Mahider Ethiopian Restaurant & Market — Restaurant in Salt Lake City

The place is clean and nice. The overall atmosphere wasn’t as I expected; however, it was still an enjoyable environment. The service was good and quick. The waiter was speedy with our orders, and everything came out as requested. The portions were a perfect size for three people, and I didn’t leave hungry or overstuffed. Yet, for an Ethiopian restaurant, the food was almost bland in a way. It wasn’t bland compared to a piece of unseasoned chicken, but for a restaurant like this, I felt almost disappointed with how everything seemed like it had just too little spice, or too little bit of a kick, or not as flavorful as it could have been. Overall, the food was satisfying, filling, warm, and rich. There was just something missing. I understand if they’re trying to appeal to a certain demographic; this is Utah after all, and most people here are not exactly known for their spice tolerance. I’m part Indian, so maybe I’ve just been spoiled with super spicy and flavorsome things throughout my life. Again, I’m not saying that it wasn’t spicy or flavorful at all, it simply leaves something to be desired. I do wish there was some system of spice levels, like requesting a dish from mild to extra spicy. In the end, it was a good restaurant and I’m happy I went to experience the beauty of Ethiopian cuisine.

Chicken Sambusa: 7/10. This is a mouthful of delicious (albeit a bit dry) chicken, well-seasoned and served with a side of wonderful and slightly chunky jalapeño sauce. The outside is crispy and crunchy, and the inside is chewy and warm. However, I do wish there was more flavor and spice. I came here hoping for something with a memorable and spicy piquancy, and although I got one, it wasn’t all that I was hoping for. This was good, but it could’ve been better.

Lentil Sambusa: 7/10. I feel the same way about this sambusa as I feel with the chicken sambusas. It was good, and the jalapeño sauce made it even better. However, there was something I felt was missing. Flavor, spice, whatever it was, it just tasted bland for what I would have liked. Aside from that, nothing much to say about this sambusa that I didn’t say about the chicken one. A good appetizer nonetheless.

Taste of Mahider: 8/10. This was a great dish for three people. It has all the vegan dishes, as well as the meats and such. Everything is seasoned wonderfully, and there’s a decent amount of spice that isn’t overwhelming. However, like the sambusa, I do wish there was more. The injera that comes both beneath and on the side of the entrée was cooler (temperature-wise) than I was expecting, but that didn’t take away from it at all. It had a slightly sour undertone, but not in the bitter way, it simply highlighted the flavor of everything it came with. Really good. My favorites of the dish were probably the chicken and most of the meats (I’m a meat-lover), but the bits of tomato, spinach, and lentil(?) were just as good. Overall, everything was flavorful, rich, spicy, and cooked perfectly. For the final time however, I wish there was something more in all of these platters, something that made me go “wow!”. I came here for incredible amounts of flavoring and excitement, but I don’t feel as if that’s what I got completely. In the end, it was a fun experience that I’m glad I...

Update My current favorite restaurant. I've fallen in love with the injara (flatbread) and I come here multiple times a month when I can. I'd probably come more often if they were a bit closer to home. For my previous review I mentioned that service was really slow. Most of the time this isn't a problem but when they are packed, they do struggle a bit. That's OK - it's totally worth it. The food is good, the portions are generous and, although the price has gone up recently, it is not unreasonable. As noted before, the staff is all friendly and helpful, even when they are bogged down. Highly recommended.

• Original review * I took my kids here for the unique dining experience. A lot of the food is pretty different from what they were used to and most didn't like at least a few things, but they did all like some of it and lived the experience of sharing a platter of food and eating with your hands. I personally think the food is quite good (and makes fantastic left overs), although if I am being perfectly honest, I think I'd prefer to eat the various things with rice rather than the traditional flatbread (which is an option) and use a fork instead of my hands, but that's just me. If you haven't done it before, it's worth coming here once just for the experience. We didn't have to wait to be seated, but the place was hopping and service was pretty slow. We all drained our water cups somewhat early on and never once did anyone offer to fill them. I had to flag servers down if I wanted anything. I'd probably take a star off, except with staffing being as hard as it is these days and given that they appeared to be trying, but just short-staffed, I'll let it slide. Although a bit lacking in attentiveness, the staff was friendly and helpful (when I could get their attention) and the orders were...

My friends told me “GO TO THIS PLACE OR WE’RE NEVER TALKING TO YOU AGAIN!!!” So I went, cause those friends are pretty cool. Ugh, girls, huh?

So this place has Ethiopian food. Where is Ethiopia? If you have to ask that, then you should look at a map sometimes cause people should be aware of what things are and where place are. American is not the only country here, and people are awesome everywhere. I got a sampler, which was a ton of food so I ended up taking a bunch home and enjoying it again the next day. I had not ever eaten Ethiopian food before. The closest I had got to Ethiopia was probably a Middle Eastern restaurant I went to in San Frizzle, so I have not got that close to that country, but that’s part of the huuuge excitement of trying something new!

My first exciting experience here was the bread item they bring out with your food. I can’t remember what it’s called, but when they first brought it out, I thought it looked like a rolled up towel or paper towel, but really porous, and kind of spongy. But on to the food! The food was so flavorful, as well as pleasing to the eye, that I can’t recommend the food enough. Remember that you may need to keep your adventurous spirit as you try something which is very different to what you normally eat, but it’s such a great way to experience a little bit of another culture. We didn’t use any utensils to eat. You just break a bit of the bread stuff and use it with your fingers to scoop things up and into your mouth. Also, the staff were very friendly and attentive.

I’m so glad I listened to my hot friends and went to eat at this place. They ended up not talking to me again anyway cause they were mad that I didn’t invite them to go eat at this place with me. I miss you, Layla, “Princess Annabelle,” and Sned! I hope we can be...