Platinum Amala — Restaurant in Silver Spring

I wouldn’t have written this review if it weren’t for the way I was treated at the restaurant.

I placed my order through the app and was given a pickup time about 40 minutes later. I arrived just after the 40 minute mark and was initially told it would be “10 more minutes.” Okay, no problem. I ended up sitting and waiting over 45 additional minutes on top of the original 40 and during that time, I had to go to the counter myself to follow up. No acknowledgement of the time/wait, nothing. That wasnt even my main issue.

What pushed me to write this was the way I was treated at the counter. When I first walked up, all three staff behind the counter looked at me and deliberately ignored me. I had to make a point of getting someone’s attention. Didn't receive a greeting back. A few minutes later, a white man and a white woman walked up to the same counter, and the same woman who ignored me and didnt greet me suddenly lit up and rushed to assist them and remembered how to greet. "Hi sir. How are you?" Even making jokes.

Now to the food: not good. Just heat with no flavor. I paid extra for goat meat and got something I couldn’t even finish. I essentially tossed everything except the fufu.

This wasn’t my first experience. I’d ordered delivery once before (chicken and jollof rice) and that wasn’t good either, but I wanted to give them...

Platinum Amala - Solaire Social is hands down the best West African/Nigerian restaurant I’ve been to in the Silver Spring area—and I’ve lived here for about five years! The food is truly authentic, bursting with rich flavors that instantly remind me of home. From the perfectly prepared Amala to the flavorful Jollof Rice and Suya, every dish is a masterpiece.

Beyond the amazing food, the restaurant is spotless, and the service is top-notch. The staff is welcoming, attentive, and ensures you have a great dining experience. I was absolutely wowed by everything I tried. If you're looking for real, authentic Nigerian food in the DMV area, this is the place to go....

I ordered egusi from the silver spring location, but when I got home, I realized they gave me efọ riro instead. That was disappointing enough, but what really disgusted me was what I saw while waiting. The lady with short hair used her finger to scoop stew off the serving spoon and licked it, then went right back to handling customer food. It was honestly so gross and completely unhygienic. Watching someone put their finger in their mouth, saliva and all... and continue touching food made me lose all trust in how this restaurant...