I've eaten here a few times with my boyfriend, who is from Uganda. Although the restaurant advertises African food, he says it's Ugandan, so I believe him :) I have only eaten at one other African restaurant in my life (in NYC) so I don't have much comparison, but what I have had is quite tasty. In particular, I recommend the spinach with mixed vegetables, the rice, and the fish. I have a gripe with this place though--it's really expensive. I got a meal and two pieces of chapati, with a Sprite, and it was $15. As other reviews mention, there's no menu and no waiter service so it seems like for the price you pay, there should be a little more service. read more

I can here expecting super friendly service (like everyone else here said they're expereinced), but upon entering, there was no one there. There were three tables with people sitting and chatting, but no one around assist us. After about a minute or so one of the men from the talbe got up and greeted us, asking what we wanted. It was more like a wise guy hangout than a restaurant. When I asked if there's a menu or something to give us an idea of what you have, the answer was, "No. We don't have menus. You tell me what you want, and I'll tell you if we have it." This kind of set up made no sense to me. What if I said I wanted Pad Thai? Then Lasagna? Then Turkey club sandwich? Give me an idea of what you have!!! I just just said "Beef stew" since I read online that they have that. Got that, some spicy samosas, and fried grasshoppers. The grasshoppers I asked about since I read that in Uganda grasshoppers were one of they major source of protein. But since it wasn't on the menu, and average americans wouldn't even consider it, no one even ask for it. Oh, it's terrible by the way. It's like eating fishy pork rinds. The stew was OK. Little to no flavor. The spicy Samosas were good, but that's about it. The wait time was not great. Our food took about 45 minutes to come out. Towards the end a woman came out and she was much nicer. Asked about the foods and what we liked and didn't like. My friend then remembered he heard about Pepper Soup at other African restaurants so he asked if they have it. They did. But by this time, we couldn't eat anymore. So I'll come back next and and maybe it will be different. read more

Pros: Delicious traditional Ugandan food! Try the "peanut sauce" (in Uganda this is called "G nut sauce," with a hard G). Ask the people who work there what else you should try -- you won't be sorry. Cons: What a drag, and a shame, that's it all the way out in Waltham. Balance: PROS BOTTOM LINE: I spent 3 months in Uganda several years ago, and felt like I walked right back into it when I came here. I was THRILLED to discover this place --- and if it feels too oddly informal and third world to some people here, that's a good thing. read more

To counter everyone's comment about no menu here, there actually are menus! You just gotta ask! They are located right under the window, next to the register. I got to peruse the menu and read description of everything. Actually the woman, I think maybe one of the owner's or the wife?, was really nice and made some suggestions for me when I asked what was everyone's most favorite dish. Although, I think she preceded this with caution because she didn't really tell me and instead tried to direct me in the more basic flavors of what most would call, "an American taste," because she suggested that I get some of their rice with spinach and beans. So... I nicely declined that suggestion and instead decided to get one of their listed entrees which comes with your choice of starch and vegetable, so I got the Beef Stew with mixed spinach and cassavas. Although the menu listed this plate as $10 I was only charged $8.40 - not sure if this was because it was the end of the night and the portion of my plate wasn't really that big or if they just lowered their prices. In either case, while noming away at my dish, I thought there would have been some more flavor, maybe I was expecting too much and was hoping for some unmistakable, infused flavors of the Afrian nation in here. But alas, my plate was boring and actually kinda bland. I only wish i could have gotten more stew juice so that I can at least drown the cassavas in it. I'm hoping my next dish here will have a little more bite to it and taste more like the picture depicted on the menu. read more

As a restaurant enthusiast, always searching for the perfect bite. Meals are often unmemorable or simply disappointing. Waltham's Karibu is a soulful and wonderfully executed taste of Africa (region of Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania). Extremely warm and accommodating service. Table service or order at the counter. Dishes are often recommended by the staff rather than ordering off menu. Start with beef samosas (two to order). Zanzibar spice. Thin crust and triangular, similar to phyllo dough. Not as thick as an Indian samosa. Lean ground beef with just enough heat. Longing for more. Coconut chicken stew is beautifully simmered in a creamy coconut milk sauce with hints of tomato and lots of African spice. Chicken is off the bone and very tender. Served with spiced rice (hints of nutmeg or a similar "hearthy" spice), gonga (sautéed yellow plantain), and fresh Chapati (African bread, a little like Indian naan but chewier). Would place Karibu at the top of your list. Come for the camaraderie, friendly staff, and excellent food. read more

The food here is SO good! My favorites are the spicy samosas and the coconut chicken stew. The stew tastes like heaven. I would like to get a vat of it next time! I cannot wait to come back. Everyone that works here is incredibly nice and is happy that we love the food so much. read more

Everything about my experience at Karibu was wonderful, from the super fresh food to the relaxed atmosphere to the incredible service. This place is truly a hidden gem. Just as most other reviewers have mentioned, the woman who served us was unbelievably kind, to the point where I felt like I was dining among friends. She even gave us warm hugs on our way out! "Service with a smile" is an understatement here. She explained to us that while they do have menus, their selection changes every day, and as such, they aren't always reliable. So, we asked for whatever they had that was vegetarian that day. We started off with samosas - they were crispier and slightly less spicy than the Indian varieties I've had and with more cilantro. Then for the main dish, we were each served white rice, cooked spinach with onions, mashed plantains, peanut sauce and chapati. I quickly devoured just about everything in sight, more than happy to spread that fantastic peanut sauce on my entire plate. I loved the chapati - it kind of reminded me of a less greasy version of Middle Eastern malawach. As a bonus, they are right down the street from the movie theater. If you are going to dinner and a movie, give yourself an hour before you need to be back - like I mentioned, it's a very relaxed atmosphere. For anyone looking for something outside the standard Moody Street fare and open to trying new things, definitely check this place out. read more

I probably won't tell you anything that hasn't already been said before me. The environment is warm and inviting with African decorations on the wall and cool light fixtures. And the woman who stands in the front to invite you and later serve you is really kind and helpful. We took her recommendation to try a little bit of everything. It was a lot of food but everything was absolutely delicious. That peanut sauce is to die for. I highly recommend this restaurant. And don't just take my word for it! There were plenty of Ugandans eating here, so you know it's authentic. Try it - you won't regret it. read more

Ever since reading the boston.com article about Karibu http://www.boston.com/ae/food/restaurants/articles/2007/11/29/a_warm_welcome_from_east_africa/ , I've been wanting to go. Why no? I work in Waltham. You are swept by a delicious scent when you walk in. Very casual dining, almost dining hall style since there is no kitchen cooking but all the food is in a wheeled serving station. Very authentic since my friend and I were the only non-African people there. There is no menu. The article claimed how it was an inexpensive eat. When we went the sambusas were $2.50 for 2, chapati was $1.50 per bread, the plates were $10.50 each, tea was $2.50. The lady serving us was very nice, soft spoken, and took her own time. This is not a place to be rushed. The food was well spiced. The sambusas had an interesting mix of cardamom, cinnamon, and other spices. The tea was also spicily infused. The beef and chicken stew were fragrant. They also had this interesting mashed bananas with a savory peanut sauce. Bill came out to be $35 pre-tips, not especially cheap eats in my book. An interesting experience if you never had Ugandan food before, as demonstrated by the many Africans there. read more

Karibu was a cool respite from the summer sun when two of us arrived at noon. Soon, a number of regular diners showed up for lunch and friendly conversation. I think it's best to go with an open attitude of discovery, so don't bother with a menu. The food was displayed behind a cafeteria style serving line, which made it easy for us to see our choices while they were described. There were three stews, beans, a spinach and onion dish, peanut sauce, and several starches (plantains, cassava, sweet potatoes, cornmeal). The beef and chicken stews were delicious with distinctive seasonings that would be fun to try to identify. The spinach was fantastic. The beans were a little plain compared to "Boston baked beans." The cornmeal and cassava were pretty tasteless: we should have mixed them with the stew or ordered peanut sauce. Our $29 got us two full plates of food and two large bottles of fruit juice. It was more food than I usually eat for a summer lunch, and it would have been a real deal as a dinner. Some of the highlights from earlier reviews were not offered during our visit, so I'll have to return to try them and guess what seasonings are in the stew. The people were really friendly, and the vibe was laid back. read more

Looks like a hole in the wall from the street. Don't be put off! I will definitely be a repeat customer if business ever takes me back to the Waltham area. Think of the menu as a set of possibilities to whet your appetite. Then listen to your server and get whatever they recommend. I'm not a fan of Indian samosas, but Karibu's beef samosas are out of this world. My dining companion said my face lit up on first bite - she hadn't seen me that happy all week. Wait staff were attentive and helpful. Restaurant was clean. Everything was delicious. read more

Found this gem today. It's hidden down a side street in Waltham. Just behind "It's a Pickle". The food is wonderful. Authentic African food with amazing flavors. The atmosphere is about the same as a pizza parlor, but don't let that fool you. We had no idea what to order, so the waitress offered to "make suggestions". She put together a delightful "family meal" for us to share. Amazing! read more

Karibu has been around for a few years, and it took me until tonight to finally try them out. Man, I've been missing out all this time! The food was wonderful... between the chicken and meat samosas, the beef stew, rice and plantains... yum. The peanut sauce was delicious and although I don't typically like custard, the custard dish with pineapple chunks was a pleasantly sweet dessert. What made the meal even better was the warm service provided by the waitress. She was really attentive to us with it being our first visit, and explained the food and gave us a little of everything to taste after we said that we'd eat anything she'd recommend. Service and food were great, and I will definitely be back. Nice to have such wonderful cuisine so close to home! read more

On Friday, November 21, 2014 My husband and I and two friends thoroughly enjoyed ourselves at Karibu Restaurant in Waltham, MA. The food was wonderful and we could not have been more welcomed by the pleasant staff who graciously explained the menu and recommended what to order. Each dish was delicious. We had samosas (meat and vegetable) highly recommended, mbuzi, nkoko kuku, nakati, wali, and chapatis. And after dinner we had chai tea. What a wonderful ending to our meal. For those curious about African food, this restaurant has good food at an affordable price and great hospitality. read more

Welcoming and attentive service, great food. We went with a group of four, including a young picky eater and a gluten & dairy-free eater: all left full, happy and with tons of leftovers. There was not a printed menu since the choices are different every day, but the host (owner?), brought us a table full of great meat and vegetable dishes: tilapia (my favorite), coconut chicken, vegetables, plantains and two kinds of sweet potatoes/yams. Chapati was super flaky and rich. Food was not too spicy, though the exceptions were*delicious* spiced tea (with or without hot milk) and spicy flaky samosas. For dessert we had amazing fresh passion fruit juice, which tasted like a mixture of tang and manna from heaven...(The only down side was bathrooms were in need of a scrub; I'd just avoid them.) I'd recommend this with a group of at least 3 so you can enjoy a variety of dishes. I would definitely go back and recommend to friends. read more

I have mixed feelings about this place. On one hand, it was not a great restaurant. I found the food pretty bland, the server over attentive to the point that it just made me plain uncomfortable, and the atmosphere is casual-boring, but clean. However, the food is pretty authentic, not that I've been to Uganda, but I did go to the restaurant with a Ugandan guy who assured me that it was like the food there. The menu (if you can get it) does not necessarily correspond at all with the food being offered, and it's very ambiguous how you're support to navigate ordering. I let my Ugandan friend order for me, and my plate came back loaded with carbohydrates and almost no veggies or meat. The peanut sauce was good, but not great, although it was definitely my favorite part of the meal because I could put it on the other bland stuff. The meal did not really fit together in any cohesive way and left me feeling extremely full but not very satisfied. The moral of the story may simply be that I just don't like typical Ugandan food, which understandably is full of carbohydrates and little joy (for those of you who don't work in immigration, Uganda is not a great place these days). I guess I appreciate the authentic experience? So I'm giving it three stars for being itself. But I won't be going back there anytime soon. read more

This place is delicious! I've been in a couple times, I just tell them I don't like seafood & my wife is a vegetarian. They start bringing out food and it's always sooooo good, definitely going back! read more

(Disclaimer: I lived in Kenya for some time and was thrilled beyond belief to find an East African restaurant around Boston, so I've tried to slightly temper my enthusiasm for this place.) That said... Karibu is awesome! First things first, you walk into the little dining room, which is very clean with these nice wooden tables, and you are the only non-African. This bodes very well...and then comes the food. The menu is a little bit odd, as some things need to be ordered, and the selection of rotating dishes in the buffet tends to vary-- but when we were there they had boiled cassava, sweet potatoes, and potatoes, spinach with vegetables, beans, beef stew, chicken stew, goat stew, fish stew, and ugali (think hard-cooked polenta without the salt), along with a bunch of baked/fried things like samosas and mandazi. No matter what, always ask for chapati. They are some of the best I've had in the states. In addition we had the spinach, beans, ugali, potatoes and samosas. Everything was a little spicier than I had expected (the Kenyan versions of these things are usually pretty bland) but extremely delicious. They also have chai tingaweza, which is this delicious cardamom-scented tea. We were both thrilled that they didn't offer us forks (I hate being offered a fork at a Chinese restaurant, which implies that I don't know how to eat with chopsticks) and proceeded to dig in with our hands. The staff was very friendly, although one of them clearly didn't know all that much about the food. Overall, it was a great experience! ...but, as everyone else has mentioned, it is a little pricey. Not just by Kenyan standards (where this would have cost $1.50, max), but...$12? It was delicious, but for something cooked in massive quantities from very inexpensive ingredients I though the markup was a little high. read more

So despite the below postings I truly enjoyed Karibu. The food was very authentic and traditional. The Karibu tea was flavorful and left a spicy taste on your tongue. There were menus available, but the food on the menu was not all available. The cook makes different things on the menu daily so the food options vary. I was able to go up to the food bar and see what had been cooked and what was being offered for the day, but the lady offered assistance. She explained what the meals of the day were and how each of them is made and how is should be eaten. As far as service- you need to walk into the restaurant with time on your hands. This is by no means a rushed meal. The meal was served in segments. Without asking the waitress brought us our hot, fresh Samosas and asked us to try them.- A little spicy, but wonderful. The peanut sauce was very flavorful, but the rice- beans- and spinach was spectacular. I believe that the other reviews do not to this restaurant justice. You just need to go with an open mind and empty stomach. I found the portions to be plentiful and filling and the prices to be reasonable. There are a ton of options available and we ordered most of them like tapas. Mashed bananas, boiled Yucca, beef stew, flat bread, spinach, rice and beans. All amazing. If you want a menu ask for one- or say hi to the waitress and she will help you make some good decisions. read more

A small, family run business tucked in a side in Waltham. The food is authentic African. The curries are delicious, the roti's they serve are soft and tasty. The menu has a small selection. If you do not know what to order the waiters make good suggestions. The chicken curry and Roti is a must try for the entree. The beef samosas are crunchy and the filling is wholesome and a great appetizer. The place is like a typical diner but the service is great and pleasant read more

We enjoyed Karibu last night. You need to be ready for the informal menu and the family feel of the place, but if you can relax and let it happen, this is both delicious and surprising, and an entertaining time. We loved the coconut chicken and the spicy samosas, and the proprietor "Sunshine" fixed a special gluten-free menu for one of us. The passion fruit juice is imported from her farm in Uganda, and is far sweeter than the canned juice from the Caribbean. And the ripe plantain dessert is to die for. No wonder this place, which means Welcome in Swahili, is a hangout for Ugandan immigrants. The whole bill was under $25 each. read more

This is such a hidden gem. Tucked away behind a corner in Waltham. My husband and I stumbled on it and weren't expecting much. But the food was so flavorful. The waitress didn't offer menus, just suggested a few things and we said "sure, whatever you recommend." Samosas are worth the trip all by themselves. And bread was like naan but better. My husband liked the chicken curry. I'm vegetarian and had beans that were reminiscent of daal and some great veggies. Definitely will be back. read more

Lovely experience here on a random Tuesday evening. Our server was delightful and we put ourselves in her capable hands. She asked if there was anything we didn't like (if we were vegetarian, etc.; we're not), and whether we liked spicy food (we do), and she came back with the most wonderful plates of home-cooked deliciousness! Spicy beef samosas in thin, crisp phyllo-type pastry, plates of rice and vegetables and peanut sauce, bowls of rich chicken coconut milk stew, and freshly griddled chapati. We couldn't finish everything but still ended up ordering extra veggies and samosas to go because we didn't want the meal to end! Not a fancy place but warm and inviting and unique and nourishing. All the stars!! read more

Wow! Crunchy fried "samosas" = savory ground beef fills crunchy triangles with soft white and green onions, cilantro, and a blend of spices that are just fantastic - slightly peppery, slightly hot, but all of the elements were delicately balanced. "Beef stew" is also something delicious - tastes like slow-cooked smoky chuck and short rib, immersed in a medley of spices - slightly tomato-y, with what I guess to be flavors of paprika, mild chili, pepper, in a thin yet flavorful broth. The flavored, spiced rice with chicken chunks is also a winning accompaniment to the dish. First time here - Definitely was a hit and will try again soon! read more

Great food! We've been a couple times now. Once you get used to not knowing exactly what you're getting into and trusting the servers, then it's a great experience. There's no menu. The server comes and asks you what you want and what you like. We got chicken stews and bread and veggies etc. Everything I had have been awesome. Will definitely be back! read more

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Excellent quality food for reasonable price! The Samosas and Wraps are so delicious. Don't forget to try the Zanzibar Hot Sauce if you can handle spice of pepper, it is absolutely lip smacking and the spice level should be comparable to that of wasabi, only very tasty! read more

This place had the most amazing chef/waitress named sunshine. She was so kind in explaining the food, waiting on us and checking up on us. I think she is the most friendly chef/waitress I have ever had in MA. My mother is Indian decent but was born and grew up in Uganda, and so perhaps I would say that I would prefer a little more spice in my food. That is why I am removing one star. This could be a complete bias. Overall this place is wonderful! read more

Love these family restaurants. We called a head for a large party and they brought out a lot of everything, including fried grasshoppers (had one just to say that I did). The food was great, from the chicken and beef to the spinach goodness. Hajati, the women who took care of us and was very attentive. If you are looking for some good East African food this is the place. FYI: we completed our Saturday night with African music & dancing at Rendezvous and it made for a great Saturday. read more

I can't believe I have lived in the area over 20 years and only now ventured in. It looks like a small place from the outside but, once you go in there is plenty of seating. We went during off hours on a Sunday. The owner was very accommodating and fully explained the days menu to us - they change it almost daily depending on what his mom decides to cook. There are options for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. I really liked the fava beans, peanut sauce and the roti (a layered flaky bread). My family and I ate the food with our hands and enjoyed every bite. I also recommend the masala chai (spicy tea) with milk. It is a perfect addition given our New England weather. read more

Awesome food.. Every time I go there, I remember my trip to Tanzania.. Loved the beef samosa, chicken stew, spinach and the beans... The waitress was very sweet.. In fact when she came to know I liked spicy food, she offered me special spicy sauce that they make and after the payment she said "This is small gift for you my brother.." it was that same sauce she boxed it for me... Service was awesome... Tip: Do eat beef samosa.. its awesome... read more

Just good, old fashioned, home made East African food. Not at all fancy. Frequented mainly by African ex-pats. The owners and waitstaff are very sweet and pleasant- and you really do feel that you are in someone's home in Kampala. DO NOT be in a hurry. They aren't. This is literally a hidden gem. Set back unobtrusively on a side street. So it is easy to miss, but well worth the trip. read more

I've been waiting to try this place for awhile now and I'm so happy I finally went. The food was so delicious. Like most have said, everyone is so friendly. It's a very relaxed place, which I loved. I had coconut milk chicken, beef & rice, and spinach (mixed with other veggies). The spices were on point. The samosas were a perfect, spicy appetizer. Overall, a great meal and good size portions. Definitely will be coming back again :) read more

I found this place (4.5 stars!) on yelp and thought I should give it a try. The server was very friendly and welcoming. He suggested we start with the beef samosas. I thought I wouldn't like it at first, because I usually don't like the deep fried food. But this is different!!! It really surprised me!!! Then, we ordered the beef stew, the coconut chicken with some rice, a fresh mango juice and a chai tea. Everything is good. I would definitely recommend this place and will come back! read more

What a wonderful surprise! Very simple place but we were greeted by kindest woman who also cooks all the delicious food and serves. Everything is homemade including samosas (even the dough). Beef delicious, my friends preferred vegetable. We asked our server/chef to bring us a sampling of dinner. It was served family style with chipati made fresh out of oven. The chicken stew in coconut sauce to die for. Loved everything about this place. Coming back! read more

I'm so sorry that it's taken me so long to get to Karibu. IT IS SO GOOD. We ordered chapatis, samosas, chicken stew, ugali, matooke, bean stew, and rice. Everything was delicious--perfectly cooked and flavored. By the time we went to get the food, they were out of chapatis (it was later in the evening), but they literally made more so we could have some. How many restaurants would whip up a new batch of something instead of saying "sorry, we'll take it off your bill, try next time." The staff was so kind and the food was so impressive--I know we'll be back soon! read more

This restaurant is an experience. My friend and I randomly selected a place to try and we were so happy it was Karibu. The food was fantastic, the atmosphere was homey and relaxing, and the chef Shamsa was wonderful to talk to. My favorite was the spinach but I like a more vegetarian flare. The chicken in coconut milk with chapati was delicious too. The vegetable samosa was probably one of the best I had in the US. Could be a bit more spicy but that is for my palate. I don't eat beef but my friend highly recommends the beef samosas. Don't forget to ask for passion fruit juice to go with your meal. read more

Had been wanting to come here for 2 years since a trip to Uganda. Was better than I was even hoping: 1) amazing food, made me nostalgic for the trip 2) probably among the best service I've ever had. The owner(?) came to talk us through everything she had and personalized a menu combining our favorite things, checked on us multiple times, brought us tea, and was extremely charming. Will be coming back, hopefully many times! read more

Red beans curry is good Veg. Samosas are the best Potato curry is good.. chicken curry was so so... it was stew style.... not my type... Over all it is ok.. read more

It was our first time there and we weren't disappointed. The chef/owner was very courteous and accommodating. He made special dishes for us to try since it was our first time there. After a little bit of waiting, we were very satisfied. We will be back. Thank you! read more

Good service Interesting food Fast service. Around the corner from moody street Try the watermelon fruit juice read more