I first tried Ethiopian food in Edinburgh, and there was something about it that instantly made me feel at home. I really enjoyed the flavours back then, so when I moved to London, I wanted to try something different, but not completely unfamiliar. That is when I found myself wanting to experience Ethiopian food again.
I decided to go for lunch instead of dinner. At that time, I was still in my early days of navigating London and was fairly certain I would get lost if I crossed more than three DLR stations. Reaching the restaurant meant taking a DLR and then a bus. The real question was whether the food would be worth the journey. It absolutely was.
First Impressions and Atmosphere
I arrived around 12:30 pm for an early lunch, and the restaurant was fairly quiet with only a handful of people dining in. It felt like the kind of place that truly comes alive in the evening, with packed tables and a lively dinner crowd. During lunch, however, it had a calm and relaxed atmosphere.
What I Ordered
From the menu, I ordered one side and one main.
For the side, I chose Kategna, a freshly baked spicy bread topped with homemade chilli sauce. Although it was spicy, it instantly made me even hungrier. I had to stop myself from finishing it before my main arrived because once you start eating it, it is very hard to stop.
For the main, I opted for a combination platter with chicken and two vegan dishes: Misir Wot and Shiro Wot, made from lentils and chickpeas respectively. Everything was served on top of Injera, which tied the entire meal together.
Food Review
The food was even better than what I remembered from Edinburgh. The chicken was extremely flavourful and mildly spicy, and eating it with Injera was genuinely satisfying. Both vegan dishes stood out in their own way. The Misir Wot had a perfect balance of spices, with the lentils pairing beautifully with the peppery flavours. The Shiro Wot was rich and comforting, with a depth of flavour that complemented the rest of the plate without overpowering it.
This was the kind of meal that stays with you. The flavours are memorable, and it is the sort of food you find yourself craving long after you have finished eating.
Pricing and Service
The total cost of the meal came to around £20, which felt extremely reasonable considering both the quantity and quality of the food. The staff were incredibly kind and took the time to explain each dish before I ordered, which made the experience even more enjoyable and reassuring, especially if you are new to Ethiopian cuisine.
Overall Experience
Overall, I had a wonderful experience and would definitely visit again. Next time, I would bring friends along so they could experience it too. This lunch reminded me why Ethiopian food holds such a special place for me.
I hesitated to travel an hour and a half, but after the food, I knew I would have travelled three without a second thought.
Overall Rating:
Price – ★★★★★ (Higher stars mean better value for money)
Aesthetics– ★★★
Service – ★★★★★
Taste – ★★★★
Experience– ★★★★
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