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Nestled in the vibrant heart of Santa Fe, Jambo Cafe offers a captivating culinary journey that expertly blends African and Caribbean flavors, making it a standout destination for lovers of unique, globally inspired dining. This cozy and colorful eatery serves up an enticing array of dishes that cater beautifully to vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free diets, ensuring everyone can indulge in authentic, bold tastes.
The menu at Jambo Cafe is a treasure trove of aromatic spices and rich textures that vividly evoke the essence of the Caribbean and Africa. A must-try is the Combination Plate, a carefully curated sampler that allows diners to experience an enticing selection of their signature offerings. Imagine sinking your teeth into the Island Spice Coconut Peanut Chicken Stew, tender and simmered to perfection with a velvety coconut and peanut sauce, accompanied by fragrant basmati coconut rice; a harmonious blend that excites the palate with every bite.
For those craving robust, smoky flavors, the Jerk Chicken Wings deliver a fiery kick balanced with tropical sweetness, while the Caribbean Goat Stew offers a slow-cooked, hearty depth of flavor that lingers long after the meal is over. The Kenyan Style Beef Kebabs are another highlight, bursting with spice and charred to juicy perfection.
Jambo Cafe shines not only in its main courses but also in its sandwiches and wraps. The Jerk Chicken Sandwich, served on warm pita and layered with spiced tomato sauce and crisp red onions, is a portable flavor explosion. Meanwhile, the Harissa Spiced Lamb Sandwich with cucumber yogurt sauce provides a beautifully balanced, fragrant bite. Their vegan and vegetarian options, like the Coconut Tofu Curry, showcase the kitchen’s mastery of turning wholesome ingredients into deeply satisfying dishes, full-bodied with comforting coconut warmth and fragrant garlic spinach.
The atmosphere at Jambo Cafe is warm and inviting, blending rustic charm with the vibrancy of African artisan décor. Guests often mention the welcoming vibe and attentive hospitality, making this more than just a meal—it’s a joyful cultural experience. As Athena Valdez raved, the combination plate is an excellent way to savor a variety of flavors, backed by numerous awards proudly displayed, a testament to their culinary excellence.
Dessert lovers will delight in the sweet finales that complete the meal, such as the luscious Coconut Cardamom Flan topped with fresh whipped cream or the decadent Date Coconut Flourless Chocolate Cake, both of which offer a smooth, creamy finish redolent of tropical warmth and spices. Each dessert is crafted to provide a satisfying, memorable end to a rich dining experience.
Guests leave Jambo Cafe inspired by the symphony of flavors and the sincere hospitality. As customer Lala Hathaway shared, dishes like the Caribbean Spiced Ox Tails burst with vibrant seasoning and heart with every tender bite. Similarly, John Fullbright praised the unique blend of dining and artisan shopping, capturing the authentic essence of Africa through every detail—from the hearty slow-cooked meats to the pomegranate barbecue sauces.
For anyone seeking a dining adventure that is both delicious and culturally enriching, Jambo Cafe in Santa Fe is an absolute must. Whether you're a passionate foodie or simply curious about exploring rich, international flavors, this gem offers a feast for the senses wrapped in warmth and tradition.
What an experience! The food was amazing. This is definitely a must while in Santa Fe. The combination plate is really the best way to get a taste of a few things. The awards on the wall attest to the amazing food.
Phenomenal food!!! The Caribbean Spiced Ox Tails were to die for. Full of flavor, seasoned perfectly, the mafongo was delicious. I think it’s generous to say it comes with collard greens as it was like a few sliced garnishes on top of the ox tails. The spinach and roti were also very delicious. The best ox tails I’ve had from a restaurant. I can’t wait to get back to try more of the menu. The service was slow but ok. Overall I’d highly recommend.
Excellent Gem of Santa Fe! The restaurant is also a wonderful furniture and artisan store. With practical crafts made from all over Africa by artisans compliments the food wonderfully. It’s like dropping into the subcontinent of Africa. The food was fantastic slow cooked meat with an incredible pomegranate barbecue sauce stuffed in a pita! I will definitely be coming back for dinner!
the service and vibe were such that we had already decided we loved it before the food came, and we were so right! we ordered the coconut chicken curry, peanut chicken curry, goat curry, chickpea curry, beef kebab, and jerk wings and everything was amazing! We’re already planning out our order for next time, and will have to save room for dessert. Update: we went back a second time and were equally pleased. The pecan pie was great and the flan was amazing.
I love this restaurant. What a joy to experience this unique cuisine with such good spice and flavor profile. Plantains are very delicious. Pomegranate chicken wrap and chickpea Berber dishes were fabulous Thank you for warm hospitality and service
This is some of the best African cuisine I've ever had. My wife loved her Kenyan kebabs and my Moroccan stew was on point. The crab cakes were delicious. I absolutely loved the décor, which extended all the way into the bathroom. Giraffes are some of my favorite animals and they were prominent in the display. The service was good, as well.
Jambo Cafe was the perfect first stop on my very first visit to Santa Fe. Thank you, Chef Ahmed, for sharing your beautiful recipes and bringing the legacy of both your motherland and your mother so lovingly into this community. I had one of the best goat stews of my life here—full of depth, warmth, and care in every bite. I’m grateful for the experience and for the joy your food brings to so many. Thank you, Chef Ahmed.
Very excellent food. Was neither looking for this kind of cuisine nor disappointed in the result. The tropical tea, unsweetened, was something unique to me. Would repeat if ever again in the area.