Jambo Cafe

Specialties

African and Caribbean fusion cuisine

History

Established in 2009.

The exotic locale of Lamu Island, off the coast of Kenya, with its Swahili fusion of European, Arabic and Indian influences, is at the heart of owner-​chef Ahmed Obo’s spirited cuisine. It was there, in his mother’s aromatic kitchen, that Ahmed mastered his homeland’s unique gastronomic delights, beginning a culinary adventure that would ultimately lead him to Santa Fe, New Mexico where, in August, 2009, he fulfilled his life’s dream by opening Jambo Café.

Included among the «40 Favorites» in the Santa Fe Reporter’s 2009 – 2010 Restaurant Guide and receiving «3 Chiles» in the Pasatiempo, Jambo Café has created a legion of loyal fans who wax eloquent over Chef Obo’s mouth-​watering fare. Whether it’s dine in, carry out or catered cuisine you crave, Jambo’s will strike, as Pasatiempo reviewer Nouf Al-​Qasimi said, «a superb balance between vibrant and subtle, making it better than most of what’s being served locally at many times the price.»

Meet the Business Owner

Ahmed O.

Business Owner

A native of Lamu, Kenya, Ahmed worked as a chef in Santa Fe for more than ten years before realizing his long-​held dream of opening his own restaurant. Through Jambo Café, Chef Obo introduced Santa Fe to his version of the cuisine he grew up with on a small island in the Indian Ocean. As the café thrived, Ahmed has been able to pursue other outlets for his energy, talent, and vision. He opened Jambo Imports, a shop featuring African sculpture, jewelry, weavings, pottery, clothing, baskets and spices in 2013, fulfilling his second dream of bringing hand-​crafted African goods to the City Different.

Ahmed has always been motivated by a strong desire to ‘give back,’ first to the Santa Fe community which welcomed him so readily and where he volunteers his culinary skills to organizations such as Gerard’s House, Kitchen Angels, and The Food Depot. The success of Jambo Café and Jambo Imports has enabled Ahmed to fulfill his third dream– helping his home community, Lamu Island, Kenya. Jambo K

Jambo Café also recommends

Jambo Imports

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review

Accessories

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Art Galleries

Ahmed O. says,

«Sister organization to Jambo Café featuring hand-​crafted art, textiles, and other products from Africa.»