Incredible food. Great experience. Staff were very kind and friendly. I highly recommend

3/27/2026 - located near SDSU parking lot 3 and the bridge. I ordered the Mandazi African doughnuts . 10 minutes later they came out freshly made and all for $5.32 out the door. About 8 inside and they were fresh, soft and full of cinnamon. Loved these. I will go back here again for the real food! Enjoy. read more

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This restaurant has a setup similar to Panda Express, where you move along the line and they scoop the food into a box for you. Everything looked really flavorful and appealing, but the taste didn't quite live up to how it looked--it was a bit more mild than expected. We also ordered the sambusas, which were cooked to order, and those were definitely the highlight. They had much better flavor and felt more worth it compared to the rest of the meal. The restaurant wasn't very busy when we went, so it's possible we caught them on an off day. Overall, it wasn't a bad experience, may try again in the future. read more

Flavors Express - Sambusas - African Near Me - San Diego, California

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Quick to-go place for some African comfort food. There are tables available and cashier is really nice. Love the big portions. They don't have fufu but they do have ugali which is similar but the consistency is starchier. Overall, cozy vibes and reminded of a mom and pop shop. Some food items I tried: -Curry chicken reminded me a Vietnamese curry in terms of flavor and consistency. -Plaintains were sweet but a bit too charred for me. Eggplants were in a tomato based sauce. -Ugali was ok. Good to dip in the curry -Jerk Chicken has a deep BBQ taste. -Curry Lentils were good and cooked well with decent flavoring -Veggies were boiled down slightly sautéed. -Coconut rice was good with a few beans to enhance it. read more

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While visiting the university, my friends and I tried this place; to say the least, it was amazing on every level possible. The food was hot, the portions were huge, the service was great, and the man was hilarious, making you feel at home. I got half and half of the saffron rice and the other spicy option, which I can't recall the name of. Both are very fluffy and flavorful. The chicken curry has a great coconut taste, and I'm not a big fan of coconut, but it blended well with the rice. The fried plantains were crispy, even if it was close to closing time. Had to dip them in the leftover sauce from the curry. The dish, which was similar to mashed potatoes on the veggie side, was amazing, truly the star of the show. The mango drink was straight-flavored and similar to a nectar. They do offer student discounts, but no meal card swipes. A basic plate, which had way more food than expected, plus a drink, cost me around 18 dollars, which included a tip. read more

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banger food dawg, the guy at the counter was fantastic too! will definitely come here more often, it's so hard to find good rice and chicken near uni campus read more

Flavors Express - African Near Me - San Diego, California

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Gluten Free / Vegan Options Close to the SDSU campus with a small parking lot, this unassuming spot runs similar to Panda Express where you choose a plate size and choose what rice, veg, and protein you want. I got the large which came with enough food for two meals. I tried the Sweet Jerk Chicken, Spicy Jerk Chicken, Fried Plantains, Collard Greens, with the Saffron Rice. The flavor of the jerk chicken was rich and flavorful, but I wasn't sure which was the sweet and which one was spicy because they both tasted sweet and spicy. My favorite part of the meal was the fried plantains, giving a flavor contrast to the spices of the jerk chicken. The collard greens aren't very seasoned but it didn't need to be as it gave texture and freshness to the dish overall which made it feel lighter to eat. Service was quick, and it was relatively empty inside when we went for lunch. I consider this a place with good food for reasonable prices and I look forward to trying the last protein choice of curry chicken! read more

Ok this hole in the wall spot is delicious! When you walk in, you're like, where am I? This is unique. But just get some or all of their food and you'll thank me. It's so dang good. read more

Delicious. Injera bread is gluten free! Both the eggplant and collard greens were amazing!

African food with a huge kick. If you like spice you will love this . Wow it blew my head right off Also had the curry and the bbq which were excellent Warning stay away from the spice if your not a big spice person Service excellent . It on the SDSU campus so I bet this place gets super busy , I am here over spring break so had the place to myself Oh loved the beans and the plantains read more

Flavors Express - African Near Me - San Diego, California

Food: 11/10 it was perfect tasted rich in flavors and cooked great. Would be good to have something to cleanse your palate Service: quick and helpful. They have sample cups to try out and they will recommend as well for first timers Ambiance: Space full in door seating read more

Flavors Express - Vegan Combo Small Chicken Combo Small Sweet jerk chicken Cabbage and saffron rice Coconut rice plantains with curry lentils - African Near Me - San Diego, California

bad on 9/29/2025 and cautious to order via door dash now. Ordered combo with drink and got nothing I ordered online delivered. Quality of what was delivered was poor as well. read more

I got the Vegan plate, my family got the jerk chicken. Everything was very flavorful and fresh. Taste like a home cooked meal. The staff is so friendly. I Would definitely go back! read more

Good and quick service, flavorful food with huge portions. This spot is a favorite whenever I go visit my sister near SDSU :) read more

Flavors Express - Sweet Jerk Chicken, coconut rice, plantains, corn and beans - African Near Me - San Diego, California

the food was delicious and service was amazing. will definitely be coming back! Had the sweet jerk chicken, collard greens and fufu read more

Flavors Express - food was delicious and service was amazing! will be come back for sure - African Near Me - San Diego, California

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My first impression of this establishment when I walked in was it was empty. Not one seat filled. The workers were extremely welcoming and friendly. I ordered a small chicken combo plate and a water & spent $18. The food is soooo flavorful! The chicken is FORK TENDER packed with spice and flavor. If you like spicy, the spicy jerk chicken is perfect for you. Very well marinated. The coconut rice is cooked to perfection. The greens are such a great combo with the chicken. I highly recommend this place! Very clean and spacious. I'm very surprised there were not more ppl here considering its location. I will definitely be a returning customer next time I'm in town. read more

Flavors Express - Spicy jerk chicken, coconut rice, greens - African Near Me - San Diego, California

Outstanding food! The spicy chicken, curried lentils, and coconut rice are amazing!! Since they have "point-point" service, it's super easy for a quick lunch and they have a lot of indoor seating as well. If you like, Indian or Thai food, you'll definitely add this to your list of favorites! read more

Flavors Express - Coconut rice, curried lentils, spicy chicken - African Near Me - San Diego, California

I had the pleasure of being greeted and served by Riley on my 1st visit to this restaurant. Riley allowed me to sample many of the samples which were all delicious. I especially liked the lentils. I got the spicy jerk chicken which was very tender and packed a punch. Had my nose runny after a couple of bites. The corn and bean side included potatoes which was a nice surprise. Portions are huge and can easily feed 2 from 1 plate. Price is extremely reasonable for the amount of food. Riley was so sweet and friendly, which is a rarity these days. Especially when dealing with young people. I felt welcomed and appreciated for my patronage. This place is a hidden gem, and I feel fortunate to have found it. Thanks again Riley for your outstanding service and demeanor. You're the best. read more

The food here is bomb. I tried it at the sdsu farmers market. The service was really good. I got the jerk chicken, lentils, and collard greens. I'm not a fan of collard greens but this tasted delicious. The lentils and spicy chicken are incredible. Great value for what you get. Can't wait to come here again. read more

They were so sweet. The portions were huge and the food was very fresh. I got a very good deal. The plantains were great. I definitely recommend. read more

Babyy Listen.... This food was so good. Crazy how I stumbled across this place the other day going to the John Legend concert. As we were passing by it smelled so good outside the restaurant and we had 30 mins to spare before the concert so we went in to give it a try. Let me just say this place is a MUST TRY! The service was on point and kudos to the chef for the delicious food.!! All so flavorful but not over powering in each dish. I was going to get a plate to-go because it was that good...but I didn't feel like walking all the way back to the car as I couldn't bring it in the concert but pls believe I will circle back around to this restaurant and the looking to try the other place they have I believe it's a Jamaican food joint. Cute little restaurant w/ good vibes. This place definitely has our recommendations!! read more

Flavors Express - So good I forgot to take a pick of my food before digging in lol curry chicken, saffron rice, collards, plantains, egg plant all soo good! - African Near Me - San Diego, California

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Stellar place. I asked the very kind and genuine fella behind the counter (Daniel, the absolute man) to put together a plate of what he would have if he were hungry. Everything he put on that plate was so delicious that I'm doing a yelp review, which I never do. If you're in the area, go here. read more

Such sweet people who work here. Great atmosphere, they're so welcoming and answered all our questions about the flavors. Very generous portion sizes, 10/10! Thank you for a wonderful experience! read more

I had the most magical experience getting food tonight at Flavors Express. The kindness, beauty, and elite customer service of the sister duo of Taylor and Riley are unmatched. They had an abundance of such sweet and nurturing energy. My friends and I were basically in love with the whole experience from when we entered to when we left. I am already looking forward to coming back to enjoy the food and am planning to go to their sit down restaurant in University Heights for my birthday! Thank you so much to Taylor and Riley for making us feel so welcome and taken care of in this lovely establishment. So so so grateful and appreciative read more

5 on the food. No decor but who cares Food is amazing Get the bbq chicken Not your regular American style bbq It's bomb! read more

I have never been so disgusted with a restaurants quality of food until I received this order the plantains are way over cook Extremely dry the rice is hard And way over cooked and there's cold spots in my rice the sauce on the chicken taste like sweet baby rays barbecue sauce entire entrée taste like it's over three days old I ordered three entrées and only one entrée came via delivery The level of low comprehension skills coming from this restaurant will never have me going back here and I do not recommend anyone to spend your money at this restaurant go to another African spot or whatever this place claims to be Now I'm going to go get my refund for my two missing orders and this trash that Has. to be put in the dumpster. Also this restaurant doesn't even have an active phone the current number is disconnected another red flag read more

Flavors Express - Do not spend your money here at this establishment - African Near Me - San Diego, California

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This place was SUCH a nice surprise. Very lowkey and on SDSU campus, this place offers a build your own plate at different sizes and price points. Staff was friendly and every dish I tried exceeded my expectations. They have a nice seating area for anyone wanting to dine in, but is more setup to take your plate to go. I honestly can't wait until the next time I'm in the area to try more of the dishes offered :) read more

This place is a hidden gem. It is so good and the portions are perfect. Everything tastes very authentic. Definitely one of my favorite places on SDSU campus. Friendly staff. read more

Flavors Express - Jerk chicken, chicken curry, eggplants, plantains. - African Near Me - San Diego, California

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Great little find in the College Area with parking right in front (by Dominos). I tried the jerk chicken over greens, so amazing! Large portion, just enough for $7, very fair. Sampled the curry chicken, getting that next time. Try this place, bringing my vegan wife and daughter back! read more

Flavors Express - Spicy jerk and greens. So good! - African Near Me - San Diego, California

All the food was delicious and well portioned for the price. Plus the guy serving me was really nice

I'm a sucker for any kind of fried pastry, savory and sweet alike. I googled the menu for Flavor Express to see if they have Sambussas. The best way I can describe Sambussas if you haven't had any before... Very similar to empanadas or British pasties. Filled, fried pastries. I tried 3 kinds. Chicken, potato and a sweet coconut/cream cheese one for dessert. They were all well seasoned, crispy and mouthwatering Deliciousness. They are $2 for a dollar but it was my lucky day and they were on special for $1 each! read more

I like this place, but does anyone know if it's closed down. One day I went and it was open and then a week later it looked closed down.

East African Cuisine is by far one of my favorite cuisines. This place helps solidify it. Both kinds of Jerk Chicken (Spicy and Sweet) were absolutely amazing. I had the Spicy Jerk Chicken with Collard Greens and their Saffron Rice and it was absolutely delicious, probably the best food located in the SDSU Campus. I'll definitely be coming back here again next time I'm in the area. read more

I've been waiting for this place to open since I moved in to SDSU on August 20th. All I'm gonna say is the nuclear dump I'm about to take tonight is nothing compared to the explosive flavor of east Africa. Thank you read more

I tried the plate with half coconut rice half saffron, lentils and spicy chicken. It was really good! They also have vegan options like collard greens and sambusas. If you're looking for something different but tasty, try Flavors Express. They have a parking lot and plenty of tables. read more

Flavors Express - Lentils, spicy chicken, half coconut rice, half saffron rice - African Near Me - San Diego, California

Loved this place. Staff was friendly, and the food was delicious! I tried the sweet chicken (pictured) with lentils. Really, really good!

Wow.. i can't even explained how good this place was. My friends and I were so excited when we saw this place when we first moved on campus, but it had been closed until today. The food was impeccable. The mango drink was INSANE IN THE MEMBRANE. Go here everyday or else. Also, come with an empty stomach because it will fill you up. read more

A fine medley of East African flavors -- including curried chicken, sweet jerk chicken, stewed eggplant, lentils, and more. Plenty for vegans and meat-eaters alike, all well spiced. Served quickly in to-go containers. This is a fine new gem in the SDSU area's growing restaurant scene. read more

i have never has east African food before, but this was truly AMAZING! i live 20 miles from this place and am happy to make the trek to enjoy their delicious food again. the sweet chicken and lentils were both the best i've ever had of it's sort. read more

Ate here only once but the food was as good as when there was an African restaurant that would come in on Thursdays with a stall where they sold African food. The food, from what I ordered at least, was rice and sweet chicken and some lentils. Sure it may sound simple but it was very delicious. Add to that some spinach sambussas as an after meal snack. The only thing to surprise me was that there weren't much students when I went there for a meal but then again, that was likely from when most were in classes. read more