Amina’s African Sambusas image

Amina’s African Sambusas

Restaurant Vegetarian restaurant Halal restaurant African restaurant

One of the Top rated Vegetarian restaurants in Boise


Address

6555 W Overland Rd Suite 104, Boise, ID 83709

Contact

(986) 888-5428

Rating on Google Maps

4.80 (108 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Saturday: 11:30 AM to 10 PM
  • Sunday: (Easter), Closed, Hours might differ
  • Monday: 11:30 AM to 10 PM
  • Tuesday: 11:30 AM to 10 PM
  • Wednesday: 11:30 AM to 10 PM
  • Thursday: 11:30 AM to 10 PM
  • Friday: 11:30 AM to 10 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: delicious (14) goat (12) chicken (11) great (9) African (9) fufu (8) service (8) restaurant (8) rice (7) friendly (7)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Matthew H. 2 years ago on Google
    Truly unique and absolutely excellent. 100% recommend. I have a had a few sambusas before, but the goat one I had here was by far my favorite I have had anywhere. I have little experience with the other dishes (aside from the Ethiopian breads etc) but the fufu and chicken I ordered was absolutely mind blowing. It's sort of hard to describe but the fufu is a corn mush...I would liken it to grits, but a little more compacted and almost like a cake. It isn't sweet, it's mostly neutral (didn't try the rice but I saw some and it looked nice) and the reason it is mostly neutral is because the chicken dish that goes on top is like flavor-city. The main dish is a again a bit hard to describe but it's almost like a roasted chicken stew, but the chicken pieces are good size. Lots of vegetables and spices. I will advise these dishes would be spicy to some. I have some heat tolerance and I found it to be perfectly spicy, like just hot enough to be hot, but not so hot you lose enjoyment. I would say if you have no heat tolerance you may want to ask what they can suggest. The service was very friendly and informative. A quick note, this IS counter service but it is NOT fast food. It is clear they cook to order and the staff is small. It didn't take exceedingly long, but if you don't call ahead expect to wait a bit for your order. They are clearly focused on quality. This is a no frills place focused on making a selection of dishes well. The prices and portions are excellent.
    9 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Brittany A. 1 year ago on Google
    We found their stand at the farmers market downtown this weekend, and had the traditional sambusa! So yummy, and you can tell it’s all fresh. We’re excited to go to the restaurant and try more from their menu!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jeannie W. 2 years ago on Google
    Absolutely loved everything we ordered. Called and were able to get a reservation for 15 at last minute. We ordered a little of everything. The sambusas were perfection. Most of us ordered fufu with chicken or beef, a couple rice and chicken, and a variety of breads. We will 100% be returning to this restaurant in the very near future.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ryan H. 2 years ago on Google
    Remarkable. Our first experience with this type of food and it was absolutely incredible. Everything was so delicious and everyone was so friendly. Abdi took great care of us. It has the feel of a family operation and home cooking. We will definitely be back!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lomoro A. 1 year ago on Google
    This place is best shop to try out some GOOD Homecooked African food. The Sambusa’s taste like my aunts when I was a kid. Fufu and goat is truly the #1 entrée out the entire menu, I love it so much because it has a different texture than the regular beef and pork. Then finishing off with a mango drink and some sweet Dolshi will have you wanting to take a nap. The service is great especially knowing the family for so long, they’re always great hosts at their home and you can see it reflected at their shop. Abdi is the one to help out almost every time I’m there and he really cares about your experience. Really pays attention to detail. I would recommend this shop to anyone wanting to try a different cultures food or if you just want to support a local business in Idaho.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Manivone S. 8 months ago on Google
    There were plenty of places to park when I arrive at this restaurant one Saturday evening. I was surprised to see how small the restaurant is at first, but when I sat down I experienced a sense of coziness as I wait for my order near other customers enjoying their food. When I received my order (one Fish Sambusa, Goat and Rice), I was surprised once again when the waiter didn't bring any utensils (he mentioned the food is usually eaten by hand). Out of habit, I still asked for utensils and received a fork and spoon. But then, I confirmed that may in fact eat with my hands in the restaurant and so I did. The food tasted amazing. The Fish Sambusa and Goat and Rice had great seasoning and texture. The Sambusa reminded me a bit of Indian Samosas I've had and the Goat and Rice (Barees E Erang) tastes similar to Indian Biryanis I've had as well. This was my first time trying African food so I can't compare to other African restaurants. I can say that I am very pleased with my visit to this restaurant. Shout out to Chubangu for being such awesome waiter and letting me know I may eat with my hands!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 David B. 2 years ago on Google
    This place was the BEST!! My new favorite restaurant in Boise. Everything is made by hand to order so the wait is absolutely worth it. Fantastic flavors on everything we tried. We’ll be back soon
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jennifer K. 1 year ago on Google
    I've only ever had their food delivered but my God, it's delicious! I've tried the beef sambusa, the fufu and beef, and the chicken and rice. And everything is so delicious! That sauce they give you on the side of the dishes is delicious! I just want to buy and a giant jar of it and eat it everything! If you're looking to try African food, I would HIGHLY recommend it!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Emily S. 1 year ago on Google
    The food was delicious and the owners were lovely! Will definitely come back again :)
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nancy H. 6 months ago on Google
    Our first time. We tried three different sambusas, our favorites were the traditional, and the goat. Tried the fufu and goat, which was delicious! Tried the chicken and rice. It was also delicious. And we tried two different breads. Everything was made fresh and hot, so you do have to expect a little bit of a wait. But that's part of the whole experience for us. If you're in a hurry, try ordering ahead? I think it was Abdi? who waited on us. He was so helpful and seemed to really like teaching us about the food and how to eat it. And he answered all of our questions too. The restroom was clean. I think that's always a good indication of how important cleanliness is to the owners. And hopefully it carries on into the kitchen. We will go back and try a few other dishes. We love the diversity of cultures growing in Boise, and we appreciate learning about and experiencing them in this way. Definitely try it, and have an open mind. You will probably love it too!

  • 5/5 Ady Z. 5 months ago on Google
    Easily one of the best meals i’ve ever had. We started with the goat sambusas, they were perfectly crispy and packed with filling and flavor- 10/10. We then shared the Bareese E Erang(goat & rice) with the Mandazi and Gooise breads, the portions are large and generous, and everything delicious. The Shai(tea) is amazingly warming and rich, and paired well with our meal. Amazing food made with such care, and an amazing atmosphere and staff. We will be back all the time!

  • 5/5 Isabel L. 8 months ago on Google
    Stopped by for a quick snack after getting back on I-80. Their traditional sambusa was delicious and I could tell it was freshly fried. Their mango pineapple drink managed to be refreshing with a hint of spice without actually being spicy???? Incredible. This is an Boise gem.

  • 5/5 Becca S. 1 year ago on Google
    😋😋😋😋😋 I've never tried African food and wasn't sure what to order, so asked our server, who happened to be the owner himself! Such an incredibly nice, friendly young man. He recommended the Barees E Erang (Rice & Goat). I've never had goat and was excited to give it a try. He also recommended the Mandazi (African Sweet Bread) to balance out the spice. YUM. The whole dish was super flavorful and the goat was tender and delicious. The Mandazi was such a great addition and loved the flavor and texture of the sweet bread. I can't wait to go back! Also, it was a huge portion so dinner is ready. Winning! 😂👍 Do yourself a flavor and check this place out! 🤓😉

  • 5/5 ShayLynn M. 9 months ago on Google
    This food was so amazing! I’m so thankful Amina’s was sharing their culture with us. We also saw them at the Capital City Public Market and got some more food! Definitely recommend!

  • 5/5 Abby W. 1 year ago on Google
    Amazing food & friendly service! The goat dishes are fantastic! The sambusas are 10/10 in the restaurant and at the weekend markets. We always leave so happy and full of great food!

  • 5/5 Breck P. 1 year ago on Google
    The food here is so amazing and flavorful! I had the fufu with goat and my wife had the rice and chicken. I would highly recommend visiting!

  • 5/5 Rachel L. 1 year ago on Google
    Amazing, amazing food! Also, very kind service. You have to try the hot sauce. It is homemade and fantastic. Can’t wait for my next order!

  • 5/5 William S. 1 year ago on Google
    This is our first time eating African food like this. We ordered some takeout and man-o-man, this was delicious. I am blown away by everything, and the service was so great. We will be back for sure!!!

  • 5/5 Wil S. 1 year ago on Google
    If I could give this place 100 stars I would. So authentic. The food is BOMB. You will not be disappointed. Probably some of the best food in Boise. If you’re a first timer, definitely try the fufu and chicken!

  • 5/5 Tran C. 1 year ago on Google
    I wish we took pictures but we didn’t… this is our first time having African food and it was great! Firstly, the worker is friendly and helpful. We got a chicken and rice and a lamb sambusa. The food is so flavorful and tasty. I love the spices and I love to explore more of their cuisine once I can visit again.

  • 5/5 Cynthia S. 1 year ago on Google
    First, you wait for good food a little while. Very worth it. Food made with love. Flavorful menu that exhilarates every bud you own. Owner and staff are very kind and friendly. The aroma alone should be payed for. Fresh food. Dont know why it took me so long to try goat, its so delicious. Fish was moist and flavorful. Relaxing clean atmosphere. Have a good variety but not to large. We've already made a 2nd attack:). Go outside your box and try this simply delicious aromatic menu.

  • 5/5 Shelby L. 1 year ago on Google
    Food and service was exquisite! We will definitely be back! Sambusas are to die for and the goat fufu was flavor town!! If I could give 10 stars I would!

  • 5/5 Ahmed G. 2 years ago on Google
    this amazing friendly place left the best impression, great service, delicious food unique healthy options. beautiful presentation, wide range of African/ middle eastern food options. i would recommend to everyone!! i would love to come here again and again !!


Call (986) 888-5428 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Parking
    • ✓️ Free parking lot
    • ✓️ Plenty of parking
  • Payments
    • ✓️ Cash-only
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Halal food
    • ✓️ Comfort food
    • ✓️ Small plates
    • ✓️ Healthy options
    • ✓️ Vegetarian options
  • Popular for
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Solo dining
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible seating
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible restroom
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Dessert
    • ✓️ Catering
    • ✓️ Breakfast
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Takeout
    • ✓️ Delivery
    • ✓️ Curbside pickup
  • From the business
    • ✓️ Identifies as Black-owned

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