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 had either way.
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