The Best Ethiopian Restaurants to be Found in London

5 of the best, most reasonably priced Ethiopian restaurants in London

By Lizzie Exton

Ethiopian cuisine is set to be ‘The Next Big Thing’, with some amazing national dishes to sink your teeth into.  From spicy stews to mouth-watering flatbreads, Ethiopian cooking has something to suit every palate and there are countless places to sample some African sunshine on a plate in London.  If you’re looking to get a taste of Ethiopia whilst living on a budget, here are our top five go-to eateries which will fill you up nicely without breaking the bank…

#1 | Andu Café

If you fancy chowing down on some authentic Ethiopian grub, then head to the vegan Andu Café. This little restaurant prides itself on doing only a handful of dishes, but doing them exceptionally well. Don’t expect a lengthy menu here, but do expect to be wowed by the standard of cooking and the intensity of flavours. It serves lunch and dinner in a cosy environment, or you can order a takeaway and stay snuggled up at home.

How much is it? You can grab a takeaway from Andu Café for under a fiver, or eat in and spend £12 on a dish.  You get more than your money’s worth here, though – the portion sizes are very generous and all come with either rice or the classic Ethiopian sourdough flatbread called injera.

Where is it? Andu Café isn’t too far from Dalston Junction Station, at 528 Kingsland Road, London E8 4AH.

Try the… Tuck into the Yemisir Wot to really set your tastebuds going.  This is a dish of lentils cooked in a traditional Berbere sauce with a blend of spices, real comfort food when you need it most.

#2 | Wolkite Kitfo

Founded in 2011, Wolkite Kitfo is a fantastic little family-run restaurant which serves up classic Ethiopian cooking in a really laid-back and pleasant setting.  There’s something about family-owned restaurants which really makes them special, and Wolkite ticks all the boxes – the atmosphere is warm and friendly, and you can really taste the love and pride which goes into the dishes they serve.

How much is it?  The prices vary, with meat and fish dishes tending to be more expensive than the veggie fare.  You can generally get a main course for around £10, or there are set menus which go up to £39.  Chances are you’ll easily find something within your price range.

Where is it?  82 Hornsey Road, London, N7 7NN.

Try the…  If you like your meat, then go for the Awazie Tibs, chunks of marinated lamb in a spicy sauce with peppers, onion, garlic, tomato and rosemary.

#3 | Ethiopian Flavours

If you’re out and about around Borough Market, you have to check out Ethiopian Flavours.  They trade Monday to Saturday and serve up a fantastic range of authentic Ethiopian dishes, perfect for eating on the hoof whilst soaking up the atmosphere.

How much is it?  All the dishes are very reasonably priced and most will give you change from a tenner.  No matter how tight your budget, you will find something within your price range.

Where is it?  The green zone of Borough Market, London, SE1 1TL.

Try the…  The chicken combo meal is out of this world and will more than fill a corner when you’re on the go and hungry.

#4 | Zeret Kitchen

Camberwell’s Zeret Kitchen is another family-run restaurant which is well worth a visit if you want to sample some good home-cooking style Ethiopian cuisine.  They pride themselves on the simple, natural and fresh dishes they serve, and you won’t be disappointed.  They also offer proper Ethiopian coffee served in the traditional way, so ditch the chain store brew and give this a go instead.

How much is it? Most of the main course dishes hover between the £10 and £12 mark, or you can get a mix and match combo for under £15.

Where is it? 216-218 Camberwell Road, Camberwell, London, SE5 0ED.

Try the… The Kitfo packs a real punch, with finely chopped beef cooked with mitmita (a seasoning with bird’s eye chilli peppers) and beautiful spiced butter.

#5 | Lalibela

This phenomenal little restaurant is wonderfully cosy, and the food is beyond incredible. If you’re seeking some quality Ethiopian cooking then this really is the place to go.  The dishes are all vibrant in their colours and exquisitely presented, with veggies as well-catered for as the carnivores.  Whether you’re after fresh salads, hearty stews or sweet and sticky desserts, you’ll probably have to come back again and again to sample everything you want off the menu.

How much is it? Most dishes cost between £10 and £13, but there are also sharing dishes which could cost up to £23.95.  All the puddings come in at under a fiver, so it’s far from an expensive night out.

Where is it? Just a stone’s throw from Tufnell Park Tube station on the Northern Line, at 137 Fortress Road, NW5 2HR.

Try the… If you have a sweet tooth, you won’t want to miss the Pasti beh Chocolat.  These are like little doughnuts, fluffy on the inside and crispy on the outside, with a gooey strawberry and white chocolate ganache centre.  You’ve been warned, they are highly addictive…

 

A bit about Lizzie

Lizzie Exton writes for Inspiring Interns, which specialises in sourcing candidates for internships and graduate jobs.