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| - OK so this is not really a restaurant... It's not really run like a business, per se. And yet it's AMAZING.
A delightful couple will serve you a to-die-for-delicious home-cooked meal that you just happen to pay for... They prepare everything once it's ordered so there's no scaling or volume or time-saving like you'd expect from a standard "restaurant."
Consequently, expect to wait at least an hour, in bigger groups closer to two+ hours, for your order. But it's worth it!!! (If you know to expect that). The food is stunning, it's truly home-cooked, and you can really taste the difference. My absolute favorite mom and pop joint in Montreal, hands down.
If you want to go to a "restaurant" that's run like a business, that's got the semblance of decor, a reasonable wait time and serves Ethiopian food: go to The Blue Nile. If you want to go to a place that is the real deal, this is it: I lived in Addis Ababa for two years so I know a good Kitfo, and it's the only place I'll take others who lived there for dinner. It has soul, they serve the BEST Ethiopian food in Montreal, and you'll be supporting a local, family-owned gem. I remember Au Messob d'Or, Abiata and the old place on Bishop so I've seen Ethiopian places come and go in this city. I'm so glad East Africa has been thriving, as I'd hate to lose such an authentic spot.
It's all delicious, but my favourite dishes, in order of preference are:
- The Kitfo (beef tartar - although I ask for it very lightly cooked)
- The Fish
- The mixed vegetarian platter
- Lamb Tibbs
- Doro Wat (chicken & egg)
You will probably need to ask for extra injera (the bread) if you're in a bigger group. My general rule of thumb is 1.5 dishes per person (or 2 if there are lotsa people with big appetites) and bear in mind the vegetarian platter counts as 2 dishes in servings. So I'd say order 3ish dishes if you're 2 people, 6-7 if you're 4, and so on. If you have smaller appetites I know couples that just share the vegetarian platter between them, but I could never ignore my other favorites!
I've been countless times over the years, and I often go in groups of 8 - 12 people (because Ethiopian food is the best to share!) All of my friends are basically regulars now, it's just that kinda magical place. I do "brief" people before I bring them here, thusly:
- Have a snack before you go, we will wait 2+ hours as a large group.
- Bring whatever you want to drink: it's not just BYOB, they only have water so if you want wine, beer or even soda/juice you have to bring it.
- The decor and bathroom are... rustic :)
- The food itself is OUTSTANDING.
- The family running East Africa are awesome, kind, genuine, hard-working peeps.
I often order the food for group outings the night before or when I make my reservation. This has no impact on the serving wait times (LOL) but it does generally help ensure they may have the things we want to order in stock (not a guarantee though, again: LOL).
Note that people I know who are less used to spicy food (think proper middle eastern, Indian, etc., not tamed versions) tend to find the Kitfo a bit spicy, and sometimes other dishes as well, so do let them know if you want it toned down. But for those of you who love spicy food, you'll be in heaven! You can even ask for a little extra berbere on the side if you want even more kick :)
Bring friends, lots to drink, plan to spend a good few laid back hours there: you'll eat well and have a blast!!!
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