Modest operation specializing in traditional Somali stews, along with Philly steak.
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BULSHO restaurant, 211 W Walton St, Chicago, IL 60610, US
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BULSHO restaurant, formerly known as Bismilahi restaurant, is a cozy eatery located at 211 W Walton St, Chicago. It specializes in traditional Somali stews …
Reviews
Ivana Cheong
Came all the way from Philadelphia for this. I was on business and decided to check it out. The owners are so sweet and explained everything to me. I got a giant plate of food (spicy rice, chicken, and veggies) that I couldn’t possibly finish in one go even though I wanted to keep eating. Definitely worth the trip!
… morenathan anand
Simple place with basic interiors with decent food. Serves Somalian and is very popular with the locals. I liked the food here for breakfast. Had something that resembles a dosa ( crepe ) with a variety of curries for 12$
… moreav y
I had high hopes for BULSHO in Chicago, but unfortunately, it didn’t live up to the expectation. The so-called “traditional” Somali cuisine was far from authentic, with flavors that felt watered down and a lack of the depth you’d expect from the real deal. To make matters worse, the prices are absolutely outrageous for what you get. The portions are small, and for the quality of the food, it’s just not worth it. To top it all off, the restaurant itself was dirty as hell. The floors were sticky, and the tables hadn’t been wiped down properly. It’s clear that cleanliness isn’t a priority here. Overall, a disappointing experience. I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone looking for good Somali food or a pleasant dining environment.
… moreLydia
First time trying Somalian food. A very local and unique restaurant that is cafeteria style.
I enjoyed the food and the bread flatbread was a must add on.
Very friendly service 🙂
… moreI enjoyed the food and the bread flatbread was a must add on.
Very friendly service 🙂
Jasper Rodriguez-Watts
I am reminiscing on my visit here a couple years ago – I don’t live in Chicago and I am not Somali.
I went here with my friend as I was in the neighborhood and wanted to try African food in the city. It is a hole in the wall locals only type of cafeteria. My friend and I were the only non-africans in this busy / crowded restaurant.
I ordered rice, beans, stewed vegetables and bread – I enjoyed my food a good bit but I don’t eat meat so perhaps I didn’t get the full experience.
BUT half way through eating our meal a little ring comes on through an intercom and everyone gets up and goes to this other room – I assume to pray.
Here my friend and I are the only ones in the cafeteria, eating our food in silence, whereas two minutes ago it was very loud. It was just an eye opening example of how collected and community oriented people can be and still are. My friend and I were just about finishing up when everyone comes out of this room and the restaurant becomes loud again. It was probably the most interesting and beautiful experience I’ve had at a restaurant.
I hope this place is around for a long while.
… moreI went here with my friend as I was in the neighborhood and wanted to try African food in the city. It is a hole in the wall locals only type of cafeteria. My friend and I were the only non-africans in this busy / crowded restaurant.
I ordered rice, beans, stewed vegetables and bread – I enjoyed my food a good bit but I don’t eat meat so perhaps I didn’t get the full experience.
BUT half way through eating our meal a little ring comes on through an intercom and everyone gets up and goes to this other room – I assume to pray.
Here my friend and I are the only ones in the cafeteria, eating our food in silence, whereas two minutes ago it was very loud. It was just an eye opening example of how collected and community oriented people can be and still are. My friend and I were just about finishing up when everyone comes out of this room and the restaurant becomes loud again. It was probably the most interesting and beautiful experience I’ve had at a restaurant.
I hope this place is around for a long while.
Omar Ali
Be ready to receive more than you paid for. Amazing food
… moreayderus ayderus
Dirty place
bad food
Not as expected
Not as good as you’d expect from a restaurant
… morebad food
Not as expected
Not as good as you’d expect from a restaurant
Shilo Roberts
I thought I would be adventurous, as I was wandering Chicago in the cold and driving rain, so I stopped in. The place was parked up with Chicago Cabbies, seemed like a Somali hot spot. The establishment is very modest and bare bones. When I entered I was greeted kindly and given time to look over the cafeteria style offerings. One of the gentleman behind the counter recognized my puzzled look and proceeded to kindly show me each offering. Spicy rice, chicken three ways, sliced beef with peppers, a version of spaghetti, and a herbed/seasoned grits-like side i missed the name of. I intended to get just a small meal to warm me on my wanderings. I ended up with a huge platter loaded with spicy rice, grits and what seemed about half a roasted chicken. I paid little over ten bucks and opted out of the city water, a real deal. The food was great but only the hungriest of eaters could finish it all. I loved the spicy rice, it’s the kind of thing I make at home, with lots of pepper flakes and spices. The chicken was also very good, baked quite well and died my fingers with what taste like turmeric, cumin and other goodness. The grits get points as well, with flecks of herbs and seasoning. The establishment had a steady roll of take out and quick Cabbie lunch stops. I would say gently that,I was completely comfortable here, but the appearance and lack of amenities may not be for everyone. That said, pick-up take-out if you’re on the fence, I bet you’ll go back or tell an adventurous foodie friend like me.
… moreNessa Pronta
For the love of food and god, please please please hire a cleaning company as soon as possible. You need a deep cleaning. Please shut your place down for a few hours for 1 day. It will only cost $300-$400 to have this place cleaned. I’m terrified that someone will get sick. Theres so much nonsense here is sad.The dust alone on the walls is sickening. I am extremely baffled. I will remove this once you get this place deep cleaned. Paint the place and put new ceiling tiles, those are quite cheap too. Please someone translate this to the owner and help him. I understand if this place is his livelihood but someone help this business! Someone needs to have a serious conversation with the owners. In fact please get in touch with me if you cant find help and I will offer to help you. This is absolutely unacceptable. You must take action now.
… moreUriel Rosales
The food is always delicious, fresh, and prepared with care. Very generous portions with reasonable prices. The chefs and servers always treat you with respect and do everything to make you feel welcomed and appreciated. They are happy to explain the food options available. The bread is always perfect and fluffy/sweet. Tea (3-4 varieties) is included with your meal. A true hole in the wall with less than stellar interior decoration, a real hidden gem in every way possible. Easily the most unique restaurant in the city with the most heart. I love this place and the people there.
… more