This was my third Ethiopian experience in Austin. I have previously dined at Aster’s and Habesha, the latter being decidedly my favorite in Austin. However my experience at Taste of Ethiopia may change that. I loved the traditional decor, art, and table setting. The staff were so friendly and attentive. I ordered the hot spiced tea, lentil sambusas, the sampler platter which consisted of five vegetarian sides, and a meat dish called key siga wot. Everything was superbly delicious, aromatic, and full of spice and flavor. I grew up eating Ethiopian cuisine so it’s a nostalgic experience. This place really nailed it for me. I highly recommend. There is also a second location on South Congress that I haven’t been to yet.
by Garden_Jolly
27 Comments
still very underrated and it’s been too long since I’ve been
That place is awesome. I wish they had a buffet like the South Congress location.
[The Daytripper](https://thedaytripper.com/) visited there a couple years ago. You can see his interview etc starting at [19:05](https://youtube.com/watch?v=_XZei2cShnE) (YouTube). 👍
My favorite Taste of Ethiopia experience was when the owner was carrying a baby around the restaurant to talk to customers. She loved that baby, and it looked like she’d been carrying it around since its birth.
I don’t know how it came up because I know I didn’t ask. But the parents were on a long road trip. They’d never met the owner, and they’d likely never be back. The baby started fussing. So she picked the baby up (with permission) and calmed it down so the parents could enjoy their meal.
That’s what real hospitality is.
Besides that, every meal I’ve gotten there has been superb. Highly recommend.
If you are saying it competes with Habesha that is indeed high praise. I may need to give the South location a shot.
Delicious food and superb hosts.
Try the coffee.
Winnie is a treasure. Started going there right after she opened in ’08-’09. One of the few things I miss about my old hometown. Good to see she’s still grinding away.
I love Taste of Ethiopia, we have been to both but the one on South Congress is our regular spot.
I went there years ago and it was fantastic, been wanting to go to an Ethiopian place again. Might make the journey.
I absolutely love this place. The food is to die for. It’s also the cleanest establishment I’ve ever seen, like, to a noteworthy degree. Dust is hell on my allergies, and my nose is always low-key running, but this place is like stepping into a sanitized bubble. I can breathe here. Bless the staff and owners
love this place.
Nice pics!
Is the bread/wrap gluten free? This looks delicious and I want to try it.
We went several years ago with another couple and got ass destroying food poisoning.
It was delicious, FWIW
My favorite Ethiopian in Austin.
Love Taste of Ethiopia! I’ve never been disappointed by their food, and the staff is always so friendly.
I love this spot! They are amazing. Amazing food, amazing service. One time I left my sunglasses there. Went back 2 months later and they remembered me and gave them back!
Taste of Ethiopia is one of my favorite restaurants in the whole metro area
I could eat there everyday. The service there is awesome too!
I reeaally want to eat at an Ethiopian restaurant but my husband is more apprehensive about it since we wouldn’t even know what to order. We both worry about the spice level (causing digestive issues like heart burn and what not). This restaurant looks so good! Can anyone suggest the best things to order as newbies to Ethiopian food?
That location is the best in Austin. But if you ever end up in Phoenix, you need to try Cafe Lalibela in Tempe.
My favorite memory from there was my 1st time. I asked for a Togo box and the owner came out, told me I was a grown ass man and have to finish my plate. Totally mommies the he’ll out of me and made me feel at home.
Love Taste of Ethiopia, I think it’s the best choice in Austin. I have typically enjoyed Habesha, but last time I was there it seemed the quality has dipped unfortunately. Hopefully they get back on top of things.
South location is good but this one the best in the city.
Thank you for posting!! I’ll have to go – any other dish recommendations, out of curiosity?
I love this place and the location on South Congress! So delicious and such wonderful people who work there 10/10
This place has been around for years and yet I’ve never gone. Thanks for posting this! Plan on going soon