Mama Calabar

I must admit that its not easy to run an african restaurant in the Uk. Almost every item, including vegetables are imported all the way from Africa. For me, Mama Calabar is home away from home. I was pleased to see a wide variety of Nigerian dishes on the menu and I applaud the owners of the restaurant for this. About delay, I don't really expect food to be served like magic (especially when I've not ordered over the phone). If I need a quick service, I placed my order over the phone, at least 30 mins before I arrive or go for the buffet during the weekends.
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Ayo
9 Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9
Friday, March 05, 2010

the average price for food at mama calabar is not £25, it depend on what you are buying. for average people like me or student if you have £15 to £18 you will enjoy yourself.
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wale
8 Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9
Wednesday, March 03, 2010

I went to the restaurant this weekend, the food is excellent. Having read some of the comments, I think that the buffet is intended for all tastes and therefore should not be over seasoned. If you want your food to be cooked in a way that is exclusive to your taste there is also an option of ordering from the menu.
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9 Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9
Monday, March 01, 2010

I have been to Mama Calabar twice in February 2010: for the eat as much as you can buffet (£15.00), and also eating off the menu. Both times the service was excellent. I certainly did not wait long for my food to arrive so have no idea what the complainers are talking about. The food at all times was delicious! I doubt that any Nigerian who complains about the food truly eats any better at home. I don't like chilli hot dishes and this restaurant caters well for those like me as well as for those that like their food hot hot.

Mama Calabar is also well priced, so it keeps away the general riff-raff, so those of us who want to enjoy a pleasant and civilised atmosphere have no fear that the more "peasant like" folks will be there to spoil the atmosphere.

I don't even live in London and it takes me over 2 hours by public transport to get to Mama Calabar's but I will definitely be attending often. My non-Nigerian friends also enjoyed the experience. For the more mature and thinking Nigerian, I would encourage you to patronise this restaurant. It not only provides tasty food, but provides jobs for Nigerians/Africans. Let's stop giving all our money away to restaurants of other nations, and think of our own folks too. Is it not time that we began to develop a community spirit, just like other races have managed to do?

I look forward to finding out what Mama Calabar will be putting on for Nigeria's 50th Independence Anniversary, as I will be there celebrating with friends!

In this 2010 I wish a happy 50th Anniversary to all (patriotic) Nigerians!
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Ndidi
10 Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 9
Saturday, February 27, 2010

I have been to Mama's Calabar's on numerous occasions. If you want to eat in this restaurant be prepared for at least a 50 minute wait for your food. I had to wait that long just for my starter even though the restaurant was almost empty. After I had finished my starter I had a 15 minutes wait for my main which isn't bad, but by that time I was starving. When the food came it was delicious but its not worth the price you are paying especially with the long waiting time.

I have also been to the Sunday buffet which is honestly 'disgusting'- its a disgrace that they actually charge £15 per head. There is a small selection of food and no desserts. I know Africans aren't big on desserts but would a fruit salad be such an effort! The meat used in the stew and egusi was obviously really tough.
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4 Overall rating
Food 6 | Service 3 | Atmosphere 5 | Value for money 3
Wednesday, February 03, 2010

The atmosphere and other things are O K but the standard of food has fallen badly. A friend came with some guests in the last week of January 2010 and informed me of her dissatsfaction. I came on Friday 29/1/2010 at 5pm. The soup served to me was tasteless. The meat,cowfoot etc were straight from the freezer--not properly heated. I complained, the lady server took the plates away and when it came back it was unsatisfactory.

Food at Mama Calabar used to be better. For God's sake keep up the standard as we regard your restaurant as the flagship of Nigerian Restaurants in the UK.
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B A T HABIB
6 Overall rating
Food 3 | Service 6 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 6
Monday, February 01, 2010

i have been to mama calabar several times and i must say that its a very nice place its not easy running a restaurant speaking from experience.and i give kudos to the management and would tell them to put in more efforts causr they make me proud being african.
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karen - View all reviews by this user
8 Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 6 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9
Friday, November 13, 2009

We are from out of town (US) and had been directed to "Mama Calabar". The service truly sucks!! Waiters just roam around without a sense of direction. Orders are not taken on time, orders are mixed up and you practically have to beg for your check!!!!

No one seem to be in charge.

Even with a reservation, you are treated like you walked off the streets and looking for handouts. Jeezz!!

I give this establishment a 1 out of 5 rating.
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2 Overall rating
Food 2 | Service 1 | Atmosphere 4 | Value for money 1
Friday, July 03, 2009

Just got home from Mama Calabar for a friends birthday dinner!!! A great experience and good food! Loved the friday night atmosphere! Will definately be coming again!
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shauna
8 Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 6 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 8
Saturday, May 16, 2009

i have been to MAMA CALABAR on several occasions and i must say the atmosphere was really fantastic, though i would not give the food a 5star rating: i would definitely say its a nice place with a condusive environment to go and hangout with friends and family. I think the cooks at MAMA CALABAR should put in more effort in preparing meals and cut down the waiting time for food to be served...Overall rating from me on the food, services, and price of the meal would average 70%---
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EMEAGWALI.C
8 Overall rating
Food 6 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 7
Sunday, April 26, 2009