Ethiopian Food Is Getting Hot In Sydney: Here’s Where To Try Some

We've had our fair share of pasta and crudo recently—and Ethiopian food is stepping up to the plate in Sydney/Eora. An African country with an ancient culture and the second-largest population on the continent, it is no wonder that Ethiopia is so highly regarded for its cuisine. Here at Urban List, we are always on the lookout for our next favourite feed, and these spicy plates may just be enough to turn our heads.

Here’s a quick rundown of Ethiopian food to catch you up, and Urban List's top picks for the best close-to-home spots where you can load up your plate. 

Know what you want? Skip to

• What Makes Ethiopian Food So Damn Good?
• Why Ethiopian Food Is Having Its Moment
• Where To Find The Best Ethiopian Restaurants In Sydney

What Makes Ethiopian Food So Damn Good?

Traditionally, Ethiopian food is characterised by its social quality–chatting amongst friends and family while a communal dish of thick stew (wot) is shared between you all. It is a cuisine centred around bonding and good ol’ classic community. 

Wot takes some of the spotlight in this cuisine (rightfully so), taking the form of various flavour-packed stews; vegan-friendly, with veggies stewed in turmeric, ginger and garlic, as well as protein-based ops, chockablock with chicken, lamb and beef. It's a cuisine that truly has something for everyone. 

And with every dish of wot, you are guaranteed to be given your share of injera on the side–a pancake-like flatbread made of teff flour (fantastically spongy in the mouth, for all you texture freaks out there). Using your hands and scooping pieces of injera is the customary approach to eating this Ethiopian food—we are going back to basics, and chucking the utensils out the window. Ethiopia is also renowned for its coffee, so come prepared to be energised with a sip or two for the full experience.

Ethiopian Food Is Having A Moment—Why?

Interest in the Ethiopian cuisine has skyrocketed in Australia–searches have increased by 2,767%, according to a new report. This is a huge number, and one that can be largely chalked up to the influence of passionate restaurateurs and chefs.

Melbourne's Abesha and Canberra’s Ethiopian On Northbourne are just two such eateries that have captured Aussie hearts (and stomachs) during the last several years. It is the culture and customs of these Ethiopian spots that seem to draw in the crowds: the sharing of heritage, communal dishes, good catch-up chats, and intensely mouth-watering bites.

And the health benefits of such appetising food feel too good to be true. Shaped by centuries of religious fasting and vegetarian traditions, these dishes feature plant-based options, fermentation, injera made with gluten-free teff, and an abundance of fibre and spices to refresh your system. It’s safe to say that Australian wellness experts have given their stamp of approval.

This mass appeal is just too great. Send out some invites or go on a solo date to one of Sydney’s Ethiopian restaurants—a treat that promises to be meticulously curated, great for the body and, most importantly, wonderfully flavourful.

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Where To Find The Best Ethiopian Restaurants In Sydney

Gursha Ethiopian

3/115 Main Street, Blacktown

Image credit: Gursha Ethiopian | Instagram

With the term ‘Gursha’ referring to the tradition of one person feeding another by hand, this restaurant takes the slogan “not just a restaurant, but a community” to the next (and best) level. 

Try soft injera with classics like the veggie Ye Atikilt wot, or the meaty Alicia wot with lamb and colourful turmeric. Offering additional dishes like the tilapia fish soup or Gursha’s exclusive platter, this restaurant calls for multiple visits and an extra hungry friend or two.

Insider Intel:

• Don't skip the coffee ceremony at this spot—thick, heady Turkish-style coffee accompanied by smoky incense (and popcorn).

Book Online

A Taste Of Ethiopia

215 Bent Street, Moore Park

Tucked inside Sydney’s Entertainment Quarter, A Taste of Ethiopia boasts warm customer service and even warmer, freshly-made dishes from the kitchen. We recommend grabbing one of each menu item: expect chicken that falls off the bone, juicy lamb and vegan platters packed with flavour. Rated incredibly well on Google Reviews, this Ethiopian spot is a favourite of many—we predict it will become a personal favourite of yours, too. 

Insider Intel:

• Seeing as Ethiopian food is all about community, take a moment to chat to the lovely owner. He left Ethiopia, fleeing from the civil war, so will certainly have some stories to share.

More Info

Jambo Jambo Africa 

89 Glebe Point Road, Glebe

Image credit: Jambo Jambo Africa | Instagram

With Jambo Jambo serving up Ethiopian dishes since 2012, this spot has been a go-to for lovers of the cuisine ever since. Get to socialising while sharing platters of vegan or combination dishes—think the dora wot with tender chicken marinated in lemon sauce, or the misr wot with lentils and a perfect blend of herbs.

Insider Intel:

• With platters starting at $75 for two people, you are guaranteed to get your money's worth on this feed.

Book Online 

Queen Of Sheba

1/186 Liverpool Road, Ashfield

The Queen of Sheba, living up to its royal name, is a cosy spot known for its top-quality menu and magnificent coffee tasting experience. Ideal for indecisive eaters, this restaurant offers a Royal Platter that includes every single one of their dishes (both vegan and meat) on one glorious plate of injera. Does it get more luxurious than that?

Insider Intel:

• This spot is BYO, so grab a bottle and a group of mates—and get ready to feast.

Main image credit: Gursha Ethiopian | Website

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