HOMEWOOD AFRICAN FOOD FACTORY & GRILL — Restaurant in Thornton Township

My companion and I ventured into African Food Factory on a relaxed Saturday at 4 pm. The place wasn't bustling, which set a nice, cozy mood. But don't be in a rush; the kitchen takes its time to prepare your meal.

The menu wasn't overflowing, just about 10 items, but they were all unfamiliar to us. A quick online search helped, but the young lady at the counter was the real guide. She helped us navigate through the options, and even though we didn't snap any photos, let me assure you the food was delicious.

My companion chose the egusi with whitefish and amala, while I went for the beef stew with rice. The counter attendant suggested I add a side of pounded yam, traditionally paired with my friend's dish. It turned out to be a winner, adding an extra layer of yum to the spicy stew. The meat and fish were a bit on the tough side, but they made up for it in flavor.

There weren't any utensils, but eating with our hands made the meal feel more authentic. Budget-wise, it's not the cheapest place around, but the portions are generous enough for leftovers.

Navigating to the restroom was a small adventure, and one stall lacked a lock—something for the building manager to look into.

African Food Factory has its quirks but is loaded with potential. Whether you're new to African cuisine or a longtime fan, it's a spot worth your time. You're likely to walk away...

So I’m not African but I like egusi. So I tried ordering from the newly opened restaurant. Nasty. Bowl of seeds.

No prices on the nicely printed post card menu. I ordered a Small lil bowl of jolloff rice. Egusi. 24.00. Ok fine.

I give it a second try a week later. Still no prices. Bowl of seeds scoop of spinach and palm oil. Even smaller portion. Same 20 bucks minus the jolloff. But …..I see the Africans order. Big huge plates. Plenty food. 45 bucks in 2 weeks barely an adult portion of food. Am I ordering wrong??

I’m just not African. They trying to pull it with the no prices and small little stingy stankin portions. I guess he charge as he see fit. Typing in the total so quickly. No eye contact. Annoyed with my non African face. The owner said prices will come in a week. I bet that’s a balled face major lie. Why so difficult to price and pre portion the food for understanding. Scamming. That’s why.

All these typed up angry messages about refunds or exchanges all over the register. But no prices.

I’m coo. Keep y’all lil stankin over priced organ meat. Never 👎🏽 again. Shame on y’all. Scamming non African people. Scamming Homewood. Loud as tv. Non pleasant staff. You notice a non African and ignore them. Non welcoming. Ugh.

Y’all know YouTube put egusi viral so you scamming people. Nasty. ...

I ordered on Postmates this past week as I've wanted to try fu fu and egusi for so long. My car has broken down, school and work is heavy, and my birthday is at the end of the week so I treated myself to a $30 charge to try this dish. Fu fu wasn't on the post mates (and still isn't by the way.) so I added it into the special notes. My driver was wonderful drops it off no problems, but there is one piece of beef that I payed 5.99 for, and there is no fu fu. When trying to call the store same day they dodged my calls. When I finally got through to them they said they would take my name and number down for the manager to call me when they come in later that day. I am writing this on Wednesday, I called back because I still haven't heard from them. The lady on the phone immediately shuts me down once I get my story out saying fufu is always on the website and basically that my special request saying "I would pay if they could add it, there was just no option for it" means nothing. When I just said okay she says "but yeah sorry about that". SUPER disappointing experience, I understand mistakes happen but the dodging, misdirecting, and shutting down is what's unacceptable. Paid $35 for a $10 meal and still didn't get exactly what I ordered and nothing was offered to be...