The food was DELICIOUS. I drove 40 mins, and i would do it again! I got egusi ( spicy ) and fufu. The service was great, unfortunately it's in a dying mall food court. I hope she gets her own restaurant! read more

Mama Wale’s Rice & Grill - African Near Me - Moreno Valley, California

We had the traditional plate with selections that included the yam, egusi, and beef for protein. Waited about 10 minutes for prep and I was excited to try some authentic Nigerian food! The collared greens was tasty, the yam reminded me of Hawaiian poi that was starchy and earthy. The beef could've been cooked better, though. It was really hard and tough to chew: I was a little disappointed. If the beef had been served tender and juicy (soaked in the collared greens sauce) I would've given 5 stars only because I don't think it was worth what we were charged for our dishes. Two pieces of beef that wasn't serving standard in my honest opinion. The store front is located in the food court of the Moreno Valley mall. There's a lot of dining tables and chairs throughout the food court and other food shops surrounding the dining court. There's tons of parking spaces and the mall wasn't very busy so parking is easy. I love African food and compared to my favorite spot in San Diego, this one is not on my list to revisit, unfortunately. Not for the price or quality. read more

Serious food safety issue - people could get sick eating here. I was served undercooked chicken. It was not fully cooked on the inside, which is extremely dangerous and could make someone seriously sick. The food also looked like it had been sitting out, and overall everything felt unsanitary and careless. When I brought this to the owner's attention, she laughed and didn't take it seriously at all. No concern, no apology, no accountability. That alone is alarming when you're talking about raw chicken being served to customers. On top of that, I paid $4 for a drink and the employee told me they weren't allowed to fill it up because the owner said not to. So you're paying full price for half a drink, while being served unsafe food. This place shows zero care for customers or basic food safety. Please protect your health, save your money, and stay away from this restaurant. read more

I saw a fb post about a new spot to check out in Moreno Valley, so I made it a point to check it out. The name really threw me off because I thought it sounded familiar to the African restaurant in the Mission Grove area. Did a little research and it looks like it is the same business, new location. Sadly, there wasn't really much I could try. I got to the counter, saw a one page menu. I picked it up, flipped it to the back and the employee at the counter said nothing on the back was available. I flipped back to the front and since I'm here to try something new, I start asking about the dishes and entrees I'm unfamiliar with and the employee basically tells me that although there are these items on the menu, most of them are not available because the owner is not pleased with the local offering of ingredients or something to that nature. I settled on the pounded yams with the egusi and tofu. The sight of the front of the restaurant was a little off putting. Like, things were left open- the beverage pitcher and some of the food containers- and nobody was really present doing anything in the front so it kinda gave off a deserted vibe like 'did someone just abandon this place midshift?' Gratefully I didn't see flies or anything buzzing around the food but I didn't get a drink for that reason.The food hasn't changed much from what I remember- I've been to the previous location - although the addition of tofu is a nice touch. read more

Nigerian restaurant in the Mo Valley Mall food court. Flavorful food. Decent portions. Several meat and vegetarian options. Excellent service. read more

Mama Wale’s Rice & Grill - Vegetarian option with Fufu - African Near Me - Moreno Valley, California

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It's in the mall but that doesn't mean much because it was still very nice to eat there & it was so delicious, the egusi was vegetarian and so flavorful. The fufu was soft, was very fresh, & a perfect texture. The rice was flavorful & the chicken so good. The staff was very friendly, and though one of our egusi was a bit colder than we'd like, they were so apologetic and quickly warmed it up for us and it was perfect. The spicy one is so delicious but I couldn't take more than a few bites because i can't handle spice but my boyfriend loved it and he said it wasn't spicy at all; the non spicy one was just as good. read more

Mama Wale’s Rice & Grill - Egusi, fufu, Chicken (diced) Jollof Rice Bowl - African Near Me - Moreno Valley, California

If you've never tried Mama Whales Nigerian Kitchen, stop by at the Moreno Valley mall food court. The service is great and the food is even better. My first time trying this type of cuisine. They will give you a sample, that's all it took for me. I'll definitely be back to try the other dishes. read more

Mama Wale’s Rice & Grill - My first time trying this rice bowl with chicken, VERY GOOD :) :) :) - African Near Me - Moreno Valley, California

I gave it a low rating due to the fact that it doesn't let you know anywhere or the website is not updated. The building is actually in the mall and it's just a little stand in the food court her options on her online menu are not comparable to what she actually offers. She only offers rice bowls. It's kind of like a panda express style. If we're just sitting there it's over seasoned. I don't know if that's just typical African food definitely not for me. The food food taste like mashed potatoes. It was an experience, but definitely will not go back. For these two items the esgui and goat with the beef fried rice came out to $40.63 I say if you never had try at least but there might be a restaurant that offer fresh food read more

Mama Wale’s Rice & Grill - Pounded Yam (Fufu) Goat (Egusi) side note the goat is gamey - African Near Me - Moreno Valley, California

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so to start off. looks like they recently moved, they're now located in the mall's food court area. me and my boyfriend spent 10 mins driving around the area trying to find it. we go in, and it doesn't look promising. it seemed like she was getting annoyed that we ordered a lot of food: two egusi plates with fufu and a meat pie. but for close to 60 dollars- it wasn't a lot of food. the beef from my plate was very dry, and why does my boyfriend's plate look like it has more food when they're supposed to be the same?! when we were first given our ordered, she forgot to give us the fufu This was my first time trying nigerian food, did i wanna be in the mall food court eating off my fingers... no not really. read more

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My favorite place to get egusi and fufu. The best I've tried. The egusi is flavorful, and not fishy like most egusi I've tried. You also get an option for spicy or no spice. My son picked up for me so I can't comment on ambiance or service yet. But it was easy to order and food was made fast for pick up. I can't wait to come back and try their other dishes. read more

Mama Wale’s Rice & Grill - The best egusi I've tried - African Near Me - Moreno Valley, California

I rarely leave negative reviews but I received very poor customer service and I think the owner should be made aware because the employee I dealt with is going to make the business lose further money. I arrived 3/13 around 5:40 pm hoping to use a $5 off birthday coupon I received via email. I had no idea this restaurant relocated much further from me so my GPS took me all the way to Moreno valley mall which I live an hour from. I showed the older lady who was sitting by the cashier area my email and she kept saying she knew nothing about it, nobody told her and refused to help me. I told her to ask hee manager and she said she is off. I kindly asked can she call her manager because I drove an hour away for my visit. She says she doesn't want to bother her. She also kept saying cashier is not around... Well then how do you sell food? What I extremely disliked about her service was her attitude: she was never eager to help. I noticed the machine to self-order said Toast Tab and had a selection on screen that said redeem rewards so I decided I'll just self-order myself. All this time the older lady said not to mess up the machine... She even scolded me when I tried to scan my rewards barcode from email telling me not to mess anything up. She never once offered to help or check the machine herself. I should've never even spoke to her in the first place because it turns out the self-order Toast Tab kiosk was super simple to use the moment I added my order and scanned my email barcode. I wish I was able to avoid the ordeal with her. She never apologized for how she acted when the transaction went through. The only nice thing she did was offering me samples of both the spicy and non spicy egusi when I wasn't sure which to get. The mounted screens were turned off so it looks like the restaurant was closed. The foot traffic was very low Thursday evening so I really hope the owner has a good conversation with the older lady on how to improve her customer service, otherwise the business is going to be hemorrhaging money from her lack of effort with customers. 1 star review but bumped to 2 stars because the food was good. read more

Mama Wale’s Rice & Grill - African Near Me - Moreno Valley, California

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this was my first time trying fufu and spicy egusi soup and I actually have not stopped thinking about it since! will be stopping by here again soon. quick service and very conveniently located next to the entrance to the mall food court. read more

Mama Wale’s Rice & Grill - spicy Traditional ( Fufu & Egusi, eba, Amala) - African Near Me - Moreno Valley, California

Terrible. Change your store times to your actual store hours. I come at 6pm on a Friday and the whole place is closed down but says it's open till 8pm?! I wasted my gas and time because you guys can't seem to adjust times correctly which is a simple step and if you need help ask someone but don't mislead people. I was actually interested but I'll never come here again. read more

Mama Wale’s Rice & Grill - FIX YOUR HOURS - African Near Me - Moreno Valley, California

First time trying this dish and it was really good! They served the egusi soup with a generous amount of chicken and the pounded yam was really soft (we asked for med spicy but it wasn't spicy at all) will definitely be back to try other dishes on the menu when we're in the area read more

Mama Wale’s Rice & Grill - Pounded Yam (Fufu) Chicken (fried) 3pcs - African Near Me - Moreno Valley, California

The staff is friendly but unhelpful when giving estimated wait times- I was told 5 more min 3x and the last time I checked she said she'd just yell out when my orders ready. The wait wouldn't have been an issue if the food was good but unfortunately when I got my goat with okra, the meat was extremely dry- I didn't feel like going back & complaining after how long it took to even come out. Flavor was lacking, hopefully I can find a better recommended place for Nigerian food to try the true cuisine. read more

1st time trying Nigerian food it was delicious can't wait to try more things on the menu. Customer service was good everyone was friendly and helpful. read more

Mama Wale’s Rice & Grill - Shrimp egusi Traditional ( Fufu & Egusi, eba, Amala) - African Near Me - Moreno Valley, California

I've been craving to try some fufu and egusi soup seeing it trending in social media. This was the closest spot I could find around me. Of course I got the egusi with beef that comes with the side of fufu, but I also got a side of dodo fries. The soup itself was hearty, vegetative, and comforting, and I thoroughly enjoyed scooping it up and swallowing it with a bite of fufu, however the beef was really dry and didn't have much taste. I would've assumed stewed meat would be a bit more moist and flavorful. The plaintain fries were very good and unique to me, only thing I wish was it was a little less oily. I ordered via mobile pickup so I didn't interact with service much. The ambiance was interesting as it's stuck inside the food court of an older mall. Would I eat it again? Probably, but I don't think I'll go out of my way for it. read more

This place moved to the mall food court. I can say this place has gone all downhill. The portion is a fraction of what it once was. The meat pie was dry and hollow. There was barely any meat for as big as the pie was. The egusi was barely anything in the bowl. Not even the fufu filled me up. For $50? That just equals me not ever coming back. Plus the lady is rude. This place will be closed in 6 months. Since I am in Moreno Valley I gotta stop off at Portillo's cause im still hungry. I should have just went there first. You all have been warned!!!!!!!! read more

Mama Wale’s Rice & Grill - All bread beef meat pie. Dry at the beginning of the day. - African Near Me - Moreno Valley, California

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Amazing food, amazing service and I cannot wait to return! Had the Egusi Soup with beef and omg, I wish I could have it again and again, but I unfortunately live in the Midwest and only had it while visiting. Best believe I'll be getting more the second I'm back in Moreno Valley!! read more

Not sure if they are open anymore. Their website says they are moving to a new location and will be open at their new location soon but their website still allows online ordering. If you call, the phone just hangs up on you after two rings. My guess is that they're the latest victim of Mission Grove's super high rent. If anybody happens to be in the area and can see if they're still there or already shut down while finding a new location please post. Thanks. read more

I'm so glad I found this GEM MaMa is so kind and welcoming and her food is DELICIOUS if you enjoy good food with a kick of spice, this is worth a try. Nigerian food for the win LOCATED IN THE MORENO VALLEY MALL FOOD COURT read more

Mama Wale’s Rice & Grill - Patiently waiting - African Near Me - Moreno Valley, California

My bf and I had been craving fufu and egusi. We visited Mama Wale's yesterday in the mall and the owner greeted us very kindly. She let us taste the egusi to make sure it's wasn't too spicy. It was perfect! She was sweet and told us about her new upcoming location and also explained that the zobo was medicinal and good to sip on. The zobo was perfect, not to sweet, but definitely something to sip on. We were happy to patronize one of the only african restaurants in the area. The food didn't look like a large portion but we were stuffed at the end. I got beef and he got goat egusi. The meat pie was also delicious. The only suggestion I have is to add a few more pieces of meat to the soup. The chef was the one who made our orders while the owner was chatting with us. I'm excited for her new location and wish her all the blessings as she gets it ready! read more

I have been DYING to try fufu and it's been almost impossible to find. The food is delicious. This was my first time trying any sort of African food and I fell in love with it. The service is self-serve, but the cashier is knowledgeable and able to guide you on what to order as a first comer. The ambiance is ok, it's more diner than it is restaurant. But you're coming for that fufu! read more

Mama Wale’s Rice & Grill - Traditional ( Fufu & Egusi, eba, Amala) - African Near Me - Moreno Valley, California

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I've ordered online from this restaurant a long time ago and everything was great but tonight when I came in person at the mall the portions were terrible!! literally barely half of the container of egusi. I don't know why they thought that was okay there's more fufu than the egusi. I'm hesitant to come back now read more

Mama Wale’s Rice & Grill - African Near Me - Moreno Valley, California

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I was very happy to find this place and it's located in the Inland Empire!!! The food was okay, needed a bit of salt. I think for the portions weee too small for the amount that's charged!!! Very quick service. Location is great I just think they should work on their flavors a bit! Ambiance is quaint but sufficient!! read more

Mama Wale! It was an absolute pleasure to meet you today! Thank you so much for your suggestions. Everything that I ordered is beyond delicious! The flavors ignited my taste buds that needed a jump start! I also got a beef patty that melted in my mouth wow.. I will be back. You've effortlessly gotten yourself a forever customer in me! Xoxoxo. Bless you and your wonderful staff as well :) read more

Mama Wale is THE best all around. I contacted her few months back looking for an African caterer for our traditional wedding. She was very kind, responsive, and helpful with the entire process. When it game time to taste the food, she did not disappoint! Her Egusi soup was the talk of the wedding, along with the meat pies and suya. Our guests ate until they couldn't. Some took food home and we had plenty leftovers. The quality of the food was up top, very affordable and her customer service excellent. She truly cares and gave me plenty of encouraging words during our phone interactions. I'll post the food photos later when we get them from our photographers. 10/10 recommend her! read more

Even though this is close to my work, I drive to LA (specifically Veronica's kitchen) to get Nigerian food, Mama Wales' food portions and taste are not consistent. I am fine to pay a higher amount for good food but I expect to get what I paid for. Those who are not Nigerian or familiar with delicious Nigerian food will probably like it and if don't please do not Judge all Nigerian food/restaurants based on your experience at Mama Wales. I gave this place 4 chances and hesitated to leave a not so positive review because it's not my style, but I felt I owe it to others who might want to know before going. Food quality: it's 50/50 2 out of the 4 times it was delicious and 2/4 it tasted off and I did not feel good after eating my meal. Food did not taste fresh which is problematic/health concerning for a dish like egusi soup that should only be eaten when fresh. Food Quantity: extremely below average portion compared to most Nigerian restaurants. The soup portion is so small you will have fufu left over! Aside from the small soup plates at Mama Wales', never in my 30 years of eating Nigerian food had I ever been given a soup portion that was not enough for me to finish my fufu. A typical Nigerian restaurant gives a generous amount of soup that after you are done with the fufu you have leftover soup. Also at Mama Wales the four times I ate there I only got about 2-3 goat meats in my soup. For that, the last two times I ordered here I paid for extra goat meat just to get two more goat meats. read more

Usually come by to pick up food for my mom now and then, only issue is that it's kinda far from where we live. Overall, the food is absolutely delicious. read more

My first time having fufu and it was an amazing experience. With Vegetarian opinions made it so delicious and unforgettable.

Soo good flavor is amazing and the staff is soo nice Brianna was super kind patient and help full would recommend everytime!!!

First time trying out an African restaurant and I'm very impressed with this place! Their rice bowl was well done and had good flavoring and their fufu dish was great as well. The food seemed pretty authentic and the service was friendly and helpful as well, answering all our questions. Will be visiting again! read more

Mama Wale’s Rice & Grill - Jollof rice Beef bowl - African Near Me - Moreno Valley, California

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omggg my first time trying nigerian food was amazing because of these lovely people, their fufu and beef is amazing !! read more

Mama Wale’s Rice & Grill - fufu and beef - African Near Me - Moreno Valley, California

The food was reallyyy good. Egusi soup doesn't taste like fishy and not salty either, overall very balanced. It was my first time trying it too. The lady is really sweet, she also offered me samples. I'll definitely be back! I thought the goat would be softer but it's still pretty good though. read more

Mama Wale’s Rice & Grill - Pounded Yam (Fufu) Goat (Egusi) - African Near Me - Moreno Valley, California

We gathered here after church services and had a wonderful bonding and meal was to our delight!! Authentic, flavorful meals did not Disappoint us! We tried a bit of everything on the menu. Mama herself came over to our table and greets us as well as personally prepared to go gift of her puff puffs! They were amazing!!! Thank you for a great place to disciple together! read more

Mama Wale’s Rice & Grill - African Near Me - Moreno Valley, California

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I was really excited to try out this food, me and my coworker ordered egusi chicken and beef, we sat there to eat and unfortunately it was a horrible experience. 1 the girl up front was nice but, she was sweating up a storm- and I mean dripping everywhere so that was the first red flag. Once we got our food, we took one bite and realized that the food tasted like it's been sitting there for quite some time. The chicken was dark in color. I couldn't even eat the beef. It was really tough. We went back to ask if the food was fresh and the worker said no it's not immediately. It was upsetting. We spent over $50 on two dishes for it to be disgusting. Hopefully in the future, they make their food fresh and don't serve anyone anything that has been sitting there for a few days what it seems like. Very disappointed. Most likely will not ever try them again. Maybe try another Nigerian place. read more

They are located at the food court at the Moreno Valley Mall. We had the Beef Fufu and 2 Jollof Rice Bowls. The Fufu was so good I would order 2 next time! The Zobo also was very refreshing. read more

First time here. I love trying different cuisines, which can be risky, but this one did not disappoint! Knew I had to have a meat pie appetizer, a pastry with beef and vegetables served with a savory chili type sauce. Yummy! Employee very helpful with describing the various unique dishes. All kinds of variations with beef, chicken, goat and salmon. Chicken wings, fried cod, different beans and rice dishes. Plantains! I wound up ordering beef with a spinach and ground bean sauce. It was generous and delicious. Can't wait to try some of their other dishes. read more

Mama Wale’s Rice & Grill - Meat pie - African Near Me - Moreno Valley, California

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Trash management and food. Glad they closed down. The crappy service and attitude always peaks its head in the food. Good riddance!! read more

My first experience eating jollof rice and it has got to be one of my favorite things ever. There is so much flavor in all the dishes I tried, both familiar and new. My favorite item is the beef rice jollof. It comes with greens, bell peppers, and cabbage. All of which you should say yes to. I also tried the goat and egusi combo which comes with a meat pie, drink, and fufu. The egusi is absolutely to die for and you should definitely get the strawberry mango drink. For dessert, I got the puff puff and yes you should try them too. It's not too sweet and perfectly fried. read more

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