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Traditional Ethiopian Deira Discuss this article

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From Time Out Dubai Eating Out 2009

It may not be the cleanest place in town, or the easiest to find, but, for diners with a sense of adventure, this intimate Ethiopian canteen is well worth a special trip. Be warned, however, you might face a couple of curious stares, but that’s all part of the fun.

The is basically made up of one item: injera, a spongy pancake made from a sour grain called teff. The variety comes in deciding what meat you’d like it topped with. The injera fir fir comes with smoky and spicy strips of beef and a boiled egg, while the injera key wot is a casserole made with lamb marinated in berbere sauce (red chilli and ginger paste) and eager to fall off the bone.

Don’t let the lack of utensils get you too confused, this massive feast (one serving can easily feed two people) is meant to be eaten with the hands; just use the bread to sandwich the meat. A meal costs a pittance and makes you feel you’ve escaped the gloss and buff of Dubai and in place found something rare and even more valuable: character.

• Previous reviews
  • 26 March,2008- reviewed by Jeremy Lawrence
  • 12 March,2007- reviewed by Time Out Dubai Staff
  • 16 August,2006- reviewed by Time Out Dubai

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