Ethiopian Food In Seattle: Hearty, Flavorful and Vegan-Friendly
Nothing is more comforting than a large family meal. You know the type: your entire family sitting together at the table passing around various dishes so you can take a bit of each.
The best part is that experiencing the same flavors at the same time as those around you actually helps to bring you all together.
Do you find yourself craving this experience, but don’t have the time to whip up 5 different recipes in one night?
That’s where Ethiopian Cuisine comes in.
Spicy, hearty, and often inherently vegan, Ethiopian Cuisine is the perfect choice when you and your family (or roommates!) are in the mood to enjoy a shared eating experience.
What is Ethiopian food exactly?
Ethiopian food comes in a variety of forms that are likely familiar to something you’ve had before! Some of the main dishes you’ll find on the menu include:
Lentil and pea stews called Shiro;
Curries, called Wat;
Spiced collard greens, or Gomen;
Injera, a thin, pancake-like fermented bread used to scoop up all those delicious veggies
Buna, or coffee. Did you know that Ethiopia is considered the birthplace of coffee? Read on to find our top cafe recommendation!
Everyone eats family-style from the same platter rather than getting their own plate. Though the majority of people in Ethiopia are not vegan, the Orthodox fasting schedule prohibits consuming animal products for 208 days a year, making much of their cuisine veggie-heavy and vegan-friendly.
How to order at an Ethiopian Restaurant:
Not sure what to try? We recommend getting a Veggie Combination Platter, called Bayenetu, which allows you to try various veggie dishes from the menu at once. A typical veggie combo comes with Injera bread, a salad, Shiro (pea stews), Gomen (collards with spice), and other veggies.
Now, who’s hungry? Here are Seattle’s best vegan-friendly places for a great Ethiopian food experience.
Where To Get Delicious & Vegan-Friendly Ethiopian Food in Seattle
JEBENA CAFE
Northgate
Gluten-free vegans rejoice!
Jebena cafe is a bright and welcoming space, serving up some amazing gluten-free Injera bread to pair with their extensive vegan menu. Though the menu is not 100% vegan, owner Martha Seyoum always makes sure your belly is full of delicious food, regardless of dietary restrictions. Jebena is a favorite in the vegan community because of Martha’s vegan background and her warm, friendly personality.
While you're there make sure to try some delicious and savory samosas, stuffed with jalapenos, garlic, onions, and lentils, as well as their hand-roasted coffee.
“In Ethiopia, hand-roasted coffee is always offered to visiting family and friends. It’s the primary social ritual that creates and maintains community. This is the spirit we strive to provide at Jebena Cafe—community.” -Jeneba Cafe
The name Jebena actually comes from this ritual, as the word Jebena is the pottery used to brew and pour coffee.
Their gluten-free Injera is made to order, so make sure to call 24 hours in advance to make sure you can snag some for yourself! Visit Jebena Cafe
STAR COFFEE
Sea-Tac
You know a restaurant is great when it is consistently packed with locals. Various reviews by regular customers mention that Star Coffee’s veggie dishes taste identical to the cuisine they ate while visiting Ethiopia.
As the name suggests, Star Coffee also serves some amazing Ethiopian coffee, or buna. “The global spread of coffee growing and drinking began in the Horn of Africa, where, according to legend, coffee trees originated in the Ethiopian province of Kaffa”- Star Coffee
A big perk for us fellow vegans is that they offer dairy-free creamer to pair with their coffee and tea.
In addition to experiencing authentic cuisine, Star Coffee is the place to go if you’re looking for a good time to go along with your dinner. This restaurant also serves as a bar, and they are known to have a loud and fun atmosphere. Visit Star Coffee
DELISH ETHIOPIAN
Hillman City
Authentic is the best word to describe Delish Ethiopian.
Owner Delish and his wife (and head chef) Amy have created a wholesome and welcoming space full of traditional family-style Ethiopian meals. With recipes that “have been handed down from generation to generation”, their food is the epitome of Ethiopian culture and is definitely worth tasting.
Be sure to try their classic Delish Special Veggie Combo, which offers a total of 10 different vegetable dishes to share-which is sure to leave you feeling stuffed! The spice levels are extremely “complex and exciting” and all of the ingredients are fresh.
Chef Amy makes sure to put love into every dish, and it shows, with hundreds of 5-star reviews raving about the food and staff alike. Visit Delish Ethiopian
Habesha Cafe
Hillman City
Variety is the spice of life over at Habesha Cafe, formerly Amy’s Merkato.
Habesha Cafe serves delicious Ethiopian and Eritrean hybrid cuisine, and their menu is bursting with vegan options.
Not only will you be able to choose from various Ethiopian classics such as vegan combo platters and stews, but they are also serving up vegan-friendly breakfast, sandwiches, salads, falafel (and even dessert!). Their injera bread is also gluten-free!
Fun fact: Amy’s Merkato was also Seattle’s first Ethiopian Market!
After enjoying a delicious meal, head into their market to purchase various teas, coffees, spice, and housemade injera bread to take home with you! They also offer catering for your next event. Visit Habesha Cafe
ENAT ETHIOPIAN
Northgate
Looking to enjoy some chill vibes and catch the latest sports game with your meal? Head on down to Enat Ethiopian Restaurant, known for their friendly staff and warm and welcoming atmosphere.
The portions are huge at Enat, so make sure to bring your friends and your appetite!
Their typical reviews go something like this: “Ordered the vegetarian combo.. and it was the best decision I’ve made all week, maybe all month,” (Yelp).
We highly recommend trying the veggie combo, which consists of colorful, fresh veggies beautifully displayed on top of extra fluffy injera bread. You can also swap for gluten-free injera!
Their gluten-free Injera is made to order, so make sure to call 24 hours in advance to make sure you can snag some for yourself! Visit Enat Ethiopian
More Ethiopian Restaurants in Seattle
Don’t live around any of these spots? Try out some of these other great Ethiopian Restaurants in Seattle:
Queen Sheba (Capitol Hill)
Sunset Cafe (Rainier Valley)
Ras Dashen (Central District)
Massawa Ethiopian (Hillman City)
Cafe Selam (Central District)
Want an unforgettable buna (coffee) experience?
Boon Boona Coffee
African-sourced coffee beans roasted here in Seattle
We recommend Boon Boona Coffee! Visit their cafe in Renton, or their new location in the Central District. African-scoured coffee beans, roasted locally. Enjoy a cup inside the cafe, or take a bag of beans home!
The next time you are looking for a place to share a delicious meal with those you love, I hope you try some of these amazing Ethiopian gems. Don’t miss our guide to Black-owned and vegan-friendly restaurants in Seattle for even more local businesses to support.
Which Ethiopian restaurant are you most excited to try? Let me know in the comments!
