Week 3----> Try Ethiopian Food

Try Ethiopian Food

On Sunday, my friend and I set out to try Ethiopian Food. Having never tried it before, I wanted to taste the best of the best.  I read a few blogs saying Nazareth was the “best Ethiopian in Toronto” and a bunch of my friends recommended it as well, so we set out to Bloor Street West to try it out.  I was really excited to try Ethiopian, but all I really knew about it was you eat with your hands (That’s my kind of restaurant!!).

The vibe at Nazareth was really cool.  There were fake vines hanging everywhere, and very dim lighting- overall it felt very serene… but there were hardly any seats.  I was surprised to see how tiny this place was, especially since it seems to be so well known.  I suppose this help makes the place feel cozy and down to earth, but there was a line waiting out the door the entire time we were there.  We were lucky to walk in while there was an empty table.  The menu was also small; I believe only 8 or 10 choices.  They food options appeared to be similar- but with different meat options.

My friend and I really didn’t know what to try.  We decided to order the vegetarian dish (which they are most well-known for) and a beef dish, kitfo. (Sounds safe enough right?).  Since we were starving we eagerly awaited to try this new meal.  We waited… And waited… And waited.  I was loving the vibe of this place- but the wait time was unreal.  People who sat down way after us… and ordered the same dish as us, received food before us….

When our plate finally arrived it looked like thisJ .  I am still not entirely sure what we consumed, but it was delicious.  We each got a pita- like- substance (called injera) which we dipped into the heaping piles of veggies and beef.  The injera is GLUTEN FREE!!  It sort of reminded me of a pancake- it had lots of little holes and spongy texture.  It tasted nothing like a pita- and unlike a pita- you rip off pieces and pinch the veggies or meat between your fingers. It was fun to eat with my hands, but super messy.  My first few bites were incredible!  I loved the kitfo, and I liked most parts of the veggie platter.  We both got full really quickly-this place has HUGE portion sizes.  We probably should have only ordered one option.  Eating Ethiopian is super  cheap.  The entire meal cost $12.00.  What a deal!! So- the final question- WOULD I EAT IT AGAIN? 

Prior to going, I read all sorts of reviews about the amazing price and the amazing food.  I will agree with both.  I also read that the service was bad and the place was a little dirty.  Again, I will have to agree. No one wiped our table before we were seated.  We were never checked on by the waiter.  Food and drinks were both served with dripping wet hands, which dripped onto my arm and lap.  I’m not a neat freak- by any means- and I generally don’t judge a place on its cleanliness but- since it had already been pointed out, I noticed.

Nevertheless, I enjoyed my food and the atmosphere.  It was a lovely evening- and I would potentially go back, or try another Ethiopian restaurant in the future.