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Ethiopian cuisine is deeply rooted in social tradition, where sharing a meal is a communal experience. Diners gather around a large platter, using their right hand to tear off pieces of injera—a fermented pancake that serves as both bread and utensil—to scoop up flavorful stews and vegetables. This hands-on approach not only enhances the flavors but also fosters a sense of togetherness. Ready to explore this vibrant culinary scene? Here are our five favorite Ethiopian restaurants in Amsterdam!
Abyssinia
Abyssinia is a cozy spot where you can savor traditional Eritrean and Ethiopian dishes in an inviting, communal setting. The restaurant is known for its authentic injera, made from 100% teff flour. It highlights the rich flavors and health benefits of this ancient grain, which is gluten-free and packed with nutrients. Pair your meal with unique drinks like honey wine or African beer for a truely immersive dining experience!
📍Jan Pieter Heijestraat 190, 1054MN Amsterdam
Addis Ababa
At Addis Ababa, you’ll find traditional dishes like Gomen-Wot, a vegetarian favorite made with spinach, red lentils in spicy sauce, vegetables, and cottage cheese, served with injera. Meat lovers can enjoy Doro-Be-Enguday, a flavorful dish of fried chicken fillet with mushrooms, lentils, and Ethiopian spices, adjustable to your heat preference. Everything is delicious!
📍Overtoom 337, 1054 JM Amsterdam
Lalibela
Eethuis Lalibela, the oldest Ethiopian restaurant in the Netherlands, is named after the historic city in northern Ethiopia known for its remarkable rock-hewn churches. In a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere, you can savor traditional Ethiopian dishes, rich with the flavors of this ancient culture. The menu features specialties like the Lalibela dish, tender beef pieces in a mild or spicy sauce with fried onions and Ethiopian herbs, served alongside African salad and, of course, injera for the authentic hands-on dining experience.
📍Helmersstraat 249, 1054 DX Amsterdam
Queen of Sheba
You’ll find Queen of Sheba nestled in Westerpark. The menu features a range of dishes, including fish options like Ye’Assa Wot, a marinated cod in spicy sauce. You’ll also love some vegan favorites such as Misir Wot, lentils in a mildly spiced sauce. For a shared experience, try the Sheba Mix. It’s a delightful combination of three meat and three vegetarian dishes, perfect for two. With options for dine-in and takeaway, Queen of Sheba also offers an Ethiopian coffee ceremony, a must-try cultural experience (reservation required).
📍Eerste Nassaustraat 32, 1052 BH Amsterdam
Semnar
Restaurant Semhar, named after an Eritrean province on the Red Sea, offers a unique blend of African and Asian-inspired flavors. And that’s because of the region’s rich cultural history. Known for using seven carefully selected herbs sourced directly from Eritrea, the restaurant creates dishes with secret spice blends not found anywhere else in the Netherlands. Signature menu items include the Bebeanetu, for example. It’s a vegetarian mix of Alecha, Shiro, Duba, and Bamea served with injera. The Assa is also amazing. It’s a spicy Red Sea fish dish paired with lentils, spinach, and goat cheese. Yum!
📍Marnixstraat 259 – 261, 1015 WH Amsterdam
Have you tried one of these amazing Ethiopian restaurants yet?