If you crave the authentic flavors of Ethiopia, look no further than Taste of Ethiopia in Austin, TX. Named one of America’s top 100 restaurants by Yelp, Woinee Mariam and her husband, Solomon Hailu aim to please with the most flavorful, succulent food the area has to offer. Often referred to as a hidden gem, or needle in a haystack by Austin residents, Taste of Ethiopia may be found on the outskirts of Austin in an area referred to as Pflugerville.

Lunch Buffet

Five weekdays per week Taste of Ethiopia serves a vegetarian lunch buffet from the hours of 11 AM to 2 PM. The owners invite you to stop in and give it a try, challenging that you will not miss the meat. From spicy lentils and spinach to a variety of other vegetarian dishes served with rich spices and traditional injera bread, there is never a shortage of healthy creations which can be shared and enjoyed by a variety of taste pallets.

Grandmother’s Home Cooking

Wionee and her husband Solomon describe the food served here as a new take on foods one’s grandmother might prepare. They use ingredients such as green beans, lentils, cabbage and potatoes, collard greens, lamb, chicken and beef tips with a variety of spices, served in a large basket lined with injera bread for all to share. The traditional way to eat Ethiopian food is with the injera bread as utensils, scooping it up and eating it with your hands. Once the vegetables and meat have been finished, there is often some left over ijnera lining the basket which has soaked up all of the juices from the meal. Many like to roll this up and eat it, stating that it is one of the best parts of the meal. The best part about this restaurant is that everything is prepared with natural ingredients. It is a very clean way to eat, live, and respect your body.

Kid Friendly

If you are craving Ethiopian food, but worry that your children will not approve, set those fears aside. Wionee assures parents that their children will love the food also. With four children of her own, she knows how to prepare dishes that even the pickiest of eaters will enjoy, and is happy to cater towards the children of others.

Food Made With Love

One thing that separates Taste of Ethiopia from typical restaurants is the fact that every dish is prepared with love. The owners feel as though it is their responsibility to offer such meals to the community of Austin, and to never use grease of processed preservatives. Every dish that exits the kitchen of this restaurant leaves with the seal of approval from Woinee herself, and is of the caliber and likeness of dishes her own relatives would share. This love infused cuisine is intended to be shared with family and friends, as it is served on a platter, family style. You are invited to open your mind to experience this rich collectivistic culture and take on dining.

Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony

Coffee is a large part of the culture here at Taste of Ethiopia. Since Ethiopia is the birthplace of coffee, they are known for offering and serving up some of the best. Take some time to sit down and relax, and experience the rich tradition of the coffee ceremony, and enjoy the rich flavors and aromas from Ethiopian java.

Parking, Patio, and Pleasure

Taste of Ethiopia offers a variety of amenities to make guests feel at ease, relaxed and at home. They offer an onsite parking lot, as well as an outdoor patio. If you are interested in consuming a bit of beer or wine with your meal, they offer a nice assortment, as well as traditional honey wine.