Dubai is a bustling city that offers a diverse range of culinary experiences, and for those looking for the bold and flavorful taste of Ethiopian cuisine, there are plenty of options to choose from. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best Ethiopian restaurants in Dubai, what makes Ethiopian food so unique, and the must-try dishes that you simply cannot miss.
Best Ethiopian Restaurants in Dubai
1. Gursha
When it comes to the best Ethiopian restaurants in Dubai, there are plenty of options to choose from. One of the most popular options is Gursha, located in the Palm Jumeirah area. This restaurant is known for its elegant decor and delicious food, which includes a range of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.
- Type of cuisine: Ethiopian
- Location: 01 Club Vista Mare, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai United Arab Emirates
- Website: N/A
- Phone number: +971 4 554 2665
- Instagram: N/A
2. Addis Ababa City Restaurant
For those who are looking for a more traditional experience, the Addis in Dubai restaurant is a must-visit. Located in the Al Mankhool area, this restaurant offers an authentic Ethiopian dining experience with traditional decor and live music performances. The menu is also extensive, featuring a wide range of dishes that are sure to satisfy any foodie’s cravings.
- Type of cuisine: Ethiopian
- Location: Addis Ababa City Restaurant, Al Qasimia – Al Mahatah – Sharjah – United Arab Emirates
- Website: N/A
- Phone number: +971 6 575 0388
- Addis Ababa City Restaurant Facebook Page
3. Blue Nile Restaurant
If you’re looking for a unique dining experience, then you should definitely check out the Blue Nile restaurant. Located in the Deira area, this restaurant offers a stunning view of Dubai Creek, making it the perfect place to enjoy a delicious meal while taking in the beautiful surroundings.
- Type of cuisine: Ethiopian
- Location: Blue Nile Cafe, 78G3+4P3 – Deira – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
- Website: N/A
- Phone number: +971 4 272 6118
- Instagram: N/A
4. Zagol Restaurant
Zagol is an excellent place to start if you’ve never experienced Ethiopian cuisine. Although you can order dishes separately, the regulars here (and there are many) know that ordering by the platter is the proper way to go. Every vegetarian dish is served on a sizable round platter topped with injera.
- Type of cuisine: Ethiopian
- Location: Zagol Restaurant، G Floor, Mabrooka 1 Building, 4B St, Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Rd، Opp Burjuman, Al Karama – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
- Website: N/A
- Phone number: +971 4 357 7740
- Zagol Restaurant Instagram Account
5. Al Habasha Restaurant
Al Habasha Restaurant, which has been operating in the United Arab Emirates for more than 20 years, was the first Ethiopian restaurant to be established there. For you to enjoy it in a casual setting, they prepare true and authentic Ethiopian food utilizing only the freshest ingredients.
- Type of cuisine: Ethiopian
- Location: Al Habasha Restaurant, Deira – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
- Al Habasha Restaurant Website
- Phone number: +971 4 266 7358
- Al Habasha Restaurant Facebook Page
6. Dukem Grill & Restaurant
Dukem Grill & Restaurant is a must-visit for those seeking an Ethiopian-style grill experience. This eatery, which is situated on Al Khattab Road, provides genuine Ethiopian meats and grills with excellent decor and a cozy ambiance. A wide variety of foods on the extensive menu are likely to satisfy the demands of any foodie.
- Type of cuisine: Ethiopian
- Location: Dukem Grill & Restaurant، 122، Omar، Ibn، Al Khattab Rd – 120 Omar Bin Al Khattab St – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
- Website: N/A
- Phone number: +971 55 559 0322
- Dukem Grill & Restaurant Facebook Page
7. Africana Home Restaurant Gold Land
Africana Home Restaurant is a place with a focus on Africa that has existed in the UAE since 1993. They offer catering, takeout, delivery, and dine-in options. “Home Away From Home” is their motto.
- Type of cuisine: Ethiopian
- Location: Africana Home Restaurant Gold Land, Al Khor St – 12 Al Daghaya St – behind Gold Land Building – Deira – Al Sabkha – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
- Africana Home Restaurant Gold Land Website
- Phone number: +971 4 225 8899
- Africana Home Restaurant Gold Land Facebook Page
8. Mechot Restaurant Dubai
An African, Ethiopian, and Eritrean restaurant in Dubai, Mechot is a hospitable spot to savor truly Ethiopian delicacies. Enjoy your favorite sport while you eat Ethiopian cooking in Deira, Dubai.
- Type of cuisine: Ethiopian
- Location: Mechot Restaurant Dubai, Omar Bin Al Khattab St – Deira – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
- Website: N/A
- Phone number: +971 50 124 5858
- Mechot Restaurant Dubai Facebook Page
9. CUCINA MESOB ETHIOPIAN RESTAURANT
At Cucina Mesob, Habeshan food is served. Its distinctively spicy flavor, which is derived from a popular spice blend, is highly regarded by guests. The most popular dishes here are garlic onion, berbere, and neter kibe. Most dishes contain a hot flavor and a red coloration that makes them stand out.
- Type of cuisine: Ethiopian
- Location: CUCINA MESOB ETHIOPIAN RESTAURANT، Shop#3 Al wasl building – Abu Hail Road – Hor Al Anz East – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
- Website: N/A
- Phone number: +971 4 273 5841
- CUCINA MESOB ETHIOPIAN RESTAURANT Instagram Account
10. Bonna Annee Ethiopian Restaurant
The food at Bonna Annee is highly praised by diners who can’t stop visiting. The wait staff is welcoming and helpful in explaining the food, an ideal service for first-timers. The price is reasonable if you are on a budget. Don’t miss out on the vegan/vegetarian shareable dishes, a very popular choice among guests.
- Type of cuisine: Ethiopian
- Location: Bonna Annee Ethiopian Restaurant، Shop No.3, Dar Al Maha Building, 16th Street، Hor Al Anz East – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
- Bonna Annee Ethiopian Restaurant Website
- Phone number: +971 50 726 9225
- Bonna Annee Ethiopian Restaurant Facebook Page
11. Milen Restaurant
Milen Restaurant offers mouthwatering, nutritious, gluten-free food from Ethiopia that is delicious, appealing to the eye, and good for the body.
- Type of cuisine: Ethiopian
- Location: Milen Restaurant، Shop # 2, Alphamed Building – Abu Hail Road – Hor Al Anz – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
- Milen Restaurant Website
- Phone number: +971 4 220 8477
- Milen Restaurant Instagram Account
12. Beteseb Restaurant Dubai
Freshly made vegetarian, vegan, and non-vegetarian Ethiopian cuisine is served at Beteseb Restaurant Dubai in an authentic family-style eatery. They offer party services for large groups, delivery, and pick-up menu options.
- Type of cuisine: Ethiopian
- Location: Beteseb Restaurant Dubai, City Stay Residence – 23rd St – next to Grandeur Hotel – Al Barsha – Al Barsha 1 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
- Beteseb Restaurant Dubai Website
- Phone number: +971 58 986 7101
- Beteseb Restaurant Dubai Instagram Account
13. Ethiopia Green Restaurant Dubai
Last but not least, Ethiopia Green Restaurant combines vegetarian/vegan options enriched by Ethiopia’s culinary heritage. With more than 15 years in Dubai, visitors and locals mark it as a great place to try Ethiopian food for the first time.
- Type of cuisine: Ethiopian
- Location: Ethiopia Green Restaurant Dubai, near Canadian Specialist Hospital – Hor Al Anz – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
- Ethiopia Green Restaurant Dubai Website
- Phone number: +971 56 128 7841
- Ethiopia Green Restaurant Dubai Instagram Account
Closing Thoughts on the Best Ethiopian Restaurants in Dubai
In conclusion, Dubai is home to some of the best Ethiopian restaurants outside of Ethiopia. So food enthusiasts looking to try authentic and delicious Ethiopian cuisine should definitely check out some of the restaurants mentioned in this article. With so many options to choose from, you’re sure to find a restaurant that will satisfy your taste buds and leave you wanting more.
Frequently Asked Questions on the Best Ethiopian Restaurants in Dubai
How many Ethiopian restaurants are in Dubai?
There are over 30 Ethiopian restaurants in Dubai. While this number may seem like a small number compared to the vast number of restaurants in Dubai, it is important to note that the Ethiopian cuisine scene in Dubai has been steadily growing in recent years.
Ethiopian cuisine is known for its unique flavors and spices, with many of the dishes being centered around injera, a sourdough flatbread that is a staple in Ethiopian cuisine. Injera is typically served with a variety of stews and curries, such as doro wat (a spicy chicken stew) and misir wat (a lentil stew). In addition to the traditional Ethiopian dishes, many of the Ethiopian restaurants in Dubai also offer fusion dishes, incorporating elements of other cuisines such as Indian and Middle Eastern. This has helped to attract a wider audience and has contributed to the popularity of Ethiopian cuisine in Dubai.
One of the most popular Ethiopian restaurants in Dubai is The Ethiopian Kitchen, located in the Jumeirah Lakes Towers area. The restaurant offers a variety of traditional Ethiopian dishes as well as fusion dishes and has received rave reviews from both locals and tourists.
Overall, the growing number of Ethiopian restaurants in Dubai is a testament to the city’s diverse culinary scene and its willingness to embrace new and unique cuisines. Whether you are a seasoned Ethiopian food lover or a curious first-timer, there are plenty of options to explore in Dubai’s Ethiopian restaurant scene.
What is Ethiopian food famous for?
Ethiopian cuisine is known for its unique flavor profile, which is a combination of spicy, sour, and rich flavors. The most famous dish is usually injera, or fermented sourdough bread. Ethiopian food is traditionally eaten with your hands, using injera as a utensil to scoop up stews, vegetables, or meat dishes.
One of the most popular Ethiopian dishes is called doro wat, which is a spicy chicken stew made with berbere spice, a blend of chili peppers, garlic, ginger, and other spices. This dish is often served with injera and is a staple in many Ethiopian households.
Another staple in Ethiopian cuisine is shiro, a thick stew made from ground chickpeas or lentils. This dish is often served with injera and can be made with or without meat.
Vegetarians will find plenty of options in Ethiopian cuisine, as many dishes are made with vegetables and legumes. One such dish is gomen, a stew made with collard greens, onions, and garlic. It is often served with injera and is a healthy and delicious option.
For those with a sweet tooth, Ethiopian cuisine also offers a variety of desserts. One popular dessert is called baklava, which is a sweet pastry made with layers of phyllo dough and filled with nuts and honey.
In addition to its delicious cuisine, Ethiopia is also known for its coffee. Coffee was first discovered in Ethiopia and is an important part of Ethiopian culture. Ethiopian coffee is known for its bold and rich flavor and is often served with a traditional coffee ceremony.
Overall, Ethiopian cuisine offers a unique and flavorful dining experience that is not to be missed. From spicy stews to sweet pastries, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
What are the must-try Ethiopian dishes?
When it comes to Ethiopian cuisine, it can be hard to choose from the vast array of mouth-watering dishes. However, there are a few dishes that stand out and are a must-try for anyone looking to try Ethiopian food for the first time.
One of those dishes is Doro Wat, a spicy chicken stew cooked in berbere sauce, which is the signature spice mix of Ethiopian cuisine. The dish is traditionally served with injera, a sourdough flatbread that is used to scoop up the stew. The combination of the tender chicken, the fiery spices, and the tangy injera create a flavor explosion in your mouth that will leave you wanting more.
Another delicious option is Kitfo, a dish made of raw minced beef that is seasoned with an array of spices and served warm. The dish is typically served with injera and a variety of side dishes, including cooked greens and cheese. While the idea of eating raw beef may seem daunting to some, the dish is actually quite flavorful and tender. The spices used in the seasoning help to cut through the richness of the beef, creating a perfectly balanced dish.
For vegetarians, there are plenty of delicious options to choose from as well. Misir Wat, a spicy lentil stew, is a popular choice. The dish is made with red lentils that are cooked in a spicy berbere sauce and served with injera. Another vegetarian option is Gomen, a dish made with collard greens that are cooked with onions, garlic, and ginger. The dish is typically served with injera and is a great way to get your daily dose of greens.
No matter what dish you choose, Ethiopian cuisine is sure to delight your taste buds with its bold flavors and unique combinations of spices and ingredients. So why not give it a try and discover a new favorite dish?
What is the oldest Ethiopian Restaurant in Dubai?
The oldest Ethiopian restaurant in Dubai is Blue Nile, which has been serving delicious Ethiopian food since 2004. Located in the bustling Deira district, this restaurant offers a cozy and welcoming atmosphere that is perfect for both solo diners and groups. Blue Nile is also known for its authentic Ethiopian coffee ceremony, which is a dish made of grilled meat.
Blue Nile is more than just a restaurant, it is a cultural experience. The decor is inspired by traditional Ethiopian designs, with vibrant colors and patterns adorning the walls. The staff is also dressed in traditional Ethiopian clothing, adding to the overall ambiance of the restaurant.
One of the standout dishes at Blue Nile is the injera, which is a sourdough flatbread that is a staple in Ethiopian cuisine. It is served with a variety of stews and curries and is meant to be eaten with your hands. The injera at Blue Nile is made fresh daily and is soft and fluffy with a slightly tangy flavor.
Another popular dish at Blue Nile is the doro wat, which is a spicy chicken stew that is cooked with berbere, a traditional Ethiopian spice blend. The stew is served with injera and is a must-try for anyone visiting the restaurant for the first time.
In addition to the food, Blue Nile also offers a range of Ethiopian beverages, including tej, which is a honey wine, and tella, which is a traditional Ethiopian beer. These drinks are the perfect accompaniment to the flavorful and spicy dishes served at the restaurant.
Overall, Blue Nile is a must-visit for anyone looking for an authentic Ethiopian dining experience in Dubai. With its warm and welcoming atmosphere, delicious food, and cultural touches, it is no wonder that this restaurant has been a favorite among locals and tourists alike for over 17 years.
