Hungry? Wanna Tana?
Long overdue, my first foray into Ethiopian food had the fortune of being Tana Ethiopian Restaurant in Anaheim. I've been desiring to try Ethiopian food since I saw it featured on Bizarre Foods many years ago. With my lunchtime game face on, it was the opportune time to check off another ethnic cuisine off my list.
Tana special kitfo- Lean, minced prime beef, seasoned with spiced butter & mitmita (chili powder). Served either rare or raw, I chose the authentic raw version. The beef tasted fresh, sweet & buttery good. It had a mellow burn, forcing a few droplets of perspiration from my head but not enough to dull the tastebuds. The accompanying ayibe (cottage cheese) was assertively tart, to where it overpowers the kitfo when liberally overapplied. The injera bread was akin to a sour, spongy crepe. It was surprisingly not as filling as I thought it would be. Granted, I didn't eat the extra injera in the basket, but I wasn't overstuffed upon finishing the rest of my food. Authentic injera is gluten-free, but I've heard some Ethiopian places add wheat or barley. Ask to make sure, in case. The main flavor profile of the entire meal was brightness, provided by both the injera & the ayibe. Overall, the highlight was the sugary sweet kitfo. Of course I recommend it raw.
Vegetarian? No worries! Tana has several vegetarian dishes, highlighted by their Vegetarian Special plate. Beer, wine & coffee drinks are available. Ethiopian coffee is served for parties of 3+, and requires some time to make. Not on the menu, hard liquor is displayed behind the counter for those for looking something stronger with their meal.
Service was good, however don't come to Tana in a hurry, as I waited around 30 minutes for my food. Only 2 parties ahead of me, my order of kitfo shouldn't take very long, considering the meat is rare & the injera cooks in minutes. While waiting, I took the opportunity to see the cooks pour the injera batter & swirl it around the circular pan. Seating for around 15-20 people, there is a flatscreen TV that was playing Ethiopian instrumental music for our listening pleasure.
Parking is in a private lot, west of Magnolia Street.
Tana Ethiopian Restaurant is a quaint, charming little eatery serving up authentic cuisine of the region. I enjoyed my Tana special kitfo. The rare spiced beef was delicious & expertly prepared. I'm looking forward to my next visit, where I think I'll partake of zil zil tibs & Ethiopian coffee, unless I think being awake all night may not be such a good idea.
Highly...
Read moreI recently had the pleasure of dining at an Ethiopian restaurant, and it was an absolute delight. From the moment I stepped in, the ambiance transported me to the heart of Ethiopia. The warm colors, traditional decor, and authentic music set the perfect tone for the culinary journey ahead. Now, let's talk about the food. Oh my goodness, it was incredible! Each dish was bursting with flavor and made with such care and attention to detail. The spices and herbs used were a true testament to the rich culinary heritage of Ethiopia. The injera, a traditional Ethiopian flatbread, was soft and spongy, perfect for soaking up the savory sauces and stews. One dish that stood out to me was the doro wat, a spicy chicken stew. The tender chicken simmered in a flavorful blend of spices was simply divine. Another highlight was the vegetarian platter, a colorful array of lentils, chickpeas, and vegetables, each offering a unique and delicious taste experience. To top it all off, the service was impeccable. The staff was friendly, knowledgeable, and went above and beyond to ensure a memorable dining experience. I left the restaurant feeling not only satisfied but also enriched by the flavors and culture of Ethiopia. In conclusion, if you're looking for a truly unforgettable dining experience, I highly recommend this Ethiopian restaurant. The combination of delicious food, inviting ambiance, and exceptional service makes it a must-visit for any food...
Read moreThis restaurant is great! We came in around 11:30 on Saturday for lunch and were greeted by a friendly woman. We all sat at a long table by the window and reviewed the selections on the menu. Being my first time here I wanted to try something that had various dishes on it so I could get some variety; I ordered the vegetarian delight. It came out on a sourish tasting flat bread called inerja, the texture was reminiscent of a crepe. I liked all the vegetarian selections, the spinach was my least favorite although I am typically a huge spinach fan. My favorite items were the Shiro Wot, the cabbage blend, and the potatoes and carrots. I also really enjoyed the light freshness of the salad, the dressing was amazing!
Throughout our entire time here I felt very at home and comfortable, as if a friend's mother invited me into her home to eat. My husband had taken it upon himself to order us all coffee at the completion of our meal and I am so glad he did, that in itself was a wonderful experience. First she brought out the beans as they were roasting to show us and have us smell, she said this was a traditional custom and I loved it! She then brought out the coffee pot and little cups and served us all. The coffee was delicious, worth the wait, and totally made with love - I could taste it. Whenever I have another hankering for Ethiopian food, I will...
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