This is a bare-bones restaurant. No warm greeting, no table service like water or bringing food to you – actually, the tables are for one person, no menu available, no rest room, no advice on where to find a rest room, no “thanks-for-coming” goodbyes. Was the food worth it? NO. The steak and chicken cubes in two of our biryani plates were dry and overcooked, the two teaspoons of condiments that accompanied it was too little, as was the minuscule salad, making the price was too steep for what you got. On the good side, the lamb shank biryani was quite tender and delicious – which it should be for $25, and they really know how to make hummus – silky and delicious, although the portion was very minuscule, maybe 1/3 cup, and the accompanying limp chapati chips were unappetizing. While we were there a fire alarm battery was dying, giving off a shrill tweets, which seemed not to bother them – nor did my request to take care of the noise concern them. Awful noise. Why didn’t we leave? Our party of three was meeting from diverse places, none within an hour of the restaurant, which was recommended by another friend – let’s now say “ex-friend.” We had a short window of time to visit and the neighborhood isn’t conducive, especially in 40 degree weather, to picnics. What do you want when you go into a restaurant? A nice atmosphere (nope), a feeling that you are welcome (nope – and we were the only customers in the place for the whole time), good food (eh), good value (nope), and a feeling that the drive there and the experience was worth it. Failing grade for this place.
Delicious food and friendly staff. This place is a gem that is easy to miss if you are not looking for it. I recommend the Beef Chapati as a first try of Somali food. I met Yahiya, (Spelling?), today. He seemed like a super chill dude that is family focused. Give this place a try and you won't be disappointed.
This place is your reward when you have to drop someone off at Logan Airport! The biryani rice is aromatic, very flavorful, and made with an excellent long grain basmati. We tried the lamb biryani this time. So tender, just falling off the shank bone. Veg sambusas very fresh and the homemade hot sauce was excellent. Just a few tables during COVID-19, but still cozy, friendly and local. Will be back to try more of the menu.
2nd Review: STILL GOING STRONG!Love having them as my neighbor!! Thanks for the take-out during my lunch break! ?
Absolutely amazing!!! The service was very good and the food was fresh and truly phenomenal. I am so happy to have discovered this cozy restaurant and hope to return. Would definitely recommend if you’re in the area but also will say that it’s worth the trip.
I’ve been eating here and enjoying this food ever since they opened up. This is the place to go if you’re looking for authentic, home cooked from scratch — recipes that have been in their family for generations.I sit on the board of East Boston Main Streets and I’m proud to say that Tawakal is a staple of our neighborhood.The food is fantastic, the whole family is lovely, and they are the most genuine and kind restaurant owners I’ve ever met. The customer service is unparalleled.It’s unfortunate to read the negative one star reviews that are clearly posted by the same disgruntled group (see fake profile photos) who clearly have nothing better to do than sabotage a small family business. Hopefully google will remove those, but in the meantime if you are reading this review, know that this restaurant is legit!
I came in here with my family for a take-out and they offered such nice and professional service to our entire family and provided us with everything we needed and more. I highly suggest it to anyone that wants to try something new and different. Delicious taste, good prices. 5 stars 100%.
This gem within our beautiful city is top notch. The food and atmosphere is amazing. The food is so delicious and freshly made to order. Everything is perfect from the food to the atmosphere to the staff. It shows that the details are not overlooked. What a wonderful little spot to relax and enjoy great food.
This is my absolute most favorite spot!!! I always have to get 2 teas each time. I crave it! I highly recommend!! I can't get enough of their goat meat rice!! And it's not about customer service there, the owner treats you like part of the tribe! This is absolutely my most recommended place in the Boston area. We tell everyone about them! I've not had 1 disappointment yet! Trust me when I say that this restaurant is top notch.
Walking into Tawakal Halal is like walking into your friend's home. It's always warm - no matter how chilly it is outside. They are quick to check in if you need anything, and the combination of spices and offerings are unique. The owner, Yahya is truly delightful. He remembers faces and names, is excited to get to know each person who eats his food and truly does his best to give back to his community. While the pandemic has driven prices up, I feel as though the food is