I finally took the plunge into Somali food at Mama Safia's in Minneapolis--and I'll be real, I was…read morenervous. Ok, maybe completely terrified is more accurate. I am admittedly a novice when it comes to east, west, or South African food! First time, didn't know what I was walking into. But turns out? Absolute gem. The space itself is clean, bright, and surprisingly spacious. And what came was heavy-hitting. Portions? Massive. The mango juice? Pure tropical sunshine. The goat? Tender, rich, full of flavor. The rice? Fragrant, fluffy, and this is coming from someone who's ruthless when it comes to rice standards. But the dish that stole my heart was the sambusa--crisp shell, soft pillow inside, savory meat bursting through. A perfect bite every time. Can I have a box of these to take home please?! Bottom line: Mama Safia's turned my nerves into a craving. Clean, comfortable, and food worth coming back for. Next visit, I'm bringing additional backup.

After going to the dmv we stopped here around lunchtime. First time going and we will definitely be…read moreback soon. We ordered the beef suquaar with canjero and malawah. It was well spiced, delicious to bit and really went well with the different bread like options. I ordered a mango smoothie that was an absolute hit. Tasted like an elevated mango lassi. We also got the Somali tea which tasted similar to a chai latte and was exceptional as well and only $2. It was good service, quick and overall just had a very pleasant time being there. Vibe was great and it was a chill atmosphere. Only thing I would say is that one entree was definitely enough for two people in our experience. We got leftovers and it wasn't crazy expensive but next time.

While exploring the hidden treasures in Minneapolis while yearning to learn something new about…read moreother cultures during our layover (we are Flight Attendants from NYC)... we discovered our new favorite treat at the Somalian African Mall: Somalian Chai Tea & Somalian Latte! OMG GOOD! It is a small stall in the middle of the first/ground floor. The owner was so friendly! PS...the stall just across had the most amazing mango smoothies, but I didn't get the name. A MUST TRY in MSP!

Definitely worth a stop on your cisit to Karmel Mall. They're so many delicious looking items to…read morechoose from and of course I am always after fresh mandazis (in this case Somali style) and awesome with a hot chai.

I discovered this coffee stall while exploring Minneapolis on a layover. (I'm a Flight Attendant…read morefrom Los Angeles). This hole in wall gem has the BEST latte ever and is truly a hidden gem in Minneapolis! Somalian Latte & Somalian Chai Tea are my new favorite treat! This place is super simple and NOT fancy, but GOOD!!! And only $2-$3! It's inside the Karmel Somalian Mall on the first floor. I didn't try, but their mango smoothie I saw then make looked so good! Iman Cafe just across is also amazing!

We're in the area to support a neighboring Somali eatery. ICE protest going in full force on the…read morestreet, taking up an intersection with cries of the community. We got to that door just as the owners were closing up shop, so we asked for a nearby suggestion and were directed down the block, to the other side of the protest. My friend promptly forgot the name of the suggested eatery, and I was busy focusing on the protest and feeling so deeply proud of our community, so we simply meandered before arriving at Hamdi. Abdiladif had such a bright, warm grin spread across his face as he welcomed us into the space and led us to a back table that you wouldn't think there was a fight for human rights occurring right beyond the walls. Or rather, it's possible that he realizes that, yes, there was, and every voice outside and every visitor inside is proof of where this community stands in this fight. Yeah, okay, that'd be reason for me to grin, too. The menu was simple. A few protein options. A few vegetarian dishes. A few drinks. A complimentary cup of Somalian tea that you could refill at will at a station conveniently located at the middle corner between the two dining rooms. No prices beside the menu items, which was puzzling. Abdiladif was so friendly and happy to answer our many curious questions, offer clarifications and suggestions. We ordered the two goat dishes. One ended up being out of a key component, likely the happy result of several tables filling up before ours, so we ended up with two of the same goat dish. They weren't really named, so "goat" was all we went off of on the menu. My friend paired his with the spaghetti, while mine was with chapati, hummus, and creamed veggies. My friend ordered mango juice. The sweetened Somalian tea was plenty delightful for me. We both preferred the creamed veggies in the same bite as the hummus. The chapati seemed somewhat dry and needed the hummus. The goat was decently flavorful and tender, though not juicy. My friend struggled a bit with the larger bones on his pieces. We both loved the tea so much that we continued chatting while sipping on one last sweet refill, after learning that a dessert menu no longer existed. Before we leave, I leave my jacket and to-go container of lamb meat at our table to use the restroom. I return to my jacket missing. Baffled, I figure my friend had grabbed it. I turn to grab the to-go box and go pay on my way out. As I turn back towards the main dining room, a diner from a neighboring table within the room runs back in and makes a beeline for me. He's holding my jacket, folded tidily. Sheepish, he explained that he thought I'd forgotten it and had run out of the restaurant with it to look for me. It's unfortunate that painful times like these exist, but it's also beautiful to see community come together in light of that dark. There are several Somali places in this area, many other ethnic spaces to support in the Twin Cities. My friends and I look forward to getting to know a great many more.

This place has GREAT food, and very attentive service. Very vegetarian-friendly, there were several…read moreoptions to pick from if you don't eat meat or fish. We will be back

Owned and run by a family from Djibouti, this has an air of informality melded with friendliness…read morethat is common at many new Sub-Saharan African restaurants. The food was okay, but I give 4 stars because the owner's son, who served me, was so kind. Next time I will arrive earlier before the goat stew disappears.

The staff are very helpful and friendly! The hummus is a great snack! I would like to see more…read morevegetarian options!

It's hard to find and off the beaten path but it's worth the effort! The food is very tasty, very…read moreaffordable, and the ambiance is no-nonsense, "let's eat and drink tea" kind of place. Baarakallah is set back from the street and tucked inside a corridor that is shared by a Halaal grocery shop. Once you arrive inside, the clientele may observe you but it's fine. The server at the front is approachable and can describe the dishes and is very prompt with service. And the food is spicy yet balanced, savory but not over seasoned. The prices are very affordable for the amount of food you get! We were very happy with the beef over rice and the samosa style pastries. Great food and a unique experience.

Hole in the wall so you know it'll be good! We came in with no real knowledge of Somali foods (but…read moresome of Kenya and Ethiopia), yet the menu was still fairly relatable even without any prior experience. Most importantly, they had the menu of the previous restaurant still up - a Mediterranean place it looked like - and the woman in charge said they could make Somali versions of most of that. So I asked for a chicken sandwich using the Somali stewed chicken and my partner got the chicken stew plate (suqar I think). Both were delightful, and the Somali-styled black tea was deliciously like a chai tea. Highly recommend.

This is hands down the best Somali food in town and that's coming from a barber(wale) that been…read moreeating at karmel for 5 years and they treat everyone with respect

From the owner: African cuisineread more

This place is disgusting the workers are not polite and they dont communicate the customers i had…read morebad exprience

Pretty decent basic food - nothing that amazing - middle of the road less spicy than it should be…read morefood. I like to call this Minnesota toned down... I have eaten all over the world and I know authentic spice flavors because I have been all over this region. Add more flavors and slap some hotness and this would be a great place. Restaurants in Minneapolis should not be catering to locals so much... take a chance there are the well educated and traveled that love to be challenged.

Our office ordered from Hufan- a family style catering order…read more -salmon and veggies- the salmon was well seasoned and so good!! The veggies (onion and bell pepper) were crunchy and added brightness. Everyone in the office was surprised with how much they enjoyed the salmon, even non fish-eaters -Goat- tender and flavorful -Fuul- my first time having. Like a spicy, smoky bean. Flavor profile reminded me of smoky lentils I've had at Ethiopian restaurant. V good! - chicken legs- nice crisp. Could have used a little salt but otherwise great -Malawah- like a springy flatbread pancake. Easy to scoop up -Beef sambusa- SO flavorful, moist, savory. Really so good -Rice- so flavorful!!! This rice had warming spices- cinnamon, I think I saw cloves, and think I tasted cardamom. Unreal- I could have had a whole pot of this. Everyone was so pleased with the food. It traveled well and we had lots of leftovers!

The place for Somali tea. Excellent service, excellent location. Hufan is an asset for the…read morecommunity.

Ordered fufu, chicken egusi soup, and jolloff rice. Was not overall pleased. The egusi was not…read moreedible and it is disappointing because they give such a generous amount. Service was pleasant. As for ambiance, they are attached to a market and the smells seep into the restaurant which is very underwhelming. The jollof rice was the saving grace of my meal.

I've tried other African restaurants but this was the very first I tried and I'm still hooked!…read more Parking could be better. The seating area in the back deserves a better presentation, but the food? 10/10. Now, usually when I go I ALWAYS get the collard greens. They taste fresh, flavorful, has a nice crunch, and a hint of spice. The guy who owns the restaraunt with his wife is so sweet. I enjoy seeing him each time that I come in. My first time here was in 2013. I'll always come back.