✨ Where Bold Tradition Meets Boston’s Future
Taste of Africa is more than a restaurant—it’s a cultural movement and a tech-powered brand redefining West African cuisine in one of America’s most diverse (and underserved) cities. With thousands craving the flavors of home, we’re blending deep heritage with modern systems—and inviting you to shape the future with us.
From Caribbean commuters to Indian students, Middle Eastern workers to local families, our food speaks every language. Bold, wholesome, and rooted in culture, it’s the flavor you didn’t know you were missing—served hot, fresh, and right where Boston moves.
With over 30 years in the industry—including a legacy of 4.5-star customer ratings at Bytes@University Park at MIT—Chef Muhammad brings more than culinary excellence. He brings trust, systems, and a loyal following. Chef Barry leads the charge in crafting food that’s not only unforgettable, but replicable across multiple formats: catering, retail, meal subscriptions, and more.
The 'King of Shawarma' is a Culinary Icon
“This isn’t just about cooking food. It’s about building something that outlives me—a place where culture, community, and excellence come together on every plate. I’ve spent decades perfecting my craft. Now, I want to create a legacy that feeds generations.”
— Chef Muhammad
Robert Novak: The Tech + Marketing Backbone Behind the Taste
While Chef Barry is crafting culinary masterpieces, Robert Novak is orchestrating the systems and storytelling behind the scenes to make sure everything runs like clockwork—and scales like a dream.
With a deep background in tech strategy and growth marketing, Robert is the engine behind our operations—streamlining systems, building customer touchpoints, and keeping our digital presence as flavorful as our food. He ensures Muhammad and the front-of-house team shine, while the gears behind the curtain run smooth, smart, and strong.
“I’m here to build the backend engine that lets Chef Muhammad connect with guests and clients through food and personality. I’m designing scalable systems, marketing that speaks from the soul, and operations that stay calm no matter how hot the kitchen gets.
Muhammad’s a star. I ensure the lights stay on, the stage is set, and the spotlight never flickers. I’m building an invisible infrastructure that’s effortless to the team—and unforgettable to the customer.”
— Robert Novak.
Explore Our Culinary Journey
A Visual Feast: Photos From Our Past
Chef Muhammad’s dishes are a symphony of flavors that transport you straight to West Africa. His attention to detail and passion for authentic cuisine make every meal an unforgettable experience.
What Our Customers Say
Eliza K. from Yelp
Cambridge, MA
This place rules! I had half Yassa chicken and half chicken shwarma and both were amazing. The shwarma chicken has a great flavor, little spicy and perfect. The Yassa has a really good taste too and surrounded by onions, really tasty! Filling and definitely was made fresh. The rice also has all kinds of spices in it and packs a flavor punch. The guys working are really nice, seems I might need to take a trip to Senegal…..
Benny D. from Yelp
Newton, MA
Bytes is one of my favorite places to get lunch. The location is very hidden and The owner is very nice. Very Yummy food too!
Aisha Ahmed
I’ve been a fan of Chef Muhammad for years. His ability to blend traditional recipes with modern techniques is truly remarkable. Taste of Africa is a must-visit for anyone who appreciates great food.