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Welcome to Dur Dur Cafe Tea

At Dur Dur Cafe Tea, we celebrate the rich flavors of Somali cuisine in a cozy, unassuming setting. Nestled in Seattle, our cafe is a hidden gem, offering hearty dishes like Goat Rice and Chicken Rice that are both flavorful and satisfying. Our signature Chai Tea, a creamy and aromatic blend of spices, is a must-try that keeps patrons returning for more. With convenient takeout, delivery options, and a welcoming atmosphere ideal for families and groups, we strive to create an inviting dining experience. Whether you're a newcomer to Somali food or a regular, Dur Dur is the perfect place to indulge and unwind.

Dur Dur Cafe Tea: Reviews & Ratings

Mustafe N.
Mustafe N.

attention all DurDur cafe customers we are sorry for the inconvenience we will be closed temporarily die to the re-construction of the building. As the re-location process is taking place,the cafe will be closed thank you for your patience.

Marcus L.
Marcus L.

Worth it for the chai alone. Great food and minimal, yet respectable service. Great option for a takeout spot.

Zach S.
Zach S.

Dur Dur Cqfe is absolutely fantastic! A great late night option with friendly people, huge portion sizes and tasty food! The only thing I wish they had was some sort of sauce to go on the plates but honestly it's still well worth the try!

Louise F.
Louise F.

Wow this was pretty different for me. It was pretty late at night so we were really hunting for anything that was open - enter during the duration of the. This place is one of those that are so completely under the radar of social media. I'm surprised yelp even knows about it. Its definitely not one of those places I've had recommended to me in Instagram (but it should be). This place opens late into the night but can be hard to pick out from it's small exterior. Inside, there's 4 rickety tables placed in a large room with harsh lighting that looks like it hasn't changed in a solid half century. There's a constant stream of people going in and out. Clearly they have a lot of regulars who know the drill. We were the only ones eating in. There wasn't a menu. I think most of the people coming here know exactly what it was they want for get. We got their chicken rice and goat rice. Huge heaping pile of fragrant meat over fragrant rice. Super hearty meal and I imagine it's homey food too, although I've never had Somalian before this. And their chai is unbelievable. The spices come together in a beautiful blend and it's so creamy and sweet too. And service was so friendly. Would definitely come back again, probably for take out like everyone else

Aayushi B.
Aayushi B.

Loved the food. First time trying Somali food, found this gem on a random Thursday - no wait rather we were the only ones at 10pm. We had Goat Rice and Chai: both were superb. Best in town and it is really a hole in the wall. Look for the red door opposite the gas station.

Jack H.
Jack H.

Look for the red door on the corner. I had the goat with rice. I'm not a huge fan of goat after having it many times in Crown Heights when I was younger, but this place did it up nice with just the right amount of spice and it wasn't overly fatty. The greens and rice were basic but paired well with the meat. Portions were fair. Taking a star off because the service was mediocre and the food, while solid, wasn't mind blowing at $18/plate. All in all it's a place worth trying and I will be back to get more goat and try the chai.

Nainy A.
Nainy A.

I ordered goat with rice and noodles/pasta. The goat was juicy and flavorful. Rice and noodles were rightly cooked. They added small portion of greens too. Food was freshly prepared and was quick too. They don't have a fancy ambiance but their food is great. While making payments the owner confirmed if I took tea and removed the added charge. This is a symbol of great service. Also for $18.5 meal it was twice the serving. Must try: goat meat

Jeff A.
Jeff A.

Delicious food. And the people, including the other patrons, are kind, hard working, and respectful. What's not to like?

Kyle W.
Kyle W.

This is a true hole-in-the-wall place! It can be very intimidating to come here at first but the experience is well worth it, and this review highlights how to best enjoy this place! The entrance door is like a residential door so I had to think twice before turning the knob, but you're in the right spot. The interior reminds me of the dining area of a church: simple, economical, and general ambience that entices a nice conversation with friends. Once you enter, you will be greeted and you get seated. THERE IS NO MENU, but there are 2 types of meat and 2 types of carbs to choose from: chicken or goat, with rice or pasta. We got each type of meat and carbs for the variety, and I personally got a cup of chai. With the order, we got bananas as well as a sauce that you don't really need to use as the dishes are already very flavorful. They cook it to the portion sizes based on number of people in your party, so our portions here are huge as we are a party of 5. Chicken with rice: chicken is cooked fairly well and it's not too dry. Rice is quite flavorful in itself and pairs well with the chicken. Goat with pasta: the goat is quite fresh and it wasn't too difficult to take off the meat. It's seasoned with some amazing Somali spices, which propagated through the pasta. Unlike previous reviews, the pasta is quite flavorful. Chai: For ($2?) you get some freshly made chai that is quite sweet but very strong. It pairs amazingly with the food that you shouldn't really cheap out and skip on it. The price is so good especially since a lot of coffee places charge at least $5 for a cup before tax and tip. Because there's no menu, we don't really know prices. We kind of estimated how much it was, as the total was $62, so each large dish was $30 and chai was $2. This is an amazing price as there was a lot of good food at less than $15 per person including tip. I'm so surprised that this place hasn't received much love and attention online, with under 50 reviews still with reviews dating back many years ago, but I'm very certain they are doing well, catering to a lot of locals in the Central District.

Michelle C.
Michelle C.

Sometimes the best finds are when you least expect it. My friend suggested checking out Dur Dur Café, seeing as we've both never have had Somali cuisine before. Although I was a little skeptical at first, my friend and I ended up having a great meal. As others have mentioned, Dur Dur Cafe definitely has that hole-in-the-wall, slightly iffy vibe. Once you walk in, you'll notice right away that it's not the most modern or clean venue. While it was fairly empty when we came around 5:30PM, there was a good number of folks taking orders to-go. We even saw one person swing by just to fill his travel mug with chai ($2 per cup). Dur Dur doesn't have a formal menu - you essentially "make your own" entrée by choosing one of their meat options (ex. Chicken, goat, etc.) and a grain option (rice or pasta). Since it was our first time there, my friend and I decided to go for the: -Chicken & Rice - Yum! This was probably our favorite combo of the night. The rice was well-seasoned and paired nicely with the chicken. -Goat & Pasta - It was my first time trying goat, so I didn't really know what to expect. I thought the goat was pretty flavorful, but my friend mentioned that the texture was a bit too chewy for her. The pasta was a little disappointing - I found it to be very bland. :( I think I would stick with just rice the next time. The vibe of the café is definitely low-key - our server, while being friendly, only checked in on us once while bringing us water. Also, be sure to bring cash when you visit because they don't accept cards! I don't venture over to the Central District that often, but I'm more inclined to with the discovery of unique, little spots like Dur Dur Cafe. :)

Location

Welcome to the hidden culinary gem that is Dur Dur Cafe Tea, located in the vibrant heart of Seattle at 2212 E Cherry St. This Somali café promises an authentic dining experience with a cozy, unpretentious atmosphere that invites you to relax and enjoy the flavors of traditional Somali cuisine.

At Dur Dur Cafe, the menu is a delightful exploration of hearty dishes that transport you straight to the streets of Somalia. Here, you can savor a variety of offerings like the Beef Rice for $15, Chicken Rice for $16, and their renowned Goat Rice at $17. Each plate is generously piled high with fragrant meats and comforting rice, making every meal feel like a warm hug. For those craving something lighter, the Chicken Sandwich and Chicken Pasta offer delightful alternatives at $9 and $16, respectively.

  • Chai Tea: A must-try, this beverage delights the palate with its rich and creamy blend of spices for just $3.
  • Takeout and Delivery: Perfect for those on the go, Dur Dur Cafe Tea makes it easy to enjoy their incredible dishes from the comfort of your home.
  • Outdoor Seating: Enjoy your meal al fresco, soaking in the Seattle ambiance.

Beyond the food, what truly sets Dur Dur Cafe apart is its welcoming atmosphere. It’s a place where friendly faces greet you, making you feel like a valued guest in their home. Despite its simplicity—with just a few rickety tables and unassuming decor—the café buzzes with a sense of community and connection. As one customer aptly put it, “the chai is worth it alone,” highlighting the café's knack for creating memorable moments over hearty meals.

Although the café temporarily closed for renovations, don’t let that deter you from keeping an eye on this must-visit spot. Once they reopen, prepare to dive into an experience that treats your taste buds to a tapestry of flavors, while the charming service ensures you leave with a smile on your face. In a city brimming with dining options, Dur Dur Cafe Tea stands out as an undiscovered treasure waiting to be explored.

So why not make plans to visit? Bring your friends and family to enjoy the cozy environment, indulge in the robust flavors of Somali cuisine, and don’t forget to sip on a cup of their exquisite chai. This is more than just a meal—it’s a journey through culture, warmth, and the beauty of shared experiences.