In Austin there aren't many choices for Ethiopian food, but no matter where you go, you won't be disappointed. The two I've been to the most are Taste of Ethiopia and Aster's Ethiopian Restaurant.
Taste-wise Aster's Ethiopian Restaurant and Taste of Ethiopia are both great examples of Ethiopian food. Though both serve the same dishes, each has their own take. These differences highlight the familial origins of the recipes; these meals are prepared the same way they would be at home.
If you don't know anything about Ethiopian food, here's a good place to start: there are no utensils. Food is served on injera which is a spongy, flat, slightly sour bread--almost like a crepe. It compliments the earthy flavors and simple ingredients. What's astonishing about Ethiopian food, is that despite it's appearance (which may be startling to those unaccustomed diners) is that it's made of entirely familiar ingredients. Potatoes, lentils, cabbage... It is recognizable ingredients treated in new (rather, very old) ways.
Not only is Ethiopia great for its food, its coffee is amazing too. Both restaurants serve great coffee--Woinee of Taste of Ethiopia even brewed some for me in the traditional style, using a jebena--and you can even take some home from Aster's. There is a very important tradition around coffee in Ethiopia, for not only is Ethiopia touted as the birthplace of humanity, but also the birthplace of coffee.
Both restaurants have food and coffee down, as far as I'm concerned, the main difference is the ambiance. Aster's is almost like an Ethiopian diner--clean and friendly. But you get something more when you go to Taste of Ethiopia. The way the servers and the owners interact with their customers isn't seen very often--they are so welcoming and accommodating that it is hard not to relax and enjoy yourself. You almost feel like family. That, and the decoration makes it feel like a more traditional experience. A goal of mine is to go back to Taste of Ethiopia on a warm night and sit out on the amazing patio with a group of friends circled around the plate of injera, ready to enjoy some amazing food.
No matter where you go, you'll have a great experience, whether it's your first taste or another helping. If you're near downtown or campus, definetly head to Aster's. It's off the Dean Keaton exit on I 35 and is really easy to get to. Taste of Ethiopia is for those North Austin folk since it's techinically in Pflugerville, but it's definetly worth the trip.
Comments