My sister Alka and I recently went for lunch at the Ethiopian Cultural Centre at Delhi. We met at the Lok Kalyan Marg Metro Station and then took an auto to the Cultural Centre! At the entrance we we were asked for an identity, and as I remember my pan number, they accepted it along with some other details. We notice lots of chili drying in the sun!
The Beautiful Courtyard at the Ethiopian Cultural Centre
We walked in to a beautiful courtyard, and a few empty seats. We asked the staff and they said we could take one of the vacant tables. We sat down happily under the neem trees surrounded by the beautifully painted walls.
We got the menu and realized there were Ethiopian, Indian and Italian options. We settled on sharing a tomato soup and then I asked for help for the staff. I could see a vegetarian beyaynetu but we did not know how to even pronounce it! The staff told us it was a good choice and it was enough for the two of us. They also helped us with the pronunciation too! I also decided to try the Ethiopian Coffee, black and without sugar at the end but my sister decided not to go for it.
Our order complete, we started chatting in the nice sunlight, remembering our trips together and lamenting that the stock market was not allowing us to plan any big trips! Soon our soup arrived and it was good! We were happily sipping on it when our huge plate of beyaynetu also arrived.
The Amazing Beyaynetu
We marveled at it! I asked the staff if we were supposed to eat the layer over the plate and they assured me it was edible. There were three type of lentils, pickled veg, beans, collard greens and another curry. I searched and realized the flatbread is called injera. The food was flavorful and we really enjoyed it. But it was more than enough for two people, try as we might we could not finish it.
Ethiopian Coffee and Popcorn- An Amazing Treat
After food it was time for coffee. I am not a big fan of black coffee but this one surprised me. It did not leave a bitter taste at all. It was rich and flavorful! I have no problem not having sugar as I anyway don’t take sugar in my tea or coffee. Popcorn was a nice touch! I wonder why we don’t have more coffee with popcorn!
My sister and I had an absolutely amazing time at the Ethiopian Cultural Centre. The outdoor seating is excellent for the present weather but they do have indoor seating too. If you are looking for a wonderful experience do give this a try!
A Dash of Chili
While walking out I asked the two people standing near the chilis if they were grown in the backyard? They said the chilis came from Ethiopia! There was such a wonderful aroma in the air too!
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