Jambo Cafe (Santa Fe, New Mexico) | Influencer Restaurant Review by Guy Fieri
AI-Generated Summary: Guy Fieri’s Jambo Cafe Restaurant Review Video
In this episode of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, Guy Fieri revisits Jambo Cafe, an African-Caribbean restaurant in Santa Fe known for its vibrant flavors and scratch-made dishes inspired by Chef Amed Obbo’s Kenyan heritage. Opened in 2009, Jambo Cafe has since expanded and become a local favorite for its unique dishes featuring traditional African and Caribbean spices.
Jambo Cafe brings a vibrant taste of African-Caribbean cuisine to Santa Fe, combining fresh ingredients, authentic spices, and traditional cooking techniques. Chef Amed’s passion for sharing his heritage through food is evident in every dish, from the flavor-packed goat stew to the soulful oxtail and the unique chickpea stew. Jambo Cafe remains a must-visit for anyone looking for a unique, flavorful dining experience.
Featured Dishes:
- Mahi Mahi in Banana Leaf:
- Preparation:
- The fish is coated in a spicy rub made from fresh ginger, chili powder, thyme, coriander, allspice, garlic, cinnamon, jalapeño, black pepper, brown sugar, and paprika, marinated overnight, and wrapped in a banana leaf to retain moisture and enhance flavor.
- Served with black rice, baby bok choy, and a coconut tamarind mango sauce.
- Guy’s Take:
- Guy described the dish as soulful and praised the perfectly cooked fish and the depth of the spices. The sauce brought out a wonderful balance of sweetness and tanginess that complemented the flavors of the mahi mahi.
- Preparation:
- Berbere Chickpea Stew:
- Preparation:
- Made with sautéed onions, garlic, carrots, bell peppers, potatoes, sweet potatoes, and butternut squash, then seasoned with a berbere spice blend (coriander, black pepper, cumin, ginger, allspice, and paprika).
- The stew is slow-cooked with chickpeas, tomatoes, vegetable stock, and coconut milk until the vegetables are tender, then served over rice and topped with collard greens.
- Guy’s Take:
- Guy enjoyed the hearty, flavorful stew, highlighting the sweet, spicy, and tangy notes from the berbere spice and the texture of the chickpeas and sweet potatoes, which made it a filling and comforting vegetarian dish.
- Preparation:
- African Goat Stew:
- Preparation:
- The goat meat is seared, then cooked with onions, garlic, tomato paste, beef and chicken stock, and braised with carrots and potatoes for about 2.5 hours.
- Guy’s Take:
- Guy loved the tender, flavorful goat, noting its richness and depth. He called it comfort food at its best, with the slow-cooking process creating a silky texture and complex flavor.
- Preparation:
- Jamaican Oxtail:
- Preparation:
- Oxtail is seasoned with thyme, jerk seasoning, garlic, allspice, cayenne, coriander, rosemary, and cinnamon, marinated overnight, and seared in hot oil. The oxtail is then braised in a sauce made with onions, garlic, tomato paste, beef broth, and chicken broth, cooked for 5 hours.
- Guy’s Take:
- Guy praised the oxtail for being perfectly tender yet still holding together, with a creamy, flavorful sauce that had just the right amount of spice. He described it as hearty and indulgent, perfect for meat lovers.
- Preparation:
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Jambo Cafe is a vibrant restaurant located at 2010 Cerrillos Rd in Santa Fe, New Mexico, specializing in a unique fusion of African and Caribbean cuisine. Founded in 2009 by Chef Ahmed Obo, who hails from Lamu, Kenya, the café draws inspiration from the rich culinary traditions of his homeland, blending European, Arabic, and Indian influences. The menu features an array of flavorful dishes such as jerk chicken, plantains, and various vegetarian options, all crafted with fresh, high-quality ingredients. The café’s atmosphere is welcoming and casual, adorned with colorful decor that reflects its cultural roots. In addition to the dining experience, Jambo Cafe also houses Jambo Imports, a shop offering handcrafted African goods, further enriching the cultural experience for visitors.
Address
2010 Cerrillos Rd, Santa Fe, NM 87505
Customer Feedback
Customer feedback for Jambo Cafe is largely enthusiastic, with many patrons praising the restaurant for its delicious food and friendly service. Diners frequently highlight the jerk chicken and plantains as standout dishes, often remarking on the bold flavors and generous portions. The ambiance is described as warm and inviting, making it a comfortable spot for both casual meals and special occasions. While some guests mention that the location may seem unassuming from the outside, they are pleasantly surprised by the vibrant atmosphere inside. Many reviews also commend the attentive staff who contribute to a positive dining experience. Overall, Jambo Cafe has garnered a loyal following in Santa Fe for its unique culinary offerings and commitment to quality service.
