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Simba's Grill
Category: Restaurants African African [Edit]
825 Denman StreetVancouver, BC V6G 2L7
Neighbourhood: West End
(604) 974-0649
- Hours:
Tue-Sun 4:30 pm - 10:30 pm
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
26 reviews for Simba's Grill
Review Highlights
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"...melts in your mouth and the mango hot sauce is delicious." In 5 reviews -
"Muhogo -- deep fried cassava root." In 4 reviews -
"I also had basmati rice and naan." In 4 reviews
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26 reviews in English
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Review from Dylan P.
Burnaby, BC
8/8/2011
Sorry, doing this on an Iphone and I am simply the worlds worst touch pad typer, so bear with me.
Been a regular at Simbas for about 5 years now, and it remains my very favourite restaurant I have tried in the Lower Mainland.
Now I'll admit, there is a certain level of comfort bias within this review, but rest assured, this place is a mecca of flavor.
Having been a veg for 4 years, I miss the succulent beef ribs, the chicken surwa, and the halibut, but there are a variety of options for both vegetarians and vegans.
I go for the kiyoga, (mushrooms in creamed curry) the spinach, the okra, and the cassava fries. Pair that with naan, one of the finest homemade hot sauces, a delicious coconut chutney, and a Tusker lager and I am in heaven.
Simbas, even the amount of intestinal distress I face each time I over-gorge myself there couldn't keep me away. I am forever yours. -
Review from Chanel B.
Richmond, BC
5/20/2012
Oh my god. If you're up for a fun new dining experience this is the place to do it!
My boyfriend has been wanting to try this one for a while and since we were in the neighbourhood this evening we decided to try it and I am SO GLAD we did. This is a new favourite place of mine for sure. The amount of flavour is amazing!
We shared the Mchaguzi wa Chef (Chef Simba's special for two) which is essentially a mountain of delicious meat. There's 2 beef sort of kebab/sausage hybrids, 2 lamb kebabs, and probably 2 sliced up chicken breasts on top of rice and vegetables which spinich curry and naan. The chicken is flame grilled and delicious, spiced but not spicy. The beef had some kick and was beautifully flavourful. The lamb was amazing, very spicy for me (but my spicy-food tolerance is much lower than most) but really good and much easier for my tongue to handle when combined with the lovely coconut/lime/mint dip or yogurt dip at the table. The spinich curry is to die for! It's impeccably spiced but not spicy in the slightest; if you don't like spinich this will turn you into a fan, it did for me. I also ordered fries as a safe side in case things got too spicy for me, but the chef and owner came back to me and said he had changed it to an order of fried cassava root and that I should try something different. I was hesitant but boy am I ever glad he changed it, I have a new favourite fried food. It looks a lot like thick cut potato fries but it's a bit sweet and a perfect palate cleanser. We were looking forward to trying the mango cheesecake but unfortunately were way too stuffed from the shared meal. Can't wait to come back and try something else new!
Service was great and very attentive, my water glass was never less than half empty! The chef and owner gave us his recommendations, took our order, checked in with us during the meal and held the doors for many of the customers coming and going when he wasn't too busy looking after everyone else in his restaraunt. He and the rest of his staff were very friendly and inviting. I will definitely be back. :) -
Review from Jeff S.
Vancouver, BC
4/1/2012
After walking by this place about 2,000 times, I finally tried it, and I was quite pleased.
I had the Mchaguzi wa Chef, which is a carnivore's delight and would certainly recommend it. -
Review from Robert H.
Vancouver, BC
3/6/2012
I went here with my GF, we had the "Mchaguzi wa Chef" (for two) which was based on the recommendations of Kurshid himself (The owner). How could I say no? All of it was new to me and I was not disappointed. Everything was full of flavor, every taste bud took a turn in savoring each tasty morsel. They had a live singer there whose voice was amazing and I was only too glad to participate when she asked for volunteers to sing a few words of the chorus. lol Lot's of fun (I was born ready). I thought the tables were a little cramped and I was pumping into the chair behind me. But the environment was so friendly no one seem disturbed by it and once the food entered your mouth your surroundings disappeared. It was awesomeness on a plate. The mango hot sauce was HOT and Delicious, I meant to see if I could buy a jar before I left, I will definitely go back. Thanks all, Group Hug!
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Review from Kez M.
Vancouver, BC
10/19/2011
After walking by several times and reading the glowing reviews, my partner and I just had to try this place. We got a nice seat by the window, and the place was pretty much empty with only 4 other tables seated. Considering how quiet it was, the service wasn't that great, but it could have been because we were seated in the corner so maybe our waitress couldn't see us too well.
The food was pretty meh too, we got the pigeon peas and chicken coconut curry. Both dishes were pretty bland on their own, but they did come with a ton of different hot sauces and other condiments. Each entree cost around $14, but rice and naan had to be ordered separately, which is a bit steep. I guess I would go back to try the kebabs which people said were good, but the curry was just okay. -
Review from Joe M.
8/24/2011
My family and I just had a delicious, huge meal at Simba's. We had juicy, marinaded beef skewers, tender chicken in a spicy cream sauce, and a delectable spinach curry. The food was spicy, and the portions were huge. This is not a place to go for a small snack.
We are visiting from the SF Bay Area, and it was great to find some interesting food here in Vancouver. -
Review from Emma L.
1/26/2011
We were wandering down Denman looking for a late dinner last night, and Simba's called to us (mostly because it was open until 10:30, while the adjacent restaurants closed at 9:30 or 10). My friend said it was Kenyan food with an Indian influence, and you can definitely taste the Indian influence.
There were 6 of us, and after sitting down we were taking forever to decide on food. The proprietor came over and offered help, suggesting 3 meat curries and 2 veggie curries with rice and naan, as well as some cassava to start. Sold! Trying to make decisions with 6 people is brutal, so I appreciated the help.
What we got:
Muhogo -- deep fried cassava root. Like french fries, just made out of cassava. They went well with the tamarind sauce and the mango hot sauce.
Mbinda - okra/lady fingers in a tomato-y curry. I'm not a big okra fan, so I can't really judge, but this was the last curry for us to finish eating. Eh.
Kiyoga -- mushrooms in a creamy curry. Delicious, probably due to all the cream.
Chicken Surwa -- chicken in the same creamy sauce. Also delicious.
Muchuzi with goat -- goat in a "special blend of house spices". Yum yum and yum. Just beware of the bones!
Machicha Masala with lamb -- I love lamb, and this was great. Tomato-y curry with spinach.
When we ordered, we had said we all like spice, so the proprietor said he'd make them medium spicy and bring out hot sauces. The curries were good, but they were definitely not spicy at all. I'd up the spice level next time for sure. The hot sauces helped.
We managed to eat everything on the table and were perfectly stuffed when we left. All that food came to just over $100 (plus tip), which is perfectly reasonable split 6 ways.
Next time I come I'd like to try the barbecued stuff. -
Review from Raza M.
11/26/2010
Simba's Grill has a special place in my heart, as this is where I had my very first meal in Vancouver. My friends took me to Simba's straight from the airport, which also makes it the first place I visited, back in October 2008. And I'm in love with this place ever since.
As for the food, I just love it, but my friends have a love-hate relation with Simba's. Some absolutely love it, and this was the place to go after Thursday night soccer. Others just hate it, they won't even consider Simba's when looking for a place to eat.
Its basically African fusion, which means a lot of meat: Mouthwatering BBQ and delicious meat curries. Hands up, its African food, therefore not a lot of vegetarian options. If you don't know what to order chef special platter for 2 is your safest best. I personally recommend Machicha Masala (spinach cooked in tomato curry) - Kondoo (Lamb). Other options are Kuku Choma (barbecued chicken tenders), Mishkaki (skewers of beef cubes marinated and barbecued) and Simba's Chicken (full Cornish game hen deep-fried tossed in pili pili sauce).
The place has a warm and welcoming feeling. The owner and who is also the head chef is a very nice person, and loves to stop by the guests, most of which he recognizes after first few visits. You will often find him sitting with the regulars at Simba's. -
Review from Novaira M.
Vancouver, BC
12/13/2010
The menu looks very Indian, except for a few "african fusion" touches here and there, and in the end it ended up being not too great at either of those cuisines. I had the biryani - which at about $21/plate is little steep ! They cooked it with boneless chicken meat - which is a lazy way of making biryani and definitely disappointing. The spices were ok, but a little inconsistent.
For appetizers, I tried the chicken wings, they were alright, not enough meat on them and the sauce again, was very inconsistent.
overall, I was disappointed in Simbas. I had heard good things about it and maybe had set my expectations too high. The food is pricy for its quality and taste. You can get much better food at some Indian/Pakistani restaurant in Surrey or Richmond - for half the price. I won't be returning anytime soon.
For those who care - the meat here is halal (but only the chicken). -
Review from Dan J.
Vancouver, BC
11/27/2010 1 Check-in Here
My girlfriend and I were hungry and trying to come to a consensus on what type of food to eat. No shortage of choices on this particular block. Chinese, Japanese, Mexican, Italian, Ukrainian. I said "look -it's the UN of restaurants over here!" Michelle rolled her eyes.
I am confused by the idea of "African" food. Africa is a continent. I was there. I checked. How can a continent as large & diverse as Africa be lumped into one type of food category? It's like saying "European" food.
I ordered the Chicken Surwa with saffron & coriander rice. A curried sauce similar to Butter Chicken. Very flavorful and rich. Not too spicy. Tasted more Indian than African though. The waiter said my dish came from Kenya. I said "Wow. It didn't take very long to get to here." He looked puzzled. Michelle rolled her eyes.
Michelle ordered the Kondoo (lamb) Machicha Masala with Naan. A spinach tomato curry dish. Also quite rich and very flavourful. The marinated lamb was moist and tender. The condiments are intriguing. Yogurt, coconut spread & some spicy tamarind sauce. (Don't dip your teaspoon into the tamarind sauce and take big sip or, when you start choking, your girlfriend might roll her eyes at you.)
Generous portions. Good service. We left satisfied, full and even more confused as to what "African" food is. -
Review from Lori Y.
Vancouver, BC
8/29/2011
Great food, huge portions, friendly staff. The BBQ chicken melts in your mouth and the mango hot sauce is delicious! We will go back.
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Review from Jihad S.
9/2/2011
What a lovely little place. Perfect balance of spice (heat & flavor). Had a tasting of numerous dishes but the Halibut, Ostrich and Lamb where the highlights... Well I was also a sucker for the cheesecake in mango sauce.
Go with friends, share and try a variety of things, you will not be disappointed. -
Review from Namit M.
3/31/2010
Struggled with a dining decision the other night. Plucked a coupon from the Entertainment Book and off we went to the next door Simba.
The restaurant is a cozy neighbourhood type place. Interesting to see young Japanese waitresses in African garb.
Although the menu was extensive - and the Biryani was very enticing - settled for the dinner platter for two.
Got the Mango Lassi and it was extremely thick and will pass next time.
The platter arrived and was large and plentiful. The lamb chops and the chicken were good. The beef skewer, though spicy was excellent. The mince kebabs were good too. Our favourite was the spinach dish. All in all a good meal.
We ended up with a Ras Malai - Indian doughnuts with sweet milk - and they were as good as any I have had outside of India.
Will definitely recommend - however, the food maybe a little on the spicy side for some. The mango sauce is a good case in point.
Service was friendly and good. -
Review from Kas D.
Vancouver, BC
4/12/2011
I tried this place a couple months ago and was very pleasantly surprised. The husband and I ordered some sort of chef's special meant for 2 people. Well, it could have easily fed 3-4 people and was absolutely delicious. There was prawn and beef (very spicy) and possibly the very best chicken I have ever tasted in my entire life. There was salad and rice and some sort of delicious gooey spinach-type mixture. The proprietor was extremely helpful offering suggestions when were were looking over the menu. We ended our meal with some mango cheesecake and it was tasty. The price was great, the food was delicious, and it was really nice to try something a little different. I would definitely recommend it for anyone wanting to experience African fusion food.
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Review from Greg G.
8/12/2010
Although the day I was there they had a special on kangaroo, I opted for the goat curry. I also had basmati rice and naan. Everything was great! The curry sauce was dark, spicy, and very flavorful. They also provided two house-made hot sauces. I'm a bit of a hot sauce snob, so you should believe me when I say their piri-piri pepper sauce was fantastic. It wasn't screeching hot, but still packed a kick and had great flavor.
Also worth noting was their very friendly staff. When we first arrived, a friendly man who I believe was the chef and/or owner greeted us and offered to answer any questions we had.
The tables by the window are a little cramped, but other than that small gripe, Simba's is great! -
Review from Per J.
3/30/2010 1 Check-in Here
Excellent food, ambience and staff.
Make sure you do not miss this one of you are in Vancouver. -
Review from Thu N.
4/19/2010
I've walked past Simba's so many times and ate at it's neighbor Zakkushi countless times too. I looked it up on Yelp the other day and saw some relatively good ratings so we decided to check it out!
Honestly the menu looked like Indian/Malaysian/Thai food and the waitresses are also Asian! I thought this was going to be African cuisine? :) Alright, I didn't know what to order so we got the special platter for two ($40) which was definitely worth it and could have been for 3 or 4 people!!
The platter came with plenty of skewers of chicken, pork, and goat and shrimps. There was also a spinach curry and plenty of rice and naan. Everything was prepared well and the seasoning and spices were perfect.
Again...is this really African?!?
Alright ok what did make it different from an Indian restaurant are the sauces! I love spicy so this definitely hit the spot. Yum there was a mango jalapeno hot sauce, and a yogurt based sauce that I really liked!
Not knowing anything about African food - I'm skeptical that this is African cuisine! Please correct me if I'm wrong. The restaurant had a nice vibe and I had a good time. We had plenty of left overs to pack home too so the value was alright except I can't help but think $40 would go much further in an Indian restaurant if you wanted the same food. -
Review from Rehman A.
Vancouver, BC
3/7/2010 25 Check-ins Here
If you like tasty kababs with mango jalapeno sauce, then this is the place to go.
I frequent Simba's at least once a month. Sundays are my favorite as they have a live singer of traditional indian ballads. They are always busy on the weekend, yet surprisingly not from people who support their kind of food; this place is filled with a diversity a cultures! I was honored on one occasion to have Mr Simba sit with us while enjoying a beer and talking about his home life back in Africa.
My favourite dishes are Chicken Bryani, Lamb Kebab, Jungle Ribs, Lamb Mushkaki. If you can't decide, they also have a mixed platter for two which includes a bit of everything on the menu. I have to also give a shout out to Simba's staff who work very hard and are very good at what they do. -
Review from Doug M.
8/23/2010
When I have my goat, I like it to be fall off the bone tender and well seasoned - ;). The spices here are excellent and I loved the basmati rice. It's a cozy, friendy spot on Denman. I did have the goat, and enjoyed it, but looked around and saw many other dishes I'd like to try.
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Review from Gino B.
Vancouver, BC
10/30/2010 1 Check-in Here
I quickly became a regular at this African fusion joint where the owner shmoozes with every patron and remembers you by the second visit. Flawless execution on the BBQ grill: kebabs; sirloin beef, giant prawns, real full breast of chicken grilled to perfection; tasty curries and an unbelievably non greasy cassava root fries 'muhogo'. The chef special for two ($40) will give you a huge BBQ sampler (lamb chops, sirloin beef kebabs and chicken breast) with rice, salad and a vegetable dish. Get the amazing chicken drummets (wings pilipili $9.95) and bbq'd beef ribs ($9.95) for a memorable start to a safari meal; Don't expect extensive wine lists and martinis, they have the basics without the fancy shmancy brands and glasses, this is a place for a bbq experience not lounge and martinis... I hear lions roaring on the stereos; mmm!
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Review from Brad H.
Vancouver, BC
6/21/2010
My gf and I absolutley love this place! Their curries are to die for (especially the chicken surwa). The staff is friendly and the owner is always there to make sure everything runs smoothly. It's not the cheapest place to eat, but well worth the money.
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Review from Terry A.
Vancouver, BC
5/28/2010
There are so many things to love here, unfortunately I keep ordering the same favorites again and again because they are so tasty so my experience is somewhat limited despite having been here many times.
The decor is MUCH improved by the simple renovations that have been done, it was too miss--matched before.
The platter for 2 is always fantastic although I have yet to have the prawn skewers cooked properly. They are always WAY overdone, and have the texture of rubber. Aside from that everything else on the plate is fantastic.
The cassava chips are a nice change from fries, and the chicken livers are very tasty. The rice is wonderful, I love rice with cardamom in it, it's so fragrant.
My girlfriend and I both love spicy food and really enjoy the condiment tray that comes out with every order. Mixing the flavors to your own personal taste. I especially love mixing hot sauce with the coconut chutney.
The mango lassis are always delicious, as is the chai tea.
Make sure you save room for the Mango Cheesecake with pistachios. It's pretty typical cheesecake, topped with a purchased sauce but it ends the meal nicely nonetheless.
If you have allergies or special requests, good luck. The mostly japanese staff often have VERY limited english skills. They will usually have to go get the owner. Seems like a hassle sometimes. I still give it 4 stars though. Despite obvious language barriers, the staff is incredibly nice, and efficient. -
Review from B R.
Vancouver, BC
8/18/2010
Maybe it was because we asked the owner for a "selection" of items, but we found the food here to be of poor quality. Tough, dry meats, and uninteresting side dishes. Very pricey to boot. The owner was very friendly, but we won't be returning.
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Review from Andy K.
Vancouver, BC
8/12/2010
I enjoyed this restaurant. It's been a while since i was there and I can't remember exactly what the name of the dish was that I had (chicken and rice with a very tasty sauce) but it was very good. The owner? was my waiter and he was quite an honest fellow as I was originally going to order two dishes as I was very hungry; he politely convinced me the serving size of the dish I ordered would be more than generous... and he was right about that. A large serving and very nicely done. What really blew me away was the desert; it was expensive ($6.00 +/-) but it was one of the best cheesecake's I've ever had (and I've sampled many from all over). This is not an inexpensive place, but I felt it was worth the price and I recommend you try it out :-)
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Review from Yung C.
4/30/2011
Simba's is pricey and charges for rice, but I didn't remember any of that until I read the Yelp reviews. All I remember is the okra stew, and I've thought about it at least twice a month since I visited Vancouver in December 2009.
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Review from june Y.
8/30/2010
i was glad this place's still around since i left town a couple of years ago. i went back for the mashed-potato-like dish they have--i think it's called "Ugali" and it's made from corn, meant to be eaten with the main dishes-- it's as good as i remembered it!
