How to Find Ethiopian Cuisine in New York

New York City is one of the most exciting culinary cities on the planet. Whatever type of international cuisine you could possibly ask for, you can get it. Ethiopian food is no exception. Ethiopian food can be very vegetarian friendly and revolves around a lot of bread and stews, so it appeals to a lot of peoples' taste buds. Lamb and beef are two of the most popular meats on most Ethiopian menus. Oftentimes, Ethiopian dishes are very spicy and flavorful. Most Ethiopian restaurants in New York City are located in midtown Manhattan, but they can be found anywhere in the city. Here are some great restaurants to find some of the best Ethiopian cuisine that New York City has to offer.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Dine at Meskerem Restaurant on West 47th Street. This Midtown restaurant has a clean, minimalistic atmosphere and an excellent, authentic Ethiopian menu. The best options on the menu are the wondrous piquant stews with generous portions of meat, whether it's lamb or beef. The tef (spongy bread) is fresh and tasty and is used to dip into the various stews available here. If you enjoy eating tef, then you will probably enjoy most Ethiopian meals. Meskerem's food is wonderful, and the prices are moderate.

2. Stop by Queen of Sheba Ethiopian Restaurant on 10th Avenue. This Midtown Ethiopian favorite is just a short walk from the hustle and bustle of Times Square, but you'd never know it by the cozy and serene atmosphere. Queen of Sheba has a traditional Ethiopian menu and pleasant staff. The appetizing aromas of the spices and flavors of Ethiopian cuisine permeate the dining room and leave your mouth watering in anticipation of the many stews and beefs available on the menu. There is also a good selection of vegetarian options available.

3. Eat at The Ethiopian Restaurant on York Avenue. This Upper East Side restaurant has a straightforward name and a straightforward menu as well: it is all authentically and classically Ethiopian. With an absolutely charming and bright decor, you will find that there are no kitchen utensils available for you at this restaurant. Like in Ethiopia, customers are expected to eat using their hands. The second you put the injera (flat bread) in your mouth, you won't complain. The Ethiopian Restaurant is absolutely lovely.

4. Try Awash Restaurant on Amsterdam Avenue. Located uptown, this dining establishment has an elegant and bright atmosphere. Around since 1995, Awash offers a menu of amazing Ethiopian classics like meat sambusa (pastry shells stuffed with spiced meats) and tibs (tender beef cubes with Ethiopian seasoning). Whether you're ordering a chicken, lamb, beef, or vegetable-based entree, you are going to be delighted with your selection. The Awash menu is consistently terrific.

5. Go to Meskel Restaurant on East 3rd Street. Meskel is located in the East Village, but you'd feel like you stepped inside Ethiopia by the authentic and homey ambiance of the restaurant. With a homey and cozy charm, there is no better place to eat Fasolia (string beans) or Ethiopian avocado salad in the entire city. Meskel is a must-have for Ethiopian food lovers in New York City.

Tips & Warnings

• There are a lot of Ethiopian restaurants in New York City with new additions being made all the time. Ethiopian food is particularly common in the Upper Manhattan (especially in the Harlem and Washington Heights areas) and in Midtown. However, Ethiopian cuisine can be found anywhere in the city. Explore these neighborhoods and you might find something new and truly exciting.
• If you are not used to eating with your hands and dipping foods into stews and sauces, it might take a while to get used to dining Ethiopian style. Utensils are not part of the traditional meals.

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