Suya, Spice & Everything Nice: A Must-Try at Spice Kitchen Grill
I’ve been on a serious suya kick lately, and while I’ve eaten at Spice Kitchen Grill a few times before, I figured it was finally time to give this spot the review it deserves.
Location… Spice Kitchen Grill is a West African takeout spot with a few tables for those who want to dine in. It’s a casual, no-frills restaurant tucked into a shopping center in Hyattsville, MD—a neighborhood that holds a special place in my heart since I used to live right down the street. The shopping center has plenty of small businesses and now a LIDL grocery store, so parking is never an issue.
Vibes… Nothing fancy here, order your food, take it home, or grab a table and dig in. Spice Kitchen Grill is always busy, so expect a bit of a wait, but trust me, it’s worth it. They don’t accept cash, so come prepared. Most of the time, you’ll be ringing yourself up on the self-serve kiosk, but the friendly staff is always around to help if needed.
I scheduled my order for a 7:30 p.m. pickup and got a text at 7:25 p.m. saying it was ready. I arrived around 7:40 p.m., waited about three minutes, and was out the door. Ordering ahead is definitely the move!
The Drinks… As a takeout spot, there’s no bar, but they offer the usual sodas and juices.
The Food… I usually just come for the Steak Suya, but this time, I decided to go for a full meal—best decision ever. They offer an array of suya, including shrimp and chicken, as well as many side dishes to choose from, but I wanted to keep it healthy.
Steak Suya – Perfect. Every. Single. Time. The steak is always tender, spicy, and covered in their signature suya seasoning. It has that bold suya kick without being tough or dry—a balance that not every place gets right.
Grilled Corn – Sweet, flavorful, and sprinkled with their signature seasoning. Simple but delicious.
Efo Riro (Spinach Stew) – This was the highlight of my meal. The flavors were incredible—savory, rich, and full of onions, peppers, and spices. It wasn’t spicy at all, just well-seasoned and so satisfying. I’m literally looking up recipes to try making it at home after writing this blog!
Final Thoughts… If you love West African cuisine or want to try something new, I highly recommend Spice Kitchen Grill. The food is flavorful, authentic, and consistently good. Just order ahead, be prepared for a wait, and get ready to enjoy some seriously good suya!
Until next time, cheers!