Extremely disappointing experience at Jollof Etcetera. My coworkers and I visited today at 11:30a during our lunch break. Despite the restaurant advertising that it opens at 10a, the lone employee on duty appeared completely unprepared and disorganized. She could not clearly explain the menu or pricing, and it took an excessive amount of time just to place basic food and drink orders. The situation only got worse. Drinks were handed to us still in the can, and one contained a visible piece of hair. The same employee repeatedly touched her hair while handling food, which was unsettling enough. But, the final straw was when she delivered the pepper sauce and stuck her THUMB directly into it, then still charged us for that same sauce. As for the food: the jollof rice was undercooked, the beef was dry and overcooked, and overall the meal was not worth the nearly $30 per person we paid. When we asked for to-go boxes so we wouldn't completely waste our money, we were given absurdly tiny containers that couldn't even hold half the food. What should have been a 30-60 minute lunch break turned into a 2-hour ordeal. We work in the area and make a point to support local businesses, but this experience was unsanitary, inefficient, and frustrating from start to finish. We will absolutely not be returning, and cannot recommend this place to anyone looking for a quick, clean, or professionally run lunch spot. read more

Jollof Etc. This is the 1st time at this location. I am more familiar with the Lanham one. The ambiance appear to ask for a more upscale vibe, and there were hints of it, but it fell flat. The hostess stand looks different than the actual restaurant when you enter. It's not cohesive. Hostess stand looks rundown while the actual dining area is nice. Despite everything I listed above, the food here is not bad at all. Both locations offer taste into Nigerian cuisine that comes off as authentic but still palatable to the masses. I had the pounded yam and beef with ogbonna soup (my fav) and it didn't disappoint. I've been going to this restaurant for YEARS (Lanham) and each time I have enjoyed their food. Items I have had: okra soup, white rice and stew, Jollof rice, fish, moi-moi, puff puff...all the Nigerian popular dishes. Each one 100% SLAPS (very good). I simply deducted the rating because of decor, location (both) are in sketchy areas with interesting characters hanging outside. read more

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Jolloff in general doesn't care about their customers. While the food is good the service is terrible. I ordered my food on UberEATS and Jolloff took their sweet time prepping my order and my delivery Driver almost cancelled. If you're going to be in business you have to do better. This food isn't cheap the least Jolloff can do is have it ready in a reasonable amount of time. read more

Alas every time we go they sink a little bit, unfortunately. I still love the puff puff and scotch egg but boy do they keep finding new ways to ruin meat. I had given up on their goat so this time ordered the jollof rice with fried chicken and hooboy, that chicken wasn't fried so much as dessicated. Hard as a rock, no moisture in the meat to speak of. I don't know if that is authentically how Nigerian meat is served or if the chef here is just way overly cautious about making sure that meat ain't getting up and walking out. They also no longer have the delightful locally made ginger drink. The other two issues causing downgrade were that holy crap they played their gospel music so loud we couldn't hear ourselves think, and that one of the servers seemed to be actively going out of her way not to let us get her attention when we needed silverware or to get the check. And when he asked for a glass of water they brought the giant $5 bottle of smart water. (Buying a bottle of $5 water is anything but!) Just so many things where one of them would have merited a chuckle but all of them led to a much degraded dining experience. I'm not sure if we will return at this point, unfortunately. I think my husband may stage an intervention if I suggest it based on how much he DID NOT enjoy the music. read more

Authentic Nigerian Food right in White Oak Jollof Etcetera is a Nigerian establishment located in many locations in Maryland. The white oak location is the newest one. I forgot to take pictures (forgive me) but my family and I decided to go there to celebrate my father in love, Father's Day. Our waiter Victor was very nice and friendly as he took his time to answer our questions and also tell us what was available and unavailable due to supply issues. The restaurant itself is beautiful with modern granite tables grey comfort seats and can accommodate large parties. We ordered jollof, amala, efo riro, and ogbono My wife claimed that this was the best amala she's had as her father indicated that the efo was delicious too. I tried ogbono for the first time and It was pretty good. It's an acquired taste however I got used to It the more I ate It. Mine had assorted goat meat which was tender and seasoned well. We also had some puff puff as appetizers and I had zobo as my drink. The zobo was bland and there were slight hints of ginger and sugar. As a Ghanaian It did not satisfy my sobolo craving. Overall we were content and would return again, hopefully this time they have cassava leaf available read more

Jolloff Etcetera - African Near Me - Silver Spring, Maryland

We ordered over the phone and went in for pickup. I placed two orders of Eru, one with goat and the other with assorted meats and neither disappointed! The flavors were rich and authentic. The lady at the front was moving a bit slowly, but another staff member came from the back to assist and let us know our order was almost ready, which helped speed things up. Overall, great food and a solid experience. I will definitely return! read more

Jolloff Etcetera - Eru Garri Fufu - African Near Me - Silver Spring, Maryland

Brand new and just opened in the White Oak shopping center. We wanted to try authentic Nigerian cuisine. The prices were reasonable, the atmosphere was peaceful, the service was outstanding, very warm and efficient. This is the first time we tried real Nigerian food, so it is hard for me to describe. I noticed the spices used were quite different than anything I've tasted. Some can be very spicy, some had a mildly bitter flavor. They seemed to be unique. We ordered: Egusi - ground melon seed prepared with spinach and other African spices: I chose goat and pounded yam. It was an interesting experience because I didn't know how to eat it ; the waiter showed me a YouTube video on how to eat like a Nigerian. I pulled a chunk of yam and kneaded in my hand, dipped it into the sauce, and ate the yam with the sauce. 3*Peppered snail: i wanted to try authentic Nigerian food, so this was recommended to me. Two huge snails with chili sauce. The texture was tougher than small snails. They were very spicy. Although I'm accustomed to spicy food, not Nigeria spices. Order with caution. 4*Scotch egg: the egg was coated, fried, warm and crispy outside. We liked it. 3*Pepper soup: very spicy; if you are not used to Nigerian cuisine, order with caution. The leftover tasted better the next day, just like Chinese food. 3*Meat pie: fresh and pretty good. We would order it again. read more

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You want to taste the best of Nigerian cuisine then don't waste your time, get in that car and make your way to jolloff etcetera. The host quickly seats you down and by the time your know it you are having your beverages and appetizers. Anything on that menu is delicious. I ordered the fried fish stew with pounded yam, with beans. That was heavenly. Please try their puff puff balls these will have you coming back for More. read more

Jolloff Etcetera - African Near Me - Silver Spring, Maryland

love love the jolloff and the efori spinach. it is excellent!! must try and get their at 12pm opening time. they do sell out of those specialtes read more

Incredibly disappointed by the slow service i received when i chose to dine in with my family. I normally order to go but decided to take my family for a dine in experience. The server did not tell us how long the wait time was and we were left sitting there with no meal in sight. Not worth it. read more

Food is good. Service is debatable. They had the game on so I was pleased. I ordered white rice and stew and it was phenomenal. I also had their Chapman and it was GREAT! read more

Messed up entire order. Sent my order with absolutely no meat. Girl who answered the phone was rude. The manager/owner later refunded me only a couple of dollars and even that was made difficult. Felt scammy. Will never order from this restaurant again. read more

Food was pretty good but the items we ordered, especially rice, were expensive for what you get.

No stars. Try it out, if you're not interested in getting any service. Went in today during lunch and was asked to seat myself. Other than 2 tables, the place was completely empty. Seated myself at a booth, I was wearing white shirt so definitely was not camouflaged. Waited 15 min, no one came to bring water, 0 service. At least 2 employees walked around the place and still nothing. I got up, walked out to the entrance and saw the same 2 employees sitting and chatting. I made the comment that they must be very busy *pun intended* and walked out. I was excited to try this new place but very disappointed in service. Not going back. read more

Very expensive for the food you get. I ordered jolloff rice with goat. Got 4 small bone in pieces. Meats were so tough and dry that I asked the waitress about it and was told that's Nigerian way. Total BS. That dish was $30 for lunch. Never going back again. Interior was clean and even though I do not mind religious music, it was too loud. Avoid. read more

Beautiful hidden gemfood is outstanding, service is great, 5th time in the last couple months and never get disappointed read more

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Okay, the food, the service and the atmosphere was amazing. Our server was on point and very helpful. She was more than willing to explain each dish and if she could not, she spoke to the chef. The only thing I did not care for was the music being played but I got past that easily. Give them a try. read more

Service was outstanding and it's a really beautiful restaurant. I ordered fresh croaker with the yam porridge. It was a spicey tomato based dish. Very delicious! The croaker was so good. I almost finished it before I remembered to take a picture. My husband loved his food as well. Jollof rice, fried croaker, plantains, and cole slaw. I had some of his cole slaw and it was tasty. The portions were plentiful. Another nice touch were the sinks in the dining area, since some dishes you eat with your hands. Very nice decor. I'm definitely coming back. read more

Jolloff Etcetera - Yam porridge - African Near Me - Silver Spring, Maryland

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Food and portion sizes were greatand delicious Ambiance was lovely. Will definitely be returning . Thanks Amaka for great service

Excellent dinner of authentic Nigerian food. Generous portions!! I'll definitely be going back they have so many dishes to choose from!!!! read more

Jolloff Etcetera - Baked chicken with beans and plantain. - African Near Me - Silver Spring, Maryland

the food service was absolutely amazing! me and my family decided we wanted to try something new, and the staff was excellent at helping us decide what to try! And the food did not disappoint either. I would absolutely eat here again! read more

I tried this place and the food was delicious! I will be going again today. You should definitely give them a try.

Great food. The Jollof rice was nice and smoky just how I like it and the baked chicken was perfectly made. A bit on the pricey side but the food is worth it. read more

So happy to learn that we now have an African/Nigerian restaurant that is centrally located! So many options to choose from! I highly recommend their "Rice and Ata Dindin". So spicy Extremely spicy - the perfect taste for anyone craving for something spicy. read more

The food in this restaurant is very tasty and fresh! You'll love it completely. i advise that you dine in or pick up your food because they never get deliveries right. They will ALWAYS miss an item or 2 if you order your food to be delivered. That's the only reason I knocked off 2 stars. read more