Awash — Restaurant in New York

Can't love this place more than I do!

The last time I visited Ethiopia was in 1997 and then again in 2011. A beautiful country with the most gracious people and incredible food. Sadly what we are shown in the media about Ethiopia is NOT the whole sum of or even a fraction of what is Ethiopia!

This gem of a place is beautifully decorated and inviting. The owners are bar tending and greeting guests as they arrive and visiting each table, making sure everything is to their liking as they sit and eat. The rest of the staff are also super attentive and warm too!

Forgo the forks and do as the natives do and eat with nature's utensils, your fingers!

Totally vegetarian friendly and hugely a carnivores delight and for this omnivore it was pure nirvana :)

Order the meat combo that comes with 2 meat selections and 3-4 veg as well. You get to try a bit of everything and for the price you get sooo much! If you plan to share it, there is a $9 additional charge, which I think is very fair. Their steak tartare (special kitfo) is well balanced in flavor and spice and so silky in texture. The Doro wat, their signature braised dark meat bone in spicy chicken dish is a must order, succulent and spicy! The lamb yebeg tibs was perfectly cooked where the meat was not stringy or tough. The vegetarian options were so nicely seasoned and flavorful, we could not get enough! Try the Key sir (beets & carrots), Gomen (chopped collards), Yatakilt Alicha (braised cabbage & spices), Yater Kik (braised yellow split peas),...

AVOID this place - I called in advance of ordering to explain that I’m gluten free and so would need gluten free injera (most authentic and good quality injera is gluten free naturally but apparently not here), the restaurant said I just had to add the request in the notes. When I placed the order, they then called to say they couldn’t give me gluten free injera because I hadn’t paid extra for it (despite their being no option on the menu to pay extra for it). They told me I had to place a separate order for $4.50 in order to get ONE gluten free injera (for reference, all of their dishes come with 2 injera). When I informed them that would be below the minimum order and would cost me money in delivery etc they just told me there was nothing they could do (which seems ridiculous as all restaurants can add on extras on their end). They then told me they would cancel a main ($20) so I could get some gluten free injera - so ridiculous! It’s a pancake and they were trying to charge me $20 to get it when it’s FREE with their dishes. Zero accommodation for dietary needs, rude staff who don’t communicate well at all. I had to cancel the order myself because they apparently couldn’t do it. Just avoid if you don’t...

The flavors of these traditional Ethiopian dishes are unmatched. The seasoning was deeply complex with tang and spice - which also matches the overall vibe of the place. We stopped in for dinner and loved the decor and cleanliness of the restaurant. We started of with the beef sambusa and were taken aback a little when it came wrapped in phyllo (instead of homemade pastry) - but flaky, buttery and delicious nonetheless! I ordered the Missir (red lentils), Engudai Tibs (mushrooms) and Gomen (collard greens) while she ordered the Doro Wat (chicken in berbere) and Key Sir (red beets). ALL FANTASTIC! It’s a pretty healthy portion and definitely meant for sharing. If fact, they encourage “GURSHA,” the act of taking an injera wrapped portion of food and feeding it to someone at the table as a sign of unity and respect.

Overall, the restaurant is a hit with great service and amazing food. Perfect for a date, family/friend sharing or takeout - Awash is a must try and you WILL be back for this truly...