Lete's Injera & Cafe — Restaurant in Indianapolis

Just gotta sing some praises for Lete Injera & Cafe on the west side. We've tried most Ethiopian restaurants in the city and this one takes the cake. Absolutely incredible. It wasn't just a meal, but an experience.

We were given menus but the owner quickly came up to the table and asked our preferences. Spicy or mild? Meat or veg? We didn't have to order at all. She went back to the kitchen and prepared an elaborate assortment of dishes for each of us on our own trays for around $15. Every dish was phenomenal. The Injera is moist yet holds together when you eat. This is quite honestly the best Ethiopian food we've had in Indiana and maybe anywhere.

And on top of that, the owners are just delightful. So pleasant and didn't bat an eye about us being trans. We're used to being judged when we go out. That didn't happen here. They were so kind and welcoming. When we walked in, one of the owners made a point to turn Ethiopian music videos on the TV. He took an adorable call with his grandson at one point and it was just super apparent that there's a lot of love shared amongst this family.

After we ate, we ordered the Ethiopian coffee, which was an experience in and of itself. The owner/chef roasted the beans fresh and walked them over to the table so we could smell. She then brought out an enormous basket of fresh popcorn and lit some incense on the table behind us. She pulled up a chair and poured us cups of coffee and then sat and chatted with us about the restaurant while we drank. Her customers are extremely loyal. Some folks come even every other day... and we can see why.

I usually feel extremely overstimulated and uncomfortable in restaurants, but I was so happy being here. It was homey and comfortable and the meal was very intentional and slow-paced, in the best way. There was no rush. We were invited to stay and make ourselves comfortable. The owners were genuinely invested in us enjoying our time and meal.

Please go here if you live in Indy. It's my new favorite restaurant in the city. And feel free to bring me with you cuz I need to go back as much as...

Going to Lete's is like going over to your friend's house as a kid and their mom continuing to bring you snacks, wanting for nothing and endlessly thankful, stomach-full, and effortlessly at ease. I was invited to join a group trip to Lete's by a classmate who is a regular, and when they cautioned it may be a long trip because they tend to linger, I didn't realize it was because of the delight and friend that Lete is to those she serves. Near the end of our meal, Lete came and joined us at the table. She asked about our classes, what we are doing at uni. She shared stories of her process of making injera, of her family, and the difficulties in opening her restaurant a few years ago. Lete is a joy, a kind soul. I have never been made to feel more at home in a new restaurant. Our post-meal coffee was served with stove-cooked popcorn, complementing the soft and robust notes of the fresh-roasted coffee. Most of our group of eleven got the veggie combo, which was shared in pairs with two portions per plate, and we were given endless rolls of injera til our plates were cleared. Lete's injera has the most flavor of any I have known. The seasoning of her cooking is well-balanced, thoughtful. When we said we had more than enough coffee, she poured herself a cup in the small, comfortable dishes. She offers cream or almond milk, the cream is very sweet so if you do not like sweet coffee, take it black or request almond milk. There is also sugar on the table, and some salt if you do not like the popcorn plain. Lete stayed with us to pour the coffee. We were there for about three hours and I would have wished to stay forever if coffee and large groups didn't bring me so much sleepiness. Lete, thank you. May your injera be ever abundant.

(Edited to add a photo from...

My friend and I went here for lunch and it was out of this world amazing for many reasons. Personally I had never had Ethiopian food but I was intrigued by the photos of the injera... This is the spongy deliciousness made from a certain grain from Africa that all the additional food is placed upon.... I cannot express how friendly and accommodating the hostess and the host were.... Lete is the owner, the cook and the hostess.... An amazing and intriguing woman. Very knowledgeable about her food and her culture and completely willing to share all of it with you if you like. If you are looking for an authentic Ethiopian food experience and have never done this before, I would highly highly recommend Lete's Injera & Cafe. It would be the perfect place for a new and exciting date night experience. If you go for lunch, it would be best to allow for a long lunch... We stayed for 2 hours... however, I am certain if we had said we were in a bit of a hurry, Lete would have been more than accommodating in feeding us well and getting us back out the door in a timely fashion. If you are a coffee drinker, an absolute must do, is the fresh coffee that she prepares. She starts by roasting the raw coffee beans from Africa in a very large cast iron skillet.... It is seriously the best coffee I've ever had in my life! The only reason I am not giving a five out of five on the atmosphere, is because she needs to paint the walls a more colorful shade and hang some African themed artwork on the walls. In fact, I found Lete and her restaurant so awesome and I wish for her business success so much ....that I may endeavor to help her with her restaurant decorations! And the food you ask? SERIOUSLY...