Jimma Café

Ethiopian gem on the back streets of Deira Discuss this article

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From Time Out Dubai Eating Out 2009

Finding this dimly lit Ethiopian eatery among the back streets of Deira can be quite an ordeal – but it’s worth it. Most patrons are Ethiopian and Sudanese – a surefire sign that the grub is authentic – and they will happily tell you how to eat the food (put it this way: cutlery is not the name of the game).

You’ll be glad you’ve made your new friends, as navigating the one-page menu, which has few descriptions, is not easy. Opt for injera with tebs (crepe with grilled beef and chillies) and there’ll easily be enough for two. The injera is a massive, sponge-like beast; tear off hunks, using it to sweep up the ingredients and, despite slightly tough meat, the unique mixture of sour and spice will have you coming back again and again.

Then wash down the meal with harrar sofi – a sweet, rum-like non-alcoholic malt beverage. Our visit left us with achingly full bellies and a bill of just Dhs24 – and the sense of exploration that came with the experience? As Mastercard would say, priceless.

• Previous reviews
  • 07 July,2008- reviewed by Daisy Carrington

Time Out reviews restaurants anonymously and pays for meals. Of course, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or independence of user reviews.