Wondering where to find vegan-friendly Ethiopian cuisine throughout the US? We’ve got your answers! From East Coast to West Coast, there are many vegan and vegan-friendly Ethiopian eateries serving up some of the tastiest stews and Injera (sour flatbread) around. Here are eight Ethiopian restaurants you need to check out!
Demera - Vegan-Friendly
Chicago, IL
A fan favorite with Chicago residents and vegan foodies alike, Demera has been serving family-style Ethiopian cuisine since 2007. All of the dishes labeled vegetarian on the menu are vegan and include options like Misir Wot (split red lentils stewed in a rich berbere sauce), Dinich Wot (chopped potatoes stewed in a rich and spicy berbere sauce), and Shiro (mixed legumes prepared with ginger root, rue, bishop’s weed, and garlic). End your meal on a sweet note with the ye-basil-lime sorbet, a refreshing and palate-cleansing dessert made from fresh basil and lime juice.
Bunna Cafe
Brooklyn, NY
A taste of East Africa in Brooklyn, Bunna offers plant-based Ethiopian cuisine that comes served with a colorful variety of veggies, beans, and Injera. Of course, we can’t forget to mention the Bunna (coffee brewed with cardamom and cloves), which is served free of charge at various times throughout the week.
Feedel Bistro - Vegan-Friendly
Atlanta, GA
Experience the flavors of Ethiopia at Feedel Bistro, which serves vegan entrees such as Ingudai (mushroom tibs) and Ye’Shimbra Asa, a dish made from handmade chickpea biscuits cooked in a seasoned spicy sauce and served with a side of Siljo (fermented fava beans). Pair your meal with one of the restaurant’s signature cocktails, like the lychee mojito (Bacardi Silver, Soho lychee, lychee syrup, mint, lime, and soda) or the Amiche Margarita (Patron Silver, lime juice, and Grand Marnier).
Enat Kitchen - Vegan-Friendly
Portland, OR
Dine in a relaxing atmosphere while you experience Ethiopian hospitality at Enat Kitchen. The vegan section of the menu features traditional dishes like Buticha (ground chickpeas mixed with lemon juice, diced onions, and jalapeño pepper) and Kik Wot (split peas seasoned with garlic, ginger, and other spices). If you’re a fan of beets, opt for the Beets Wot, which is delicately spiced with garlic and ginger.
Photo credit: @veganbeautyreview on Instagram
Aster's Ethiopian Restaurant - Vegan-Friendly
Austin, TX
Aster’s has been specializing in Ethiopian dishes since 1991 and offers many vegan-friendly entrees. Choose from options like the Fasolia Wott (potato, green beans, carrots, onions, and tomatoes seasoned with garlic, cinnamon, and ginger sauce), or for a more spicy stew, order the Keyi Miser (split lentil cooked with berbere, onions, and other Ethiopian spices. Each dish is served with Injera and your choice of three sides.
Rahel Ethiopian Vegan Cuisine
Los Angeles, CA
Visit Rahel’s on a Sunday, and you’ll be treated to an all-vegan brunch featuring kombucha champagne. In addition to brunch, the restaurant offers a full menu with dishes such as Veggie Banatu (fresh tomatoes and green peppers, seasoned with garlic and onions, and mixed with Injera) and sides like Azilfa (lentil salad).
Photo credit: @vonzettacart on Instagram
Ras Plant Based
Brooklyn, NY
Inspired by their vision to create an Ethiopian culinary experience, Romeo and Milka Regalli founded Ras Plant-Based, which fuses modern ambience with age-old recipes to create delicious one-of-a-kind cuisine. The menu features dishes like Missir (a slow-simmered red lentil stew served with fiery berbere sauce), as well as mushroom tibs (button mushrooms, tomato, jalapeño, onion, and rosemary) and Sambusa (flaky pastry shell stuffed with choice of savory mixed vegetable or lentil filling). Wash it all down with Ethiopian Kemem chai tea or kombucha.
Alem Ethiopian Village - Vegan-Friendly
Milwaukee, WI
If you’re in the Milwaukee area, you don’t have to travel far to enjoy the cuisine of East Africa. Alem Ethiopian Village offers a vegan section of the menu that features everything from Gomen (steamed collard greens delicately seasoned and cooked with fresh garlic and pepper) to Yater Alitcha (yellow split peas cooked in a specially flavored mild sauce). The restaurant also serves a variety of beer and wine, which go for about $4.50 per glass.