Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Bluff City Vegan Eats: Abyssinia Ethiopian Restaurant

Remember last week when I asked about your favorite "exotic" food? Well, I neglected to tell you mine. I realize the term "exotic" is totally relative, but in Memphis, Ethiopian food is about as exotic as it gets. And thankfully, we have the best Ethiopian joint ever — Abyssinia Ethiopian Restaurant:

Here's a shot of my overstuffed plate after a trip to Abyssinia's Saturday afternoon buffet. Honestly, I'm not even sure what any of the dishes are called, but I do know that about 95 percent of Abyssinia's buffet is meat-free. They typically have one meat entree and about 9 to 10 veggie offerings. The buffet's only open for lunch throughout the week and on Saturday, but the veggie platter offered at dinnertime has the same dishes that are on the buffet.

There's the tasty red lentil dish and my favorite yellow split pea entree. The cold mung bean salad and mayo-less potato salad are out of this world. There's always some fun veggies, like sauteed spinach, savory cooked cabbage, or roasted carrots and green beans. The rice and noodle dishes are surprisingly good despite the fact that starchy pastas don't always hold up under harsh buffet lights.

But none of the above tastiness would be nearly as delightful if you had to eat it with a boring old fork. That's what the spongy, sourdough-like injera bread is for! Granted, I've never had injera anywhere but Abysinnia, but I'm still certain that theirs is the best. I've even been known to cram any leftover injera into my purse to take home and freeze for later. Yes, I have done that. Don't judge. At least I didn't put tater tots in my pocket.

Abyssinnia Ethiopian Restaurant is located at 2600 Poplar, Suite 115. Call 901-321-0082.

10 comments:

FoodandLoathing said...

There's an Ethiopian restaurant called Abyssinia in Philly too! nd it's got this tiny little hipster bar on top of it called Fiume -- both worth visiting! Hmmm... I wonder if Abyssinia is just a really common name for Ethiopian joints.

T said...

Oooh that plate is making me drool! DC is famous for Ethiopean restaurants and I'll definitely have to hit some up!

The Health Sensei said...

as much as i love world cuisine, i still have never had Ethiopian. shame on me! we have great options here too...now you've inspired me.

Unknown said...

I love Ethiopian food. It's always so fresh, with complex flavors. But dang, that stuff is SPICY!

Jessica said...

I have recently had Ethiopian for the first time and I love it. I like the lentils, too, and the collards, and the injera. Yum! The buffet sounds like a great find.

Sheridan said...

I've never had Ethiopian cuisine! This is where we should eat next time I visit! Looks delicious!

Jenni (aka Vegyogini) said...

I LOVE Ethiopian food SO MUCH! We have a Little Ethiopia here, which is basically a street with Ethiopian restaurants and markets lining both sides. My favorite of the restaurants is also the first I ever tried and all their vegetarian options are vegan. They also make the best hummus I've ever had.

MeloMeals said...

I have never eaten at an Ethiopian restaurant! I've made the food myself, but I definitely want to get some good ole authentic stuff!

Velovegan said...

that looks bloody good! been neglecting my blog for a while cos ive been so broke and eating on a budget.... but still checkin everything and being super jealous!! ;) xxx

Juliana said...

nice colors in your plate, bianca :)
i love ethiopean food too !