review: etete

there are a lot of ethiopian restaurants in the dc area, but etete is probably the best. i'm actually having a hard time writing about it, because every time i remember what i ate, my stomach lets out a rumble and i just want to go back. note to self! never blog hungry.

ethiopian food is like crack. the more you consume, the more you crave. not many things fall into that category for me and most are unmentionable. indian food is also like this. after a great indian meal, i find that i am, slowly, but surely, overtaken by the urge to return to the scene of the crime. but rather than quench my thirst, giving in just fuels the fire.

caveat: this only applies to truly great specimens of these two cuisines. and etete is one. the injera is perfectly spongy and soft, but stands up to a fistful of doro wat, red lentils, and tender collard greens like a champ. the sourdough tang of the pancake is a perfect foil for the slight sweetness of the yellow lentils and the buttery cabbage, carrots and potatoes.

hey good lookin'!


the doro wat is off the hook. the chicken is juicy and so tender, it practically falls off the bone. the sauce, deep red, velvety, and infused with ginger, onion, garlic, chilis, and berbere has complexity and a kick.



my only complaint is the portion size. one drumstick. fifteen bucks. really? i know, i know, stupid fat american! whatever, i want more.

the veggie sampler is not to be missed. the yellow lentils might be tops, or maybe the red lentils (spicy!) or the green stuff, which according to their menu contains chopped onion, green pepper, garlic, lentils, and lemon juice, mixed with ethiopian mustard. it's cold, kind of like a relish, and freakin' delicious.



yellow lentils at 11 o'clock, red at 3, green at 4, doro wat in the middle. comes with an egg, by the way. not so into that. i know it's traditional, but it doesn't really do anything for me and actually i don't need the "what came first" question injected into my meal. how about a chicken thigh?

anyway, etete is great, highly recommend it. wash it down with a bottle of harar.



did i mention you eat with your hands? heaven.