Afro Deli

On Thursday I headed back to the University of Minnesota campus and lunched with a good friend before guest lecturing for a class of 16 Freshman all while trying a new type of food. African/Somali inspired comfort food a block from campus. The West Bank of campus has a high Somali population and there are a few unique new restaurants popping up. Afto deli has been a huge hit with the neighborhood, students, faculty and the general Minneapolis community.

My friend Bobby had talked this place up so much I had high hopes it would deliver. And it did. A big bowl of steaming hot comfort food with fresh vegetables and lean meat all over light and fluffy Somali rice. We got there about 12:45 and timed it perfect because by the time we sat down the line was out the door.

Bobby and I agreed to share, he got his usual Chicken Fantastic which has julienned cuts of white chicken meat with sautéed bell peppers, red onions, shredded carrots, zucchini, fresh garlic, light cream sauce and grated parmesan cheese, served over Somali-seasoned basmati rice

I had the Harar Beef & Veggie Stew Beef slow cooked with with peppers, eggplant, carrots, mushrooms, onions, garlic and African spices. I ate almost the entire bowl, only a few bites were left for Bobby

Afro has a counter style deli that you order and go up and grab your food, find a table and enjoy. Finding a table is not an easy task in a very small and very popular place. If I find myself near campus again soon I will be back to the Afro deli. Maybe a special trip will be in order…