot - two plates of food on a table - Senegalese Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Ordered delivery and we have a chicken dish, lamb dish and beef kabobs. All of the meat was very dry and overcooked without seasoning. Very disappointing. read more

Great place, great food...owner is always hospitable. My go to spot to take friends who don't live in the city. Definitely recommend!

Everything me and my best friend ordered was seasoned perfectly, will be going back again

Food is amazing !!!! I ordered the potato greens and pounded yam that came with egusi stew with tripe and beef. The meats were so tender and juicy. Huge portions. I'm Nigerian and they hit the nail on the nose with this one. Def will be ordering again! read more

I was in town for a business trip and had to stay near the airport. I yelped for ethnic eateries and found this hidden gem. The neighborhood is your typical blue collar Philly hood, home to a thriving African community. The restaurant is a bit run down, but what it lacks in looks it more than makes up in food and friendliness. I was greeted with a nice, warm smile and a hot cup of sweet African tea. I asked for a fish recommendation, and the owner/chef (?) suggested the King Fish, served over rice. I asked for a side of plantains. The food was awesome, and prepared upon ordering. Throughout my meal, regulars came in and out, warmly greeting each other and welcoming me. I felt I was invited into an old friend's home for dinner! read more

African Small Pot - King Fish over rice with plantains - Senegalese Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

This food is absolutely amazing great family great restaurant nice people I left the restaurant full and in peace thank you African small pot ! read more

Very very friendly people. This is one of my favorite place in Philadelphia. Amazing food! Inside of the place is not the best looking, but food is amazing. :) go try it. read more

African Small Pot - Senegalese Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Amazing Food, never disappointed my family!! We order from here so often due to kind customer service and amazing food!

Good food! Large portions you can eat for two meals. Free tea while you are waiting. Friendly workers. Love it!

This is my favorite restaurant for African food. Although the restaurant is small, the entire staff are extremely friendly and attentive. And it helps that the food is delicious! I have tried just about everything but my favorites are the Dibi lamb, Yasa fish and potato greens. Be sure to taste the fresh brewed tea full of herbs the owner makes.. read more

African Small Pot - Yasa fish (tilapia).. EXCELLENT! - Senegalese Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

I'm an indian american, i know spice so...i eat here often. Tried curry chicken and rice, jollof rice they're all spicy and great flavor. Their hot tea is amazing. Owner is great! read more

Loved every bite of the potato leaf with rice and tilapia. Having lived and traveled in West Africa, I was looking for a meal made with love, and this delivered! Not only was it made with love, it was served with it, too. The meal started with ataya (tea), and cola nuts once we asked if there were any around. The portions were HUGE and leftovers are a definite unless you haven't eaten all day. The spice level was perfect for me. Wonderful and welcoming service. I will be back! read more

African Small Pot - Potato leaf with tilapia. - Senegalese Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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In Philly for the day haandling sone business and asked by the Misses to stop by this restaurant and pick up a platter. Cant say I am familiar with this particular establishment. This was found off a search of african restaurants in Philly. The platter I went to pick up was a red snapper fish platter, which was one of the largest platters I had ever seen. The container had to be close to 10 inches long. White rice, sauteed onions, fish looked great and seasoned. Was alsi able to get somne pics of the place both inside and outside and could see it being worth coming back for other full platters. Great find on Yelp!! read more

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Great spot authentic food that is delicious, warm welcoming staff that is warm, helpful and courteous.

The food was amazing!!! The man who helped us was so polite and friendly. First time trying African food and it won't be my last!!!

fufu was amazing! loved the egusi soup as well. I would keep in mind the location because we were stopped and asked for money a block away from the restaurant read more

Amazing small African restaurant with big flavor and portions! Many items on the menu are from Senegalese cuisine, but there is also an aside of select dishes from Nigeria. Tonight I ordered Nigerian stew, a flavor sauce with a pepper and tomato base. Submerged in it, I ordered most of the meat options such as goat, cow foot, cow skin and tripe (I couldn't decide on one,lol!), but fish is also available. As a side with the stew, I got brown rice and my favorite, moimoi, a Nigerian bean cake made up of finely mashed black-eyed peas and spices, with a whole, hard boiled egg at the center. Everything was delicious! The man at the counter was very welcoming and answered any questions I had about the menu. As soon as I inquired about the stew, he immediately took me back to meet the chef, who was a delight and allowed me to have a taste so I can order with confidence. I am currently eating the food and will definitely be back! read more

If you're in the area, I highly recommend you try it out and go with their recommendation(s). It was the first time I ate African cuisine and it was an absolute treat! The manager did not steer us wrong with his recommendation of the pounded yam platter and bean soup. There was a bit of a kick, but was the perfect amount of spiciness. Aside from the food, everyone was extremely friendly; the chef even came out to talk to us about how our dish was made. Thank you for the hospitality! read more

Bored of food from the European and American continents? Travel west on Woodland Ave, really really west. It doesn't take as long as you think. First, sweet, ginger juice is a must to accompany any West African meal. After ordering a few entrees, we were asked if we wanted to be served "feast" style. Obviously, the answer was yes; feasting is awesome. We were presented with two large silver trays with our food piles. It was a happy sight. On top of rice mounds, our fried tilapia. On the sides, our lamb dibi, plantains, and broccoli. In bowls, curry chicken and peanut sauce over chicken. The tilapia was simply prepared, I probably would try the whole version rather than filets next time. The charred bites lamb dibi chops ($10) were well worth the messy mouth and hands. In between bites of meat and rice, I enjoyed the cut up, blackened plantains. The peanut chicken and curry chicken comes as a few pieces of cut up chicken in a large amount of their respective sauces. The peanut is pleasantly bitter, like unsweetened peanut butter, while the curry is relatively subtle. Beef skewers, though we ordered them thinking they would be be an appetizers, came later ($5 for 5). Some of the skewered pieces were a little chewy, not enough to ruin it, and we loved the juicy marinade. For dessert -thiakrys- a pudding made from millet, sour cream, and vanilla was something to all of us. It is a pretty unique texture and flavor combination; it grew on me. Though language issues prevented the chef and his staff from being able to explain some of the dishes to us, they were very sweet and welcoming to us. read more