The Jollof BukaInt'l Restaurant & Hookah Lounge
As Featured on WISH-TV Indianapolis

The Jollof Buka

Authentic Nigerian flavors, cooked the way grandma did.

International Restaurant & Hookah Lounge  ·  Indianapolis, IN

Order OnlineOur Story

★★★★ DoorDash  ·  2,000+ ratings  ·  Black-Owned Business

Chef preparing a traditional Nigerian meal with jollof rice and stew

“It's how my grandmother cooked it.”

— Chef Sarah

Our Story

Grandmother's Recipes, Cooked with Love

Chef Sarah opened The Jollof Buka to bring something Indianapolis had never quite tasted before — the deep, layered flavors of Nigerian home cooking. Not a watered-down version. Not a shortcut. The real thing.

Every dish on the menu traces back to her grandmother's kitchen: the way the goat pepper soup simmers low and slow, the way the egusi gets toasted before it hits the pot, the way jollof rice carries its smoky edge. These are not recipes you find in a book — they are passed down, hand to hand, generation to generation.

Alongside extraordinary food, The Jollof Buka offers a full hookah lounge — a place to settle in, linger over great company, and feel at home in Indianapolis's most warmly Nigerian corner.

Featured on WISH-TV

Recognized for bringing Nigerian cultural heritage to Indianapolis — January 2026

Must Try

Dishes Worth the Drive

These are the plates guests come back for — and tell their friends about.

A bowl of rich West African pepper soup with goat meat and herbs
Chef's Signature

Goat Meat Pepper Soup

Chef Sarah's crown jewel. Bone-in goat meat simmered for hours in a broth of uziza, uda, and utazi — warming from the first spoonful.

A generous serving of Nigerian jollof rice with a bright red tomato base
House Classic

Jollof Rice

The iconic West African one-pot: long-grain rice slow-cooked in a smoky, spiced tomato base until every grain is deeply flavored.

Pounded yam served alongside a rich, leafy Nigerian egusi soup
Soul Food

Pounded Yam & Egusi Soup

Silky, cloud-soft pounded yam alongside a hearty egusi soup studded with leafy greens and seasoned with crayfish and palm oil.

“It's how my grandmother cooked it. That is how I'm cooking it for you guys.”

— Chef Sarah, Co-Owner & Lead Chef
Guest Reviews

What People Are Saying

★★★★ on DoorDash2,000+ ratings
★★★★★

“The yam swallow with beef stew is incredible — the beef was so tender. I've been back four times and it gets better every visit.”

Guest Review

DoorDash

★★★★★

“Okra soup and amala done right. Portions are always amazing and the food arrives piping hot. Finally somewhere in Indy doing Nigerian food justice.”

Guest Review

DoorDash

★★★★★

“It has the comfort and nostalgia of a homemade meal. The owner goes above and beyond to make sure every guest feels welcome.”

Guest Review

DoorDash

📺

Featured on WISH-TV

Indianapolis's own WISH-TV spotlighted The Jollof Buka for bringing Nigerian cultural heritage to the city — January 2026.

Hookah Lounge

Stay a While.
You're Among Friends.

After a great meal, the night doesn't have to end. The Jollof Buka's hookah lounge is designed for exactly this — great company, easy conversation, and an atmosphere that wraps around you like a warm welcome.

Whether you're celebrating, catching up, or just winding down, our lounge is your space. Premium hookah, comfortable seating, and the same warm hospitality that defines everything we do.

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Visit Us

Come Hungry. Leave Happy.

Hours

  • Monday12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
  • Tuesday12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
  • Wednesday12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
  • Thursday12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
  • Friday12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
  • Saturday12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
  • Sunday1:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Location

2501 W Washington St
Indianapolis, IN 46222

(317) 384-1575Get Directions in Google Maps

Ready to Order?

Order ahead online for pickup or delivery. Dine-in walk-ins always welcome during business hours.

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