Home

Download

NO BAD **RECOMMENDATIONS**.

London, England

Red Room

Copenhagen, Denmark

Delphine

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Chez Nina Green Brasserie

The most popular restaurants in Nova Circle right now

TRENDING NOW

Guide to

During Winter

Prague 

in Finland

The Northern Lights

Winter Edition

Paris

Best bars

New York Cities

Explore curated travel guides filled with hidden gems and top recommendations to inspire your next adventure.

TRAVEL GUIDES

Discover standout moments and top picks from our vibrant community of travelers and explorers.

USER HIGHLIGHTS

Meet our most active and inspiring community members sharing unique recommendations and insights.

TOP USERS

On A Budget

5 Star Luxury Travel

You Must Visit

Eco-Friendly Hotels

Avoid Bali belly

How To:

That Are Worth The Trip

Dining Concepts

The World Is Slowing Down

Soft Travel

Stay updated with the latest travel tips, trends, and exciting updates from the Nova Circle community.

NEWS

Explore

Copenhagens Boutique Hotels

Discover

Tokyos best Ramen

Travel philosophy

The Rise of ‘Soft Travel’

Dublin Best Pubs

 Find fresh ideas and experiences to discover, from must-visit spots to unique activities.

MORE INSPIRATION

Connect with trusted partners who share our passion for unforgettable experiences and quality travel.

OUR SELECTED PARTNERS

Nova Circle is your single space for saving and sharing top recommendations around the world while getting inspired by likeminded people.

Nova Circle - No Bad Recommendations

As a valued Nova Circle member you can enjoy our exclusive partner discounts. Simply just sign in to claim the deals.

Partner Discounts

Enjoy exclusive travel partner discounts with Nova Circle.

Nova Circle Benefits - Travel Partner Discounts

Benefits

Baltimore, MD

North America

United States

# Jollof Bowl – Authentic West African Cuisine in Baltimore, MD

Jollof Bowl, located at 1065 S Market St, Baltimore, MD, offers a unique take on West African cuisine, blending traditional flavors with a modern dining experience. This restaurant has quickly gained popularity for its vibrant atmosphere and delicious offerings, reminiscent of a Chipotle-style setup. Founded with a vision to bring authentic Jollof rice and other West African dishes to the forefront, Jollof Bowl has become a community favorite, praised for its flavorful bowls and friendly service. Customers rave about the quality of the food, the energetic ambiance, and the commitment to showcasing West African culinary traditions.

## History
### The story of Jollof Bowl
Jollof Bowl was established with a vision to introduce the rich and diverse flavors of West African cuisine to a broader audience in Baltimore. The founders aimed to create a space where traditional dishes could be enjoyed in a casual, accessible format, appealing to both newcomers and those familiar with the cuisine. This innovative approach has allowed Jollof Bowl to carve out a niche in the competitive food scene of Baltimore.

### Milestones and growth
- **Opening**: Jollof Bowl opened its doors to the public, quickly attracting attention for its unique concept.
- **Community Engagement**: The restaurant actively participates in local events, fostering a sense of community.
- **Menu Expansion**: Over time, Jollof Bowl has expanded its menu to include a variety of options, catering to diverse tastes and dietary preferences.
- **Positive Reviews**: The establishment has garnered numerous positive reviews, solidifying its reputation as a go-to spot for West African cuisine.

### Cultural and local influence
Jollof Bowl has become a cultural hub within Baltimore, celebrating West African heritage through food. The restaurant not only serves delicious meals but also educates patrons about the significance of Jollof rice and other traditional dishes. The vibrant atmosphere, often filled with Afrobeats music, enhances the dining experience, making it a lively spot for both locals and visitors.

### Continuing the tradition
Jollof Bowl is committed to maintaining the authenticity of West African cuisine while adapting to contemporary dining trends. The restaurant emphasizes the use of fresh ingredients and traditional cooking methods, ensuring that each dish reflects the rich culinary heritage of West Africa. This dedication to authenticity helps preserve cultural traditions while making them accessible to a wider audience.

## Community
### Community involvement
Jollof Bowl actively engages with the Baltimore community, participating in local events and festivals that celebrate cultural diversity. The restaurant often collaborates with local organizations to promote West African culture and cuisine, fostering a sense of belonging among patrons. This involvement not only strengthens community ties but also raises awareness about the importance of cultural representation in the culinary world.

### Community notion about the place
The community views Jollof Bowl as a valuable addition to Baltimore's food scene. Many locals appreciate the restaurant's commitment to quality and authenticity, often recommending it to friends and family. The vibrant atmosphere and friendly staff contribute to a welcoming environment, making it a popular choice for casual dining and social gatherings.

### Events and gatherings
Jollof Bowl hosts various events that bring people together to celebrate West African culture. These gatherings often feature live music, dance, and food tastings, creating an immersive experience for attendees. The restaurant’s participation in local food festivals further showcases its commitment to community engagement and cultural exchange.

## Offerings
### What Jollof Bowl offers
Jollof Bowl specializes in a variety of West African dishes, with a focus on Jollof rice, which is a staple in many West African countries. The restaurant allows customers to customize their meals, choosing from a range of bases, proteins, and toppings. This flexibility caters to diverse dietary preferences, making it an appealing option for many diners.

### Dining and food experience
The dining experience at Jollof Bowl is designed to be both casual and enjoyable. Customers can choose from a selection of bowls, wraps, and sides, all prepared with fresh ingredients and bold flavors. The option to build your own bowl allows for a personalized experience, ensuring that each meal meets individual tastes. The vibrant atmosphere, complemented by lively music, enhances the overall dining experience.

### Events and packages
Jollof Bowl offers various packages for events and gatherings, making it a great choice for catering. Whether it’s a family celebration or a corporate event, the restaurant can accommodate different group sizes and preferences. Special promotions and seasonal offerings are also available, providing customers with new and exciting options throughout the year.

### Facilities and features
- **Wheelchair Accessibility**: The restaurant is designed to be accessible for all patrons.
- **Takeout Options**: Convenient takeout services are available for those on the go.
- **Catering Services**: Jollof Bowl provides catering for events, offering a taste of West African cuisine to larger gatherings.
- **Community Events**: Regularly hosts events that celebrate cultural heritage and community engagement.

## Pros and Cons
### Key insights from reviews
Reviews of Jollof Bowl highlight a mix of experiences, with many customers praising the flavor and quality of the food. However, some diners have noted inconsistencies in the preparation and presentation of dishes. Overall, the restaurant has received a positive reception, with many patrons expressing a desire to return.

### Compliments and strengths
- **Flavorful Dishes**: Many reviews commend the bold flavors and freshness of the ingredients used in the dishes.
- **Friendly Service**: The staff is often described as welcoming and helpful, enhancing the dining experience.
- **Unique Concept**: The Chipotle-style approach to West African cuisine is seen as innovative and appealing.

### Contrasts and notable mentions
- **Inconsistency in Quality**: Some customers have reported variations in the quality of the food, particularly regarding the doneness of proteins.
- **Long Wait Times**: During peak hours, patrons have noted longer wait times, which can affect the overall experience.

### Summary evaluation
Jollof Bowl stands out as a vibrant and unique dining destination in Baltimore, offering a fresh take on West African cuisine. While there are areas for improvement, the overall customer satisfaction and community engagement highlight its importance in the local food scene.

## Location & Nearby Attractions
Jollof Bowl is conveniently located in the heart of Baltimore at 1065 S Market St, within the bustling Cross Street Market. This vibrant neighborhood is known for its diverse food offerings and cultural attractions. Visitors can explore nearby sites such as the historic Federal Hill Park and the Baltimore Museum of Industry, making it an ideal stop for those looking to experience the local culture and cuisine.

## FAQs
**What type of cuisine does Jollof Bowl serve** Jollof Bowl specializes in West African cuisine, particularly Jollof rice dishes.
**Is Jollof Bowl wheelchair accessible** Yes, the restaurant is designed to be accessible for all patrons.
**Can I customize my meal at Jollof Bowl** Yes, customers can build their own bowls with various bases, proteins, and toppings.

## Visit Jollof Bowl Today
Jollof Bowl invites you to experience the vibrant flavors of West African cuisine in a welcoming atmosphere. With a commitment to quality and community, this restaurant offers a unique dining experience that celebrates cultural heritage. Whether you're a fan of Jollof rice or new to West African dishes, Jollof Bowl is a must-visit destination in Baltimore.

b967f361-aa56-4066-910e-d7f3295d7483

As soon as I saw this Jollof spot on my timeline I made plans to give them a shot!! A Chipotle'ish style Jollof spot?? Nobody is doing that except for them!! Let me tell you...it's worth the trip to Bmore!! . Where I am: @thejollofbowl . Location Reviewed: 1065 S. Charles St., Baltimore M.D. inside of @crossstmarket . Items Reviewed: STAMP!! Their Pre-Fixed Jollof Bowl ($15.99 with corn, spicy slaw, plantains, suya beef, tomatoes, & aioli, sitting on top of a bed of Jollof rice). The beef was actually tender, mildly spicy, a savory jollof, & sweet plantains!! STAMP!! Their Build Your Own Bowl ($15.99 with Suya chicken, corn, red onions, Yassa onions-grilled & sauced onions, peppers sauce, & plantains sitting on top of a bed of jollof noodles). Slim...these Suya spiced noodles are a hit!! Flavorful, spicy hot with the pepper sauce, & sweet plantains!! LIKE THAT! Their Build Your Own Wrap ($15.99 with white rice, grilled shrimp, onion, & groundnut bbq sauce). Tasty shrimp, & sauce, but I should've put jollof rice in this!! STAMP!! Their Passionfruit Ginger Beer ($4 non-alcoholic). Fruity, carbonated, & tasty!! . Customer Service: On Point . Parking: Rough. . Recommendations: You can't miss with any one of their bowls. . Accessibility: It is wheelchair friendly, & it's differently abled persons friendly. 5 Stars=STAMP 4 1/2 Stars=LIKE THAT 4 Stars=DELICIOUS 3 Stars=DECENT 2 Stars=PASS 1 Star=NAH #Bigschlimsreviews

f7bc94bd-70d1-44da-8896-95f215451b77

I'd been hearing a lot of hype about Jollof Bowl, so I finally decided to give it a try. At first glance, I was a bit skeptical the food looked a little dry and like it might've been sitting out for a while. Still, I decided to go for it. I ordered a bowl with jollof rice as the base, topped with lamb, plantains, yassa-style onions, spicy slaw, corn, fresh tomatoes, red and sweet onions, and suya aioli sauce. My first impression? The food was just okay not quite living up to all the hype. But later, when I reheated my leftovers at home, the flavors came alive and the taste was fantastic! I'll definitely be giving Jollof Bowl another try. Next time, I think I'll go for the chicken instead--the lamb had a bit of a gamey taste to me.

401b1675-a005-4b88-921e-3b9eaad60c8a

I've been meaning to visit this venue since I randomly walked through Cross Street Market and saw it there - I was full at the time, but very interested. So I returned. I leaned heavily on the server to make decisions. I wanted to try everything to be on the safe side and the entire staff seemed to chime in. I don't recall everything that went into my bowl. I went with beef (steak?) and had both the jollof rice base as well as another base made of noodles. I added a lot of toppings (pretty much everything available) and I asked for extra spice. Checkout was easy and I was soon taking my meal home. And everything in that bowl was amazing. Both the jollof rice and noodle base were excellent, as were all the toppings. The beef (steak?) was a little well done for me, but I bet I could easily swap in another protein or do all veg. I absolutely intend to be a return customer.

561150f0-0f83-4977-a8c9-5e0f2684bafe

More like 3.5 i tried it a couple of months ago when they first opened as someone who is Ghanaian i do know my West African food, for what it is, its decent. I did enjoy the jollof spagheti tho..

cb7e0ebc-47b3-42da-8600-66d7ddc9c064

I waited over an hour at The Jollof Bowl in Cross Street Market -- and it was absolutely worth it. The energy was unreal: Afrobeats playing, people smiling and dancing in line, and the staff moving with real pride and rhythm. You can feel the love in the air and in the food. I got a rice bowl and a wrap for around $42, and both were packed with flavor -- smoky, spicy, and perfectly seasoned. The owner himself was behind the counter cooking and serving, which says a lot about the passion behind this place. Easily one of the best new food spots in Baltimore. Highly recommend!

6332f8f8-04f6-4fca-9357-762a465062c8

Heard nothing, but good things about Jollof Bowl so I had to check it out! Jollof Bowl is like the West African version of "Chipotle". They serve plantain, jollof rice, jollof noodles, a variety of meat choices, veggie medley for the vegetarians, suya slaw and other bowl toppings and sauces. For your base, you have the option to choose from jollof rice, jollof noddles, mixed greens or half n half. The food was tasty and flavorful. The service was fast, however the music can be too loud to hear what the server is saying. Overall, this is a great idea of the establishment to create for those wanting a taste of West African food in a bowl.

6ecda42a-d75c-4133-a73e-37ae41d4bfed

As a furloughed employee I decided to take the drive from Frederick to Baltimore to check out the hype. I was disappointed. I tried the half jollof rice/noodles topped with chicken, shrimp, corn, and sautéed onions. The rice was dry and lacked flavor however, I highly recommend the noodles. Now to the protein, the chicken was bland and could have used more seasoning. The shrimp were soft and mushy with no flavor. There were quite a few toppings and I chose corn and onions. The corn tasted like it was just taken out of the can and the sautéed onions were meh. The pepper and suya aioli sauce were okay. Expect a wait due to the hype and everyone wants to try it out. I waited in line 23 minutes however, the owner and staff were friendly. When you know the flavors of West African food you know and this was not it.

b2bb8fd3-04a8-4301-9c99-6bd0e77b4ad7

A friend and I tried this today after hearing the reviews on TT. The staff told us this is Liberian style Jollof rice. I'm accustomed to Nigerian Jollof rice. Service was quick and fresh rice was just put out. The beef was cooked hard- not sure if this was the intent or it had just sat too long. Regardless, it was dry and chewy. The spicy slaw and yassa onions tasted very good. The rice was ok- looked like a short grain rice and was decently seasoned.

eebf0bb7-a0c4-4122-b039-b02d12d8326f

I saw a lot of reviews of this place on social media and they all were good. I went on a Wednesday night at 7pm an hour before closing. I expect there to be a long line because of the reviews I've seen, and there wasn't. I ordered the jollof rice bowl with lamb. I see why they are calling it the west African version of chipotle. My bowl was so good! The flavors were there and my taste buds exploded. For those who don't like spicy they have option to make it mild and super spicy. The employees were very good at explaining and helping me decide on which items I wanted to put on my bowl. I also enjoyed their excitement. They offered taste test of the sauces and also put some on the side. I will be back for sure.

7053e6b5-318a-419e-b495-de0c3c4b9dc1

I love Jollof rice!!!! I could eat it everyday all day!!! Everything was sooo fresh and flavorful. We came on a busy Saturday. The line was long but it didn't take long at all to get to the front to order. The grilled beef and lamb was soooo good! Mouth freaking watering. Everyone was friendly and certainly helpful. I'm going back ASAP! The stand was in a food court like place with multiple businesses. It was so clean.

Discover Jollof Bowl in Baltimore for authentic West African cuisine. Savor bold flavors and vibrant dishes in the heart of Maryland. Book your taste adventure now.

Jollof Bowl Baltimore - Authentic West African Cuisine

Baltimore

Jollof Bowl

Maryland

Discover Jollof Bowl at 1065 S Market St, Baltimore. Enjoy authentic West African dishes in a lively setting. Perfect for food lovers! Book now.

Jollof Bowl in Baltimore - Authentic West African Cuisine & Vibrant Dining Experience

Learn about Jollof Bowl in Baltimore. A vibrant restaurant offering authentic West African dishes. Experience rich flavors and cultural ambiance today.

About Jollof Bowl, Baltimore - Your Go-To Spot for West African Flavors

Opening hours for Jollof Bowl, Baltimore. Find opening hours for Jollof Bowl, Baltimore at 1065 S Market St.

Jollof Bowl Menu Overview

Signature Dishes

Beverages and Pairings

Dietary Options

Chef Recommendations

Experience the Menu at Jollof Bowl

Vincent J. Piazza, P.C.

The Assembly Room

14 W Hamilton Street Club