Best Ethiopian Food NYC: 10 Best Foods & Restaurants

The Best Ethiopian Food NYC is located in the heart of New York City, Manhattan. It is a family-owned business that has been serving customers since 1992.

The restaurant specializes in authentic Ethiopian dishes like Doro Wat (chicken stew), Yebeg Wot (lamb stew), and Kitfo (raw beef). But don’t worry if you can’t handle spicy foods because there are also options such as Injera. Lentil Soup with or without meat, and Shiro Wot to choose from!

Best Ethiopian Food
Best Ethiopian Food

10 Best Ethiopian Foods in New York City

Ethiopian cuisine is full of packed flavors, spices, and textures. The food has a low-fat content, which makes it popular among health-conscious diners as well! People who are following the keto diet often love Ethiopian dishes for their lack of carbohydrates. Luckily for us New Yorkers, there’s no shortage of incredible eateries to choose from.

So, where can you chow down on the best Ethiopian food in New York City? Check out our list of top ten favorites below.

1. Injera:

The Ethiopian bread is traditionally made from teff flour, and it’s a staple at every meal. Typically, when eating injera, you scoop up food with the bread using your right hand because left-handed people are considered unlucky in Ethiopia!

2. Salata:

It’s essentially a cold salad with tomatoes, onion, and jalapeño peppers.

3. Kik Alicha:

Like the Ethiopian Red Lentil Stew but made without berbere spice mix. Which is often reserved for more spicy dishes like Yebeg Wat or Doro Wot.

4. Keyweta Kifto:

A dish of finely-chopped beef, onions, and berbere spices all cooked together in a pan.

5. Gomen:

It’s an Ethiopian dish of raw spinach sautéed with garlic until wilted. The name translates to “spicy greens” because it has both jalapeño peppers and ginger root for flavor.

6. Doro Wot:

A spicy chicken stew made with red peppers, garlic, onion, berbere spices, and fenugreek leaves.

7. Yebeg Wat:

One of the most popular Ethiopian dishes is a spicy lamb or goat dish simmered in berbere spice mix for hours until tender.

8. Keyweta:

A sort of salad made with minced beef, onions, jalapeño peppers, and fresh cilantro. The name translates to “raw chopped” because it’s not cooked before being served.

9. Yebeg Allicha:

A dish with a variation on the traditional Ethiopian stew called ye beg wat, except it’s made with yellow onions and turmeric.

10. Doro Allicha:

A milder variation of the spicy chicken stew called Doro wot is cooked in butter, cumin, cardamom, garlic cloves, or ginger root for flavor.

Taste of Ethiopia

  • We’ve got the best vegetables, meat, and seafood cooked with fresh spices to make every dish flavorful.
  • Our menu offers plenty of vegan options too! Pretty soon, you’ll be coming back again and again as we’re open late until midnight – that’s right, no matter what time you’re craving for your favorite Ethiopian dish, we’ve got it.

Favorite Ethiopian Restaurants in NYC

Ethiopian restaurants in New York City are a dime a dozen, but some stand out from the rest. With 11 of our favorite picks (in no particular order), here’s where to find your next great meal:

Ghenet Restaurant:

Serving traditional Ethiopian dishes like spiced lamb tibs and vegetarian sampler platters, this is one of the most popular spots in New York.

East Village:

Authentic Ethiopian cuisine, including a vegetarian sampler plate with six dishes and injera bread.

A Taste of Ethiopia:

This Greenwich Village restaurant offers a wide range of dishes, including vegetarian and vegan options.

Addis Ababa Restaurant:

Located in the heart of Manhattan, this restaurant offers a variety of dishes from all regions.

Abyssinia Restaurant:

This is one of two Ethiopian restaurants with locations on both sides of Central Park. Offering traditional favorites like lamb tibs and lentil soup. It’s worth stopping at either place for lunch or dinner.

Al Ethiopian Cottage:

This is a family-run restaurant that’s been in business for over 25 years. Family recipes are updated to include traditional American dishes like pancakes and Ethiopian favorites like lentil soup and lamb tibs.

Brooklyn’s Prospect Heights neighborhood:

This area has seen many Ethiopian restaurants open in recent years, and one of the newest is Royal Palace.

Lalibela’s African and American Grill, Inc:

This restaurant serves up traditional Ethiopian dishes like lamb and chicken tibs alongside American favorites.

Meskela Restaurant in Washington Heights (open late):

This place serves up Ethiopian staples like lentil soup, beef wat, and Doro wat.

Harar in Astoria (open late):

Harar is one of the most popular Ethiopian restaurants in Queens with its cozy ambiance and reasonable prices.

The Definitive Guide to Ethiopian Food in NYC

It’s hard to find the best Ethiopian food in NYC. But you should make an effort. There are over 80 different types of traditional dishes in Ethiopia alone, and some restaurants even have up to 150 on their menu!

This is primarily thanks to the country being in Africa for centuries before colonization. Which led many cultures worldwide to make their way into the country.

Best Ethiopian food NYC eater

It’s no surprise that in a city that never sleeps, many people need something to eat. And when you want to fill up on some good food, Ethiopian cuisine is your best bet! If you’re not familiar with it, then here are five reasons why you should try Ethiopian food:

  • It’s excellent! And I mean GOOD. When you want to have a dish with your mouth water, Ethiopian is the way to go.
  • You can eat vegetarian and vegan food at an Ethiopian restaurant which is excellent for people who are on restrictive diets or don’t like meat.
  • Not only does it taste great, but it’s also good for you.
  • Ethiopian food is so popular that the country has its fast-food chain called Lalibela! It has locations all around Europe and Asia as well.
  • You get to eat with your hands which can be fun if you’re eating alone or want a more interactive experience.
Best Ethiopian Food NYC Eater.
Best Ethiopian Food NYC Eater.Best Ethiopian Food NYC Eater.

What is a must-eat in New York?

Ethiopian food is a must-eat in New York, and there are two main areas to check out. The first area is Little Ethiopia on Broadway between W. 68th St and Pleasant Ave. This area of the city has been nicknamed Little Africa with its many Ethiopian restaurants lining the streets.

The other area is in the East Village on E. 12th St between First Ave and Second Ave, where Ethiopians have been living for decades now that they’ve immigrated to New York City from their homeland of Ethiopia. You can find a mix of both restaurants and markets here as well.

Queen of Sheba NYC

Queen of Sheba is the best Ethiopian restaurant in New York City. Best, because they have a wide selection and great food to try! Ethiopians are among the nicest people you’ll ever meet, if not the absolute friendliest on Earth. The Queen’s staff is always happy and prepared for your visit with smiles and good food.

What’s the best pizza in NYC?

Pizza is probably the most popular food in NYC, and there are pizza joints on every block. Of course, everyone has their favorite place for a slice (or two). But if you’re looking for something new to try, these four spots will be worth your time:

  • Franny’s Pizzeria: This pizzeria is known for its wood-fired pizza and Maine lobster.
  • Roberta’s: This pizzeria has a delicious clam pie that you can enjoy in the outdoor seating area.
  • Arturo’s: If you can only go to one place when visiting New York City, this is the place to go. Arturo’s is known for its authentic Italian pizza, and it has a cult following of people who swear by this spot as the best in NYC.
The Best Pizza In NYC
The Best Pizza In NYC

Where is the best steak in NYC?

When you want the best steak in NYC, this is where to come. We have a variety of cuts and types for your dining pleasure.

  • Ribeye Steak: Superb, juicy, and succulent.
  • Tenderloin Steak: Simply beauty at its finest, with a delicate taste that is incomparable.
  • Strip Loin Steak: A classic cut that has everything you need from a steak.
  • Porterhouse Steak: A marriage of two steaks in one unique dish for your enjoyment.
  • Strip Steak: This steak is the perfect choice for any occasion with a robust flavor and texture.

Conclusion

We hope you enjoyed this post on the best Ethiopian food in NYC. If you have any queries, please leave a comment below, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

FAQ:

What does Ethiopian food taste like?

Ethiopian food tastes unique and is quite different from the food you might be used to eating. Many different spices are

What should I order at an Ethiopian restaurant?

You will want to order plenty of dishes to share at the table. Traditionally, dishes are served on large platters, and the table is set with many different words. You may have a mix of meat and vegetarian portions on your plate.

Can vegetarians eat at an Ethiopian restaurant?

All you need to do is ask for a vegetarian dish with no meat. Ethiopian food varies from other Ethiopian restaurants in other parts of the world. Still, you can find one that serves vegetarian food in NYC.

What are some foods that are not served in Ethiopian restaurants?

The food from Ethiopia is very much similar to the food you will find in other countries. Some top dishes include chicken, beef, lamb, camel, and whale.

What should I drink at an Ethiopian restaurant?

You may want to try a traditional beverage called tej, made with honey and sometimes goat’s milk. However, don’t worry! You can easily order your favorite beer or wine instead.

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