Ethiopian treat- Ethinc cuisine

So one day my dear husband decided to treat me with some Ethiopian food at an authentic Ethiopian restaurant - Zagol restaurant in Karama, Dubai. Both of us are avid food lovers who love to explore and try out different cuisines. The restaurant looks very small from the outside but the interior walls are adorned by traditional Ethiopian artefacts and paintings with a seating arrangement of small four tables. Not to mention the staff were very hospitable and prices were reasonable too. Ethiopian food is extremely unique and extraordinarily flavourful and is usually eaten with friends and family. It is not meant to be eaten alone in the Ethiopian culture since portion sizes were generous and served on a communal platter.

Interior of the restaurant

For most Ethiopians staple dish is injera which is more or less similar to dosa (pancake made of rice flour, which most Indians might know). It is made from a type of grain known as teff, a close cousin of Ragi. Teff is one of the superfoods that's high in protein and other minerals, it is slowly taking over quinoa. It has many health benefits which includes developing and strengthening bones and teeth, reduced premenstrual syndrome, treats constipation as it is loaded with fibre, regulates blood sugar levels as it is gluten free, low in fat content which helps in weight reduction, controls the signs of early ageing, prevents heart disease and provides long lasting energy.

On the plate: injera, gommen be siga (green leafy curry) and beef tibes (brown beef curry)

Teff is ground into flour which is made into a batter by adding water, fermented and then fried into a giant circular pancake to make the injera. The texture of pancake is soft, thin and spongy and tastes slightly sour. A base layer of injera, round in shape, is placed on the platter and on top of it, the different curries or vegetables that were ordered are placed. From a single dish to a mix of different dishes, everything is piled onto the plate of injera. It is served as round pancakes or even as rolls. To begin eating, first tear off a piece of injera with your right hand and mop up, and pick up a bite of your choice of whatever curries you have on your platter. I think it’s the best part of the meal because it has time to soak up all the flavours of the dishes making it more tasty and toothsome.

Now stop drooling and try out these authentic Ethiopian dishes at Zagol restaurant. We loved every mouthful and will definitely visit again next time we're in Dubai.

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