Hands-On Eats: A Deep Dive into Enjoying Ethiopian Food Like a Pro

Hands-On Eats: A Deep Dive into Enjoying Ethiopian Food Like a Pro

This is the first in an occasional series that offers background on some of the most popular cuisines from around the world. First up: Ethiopian. Ethiopia has one of the world’s most singular cuisines, one influenced by foreign ingredients but still wholly its own....

Welcome to Meaza Ethiopian Cuisine

Ethiopian owner Meaza Zemedu’s Meaza Restaurant, Cafe and Gourmet Grocery Store have been featured in such press outlets as the Washingtonian and the Washington Post was born of humble roots. Meaza Zemedu started her business by supplying local Ethiopian stores with her home-baked injera bread, a crepelike staple of Ethiopian cuisine.

Demand for the tangy bread grew, allowing her to open her majestic restaurant, which welcomes guests to dine on traditional Ethiopian fare. Northern Virginia Magazine heaped praise upon the menu, including the doro wat stew—the national dish of Ethiopia—which includes chicken, red pepper, garlic, and hard-boiled eggs. Many of Meaza’s dishes are flavored with purified, spiced Ethiopian butter, from the ye beg kikil—lamb stew in spicy sauce—to the kifto—ground beef traditionally served raw or rare and mixed with cardamom and a mitmita spice blend. The chefs still bake Zemedu’s injera from teff grain as a ubiquitous side and utensil alongside the fare.

Our complex Ethiopian spice blends enchant guests throughout our 7,000-square-foot space—which comprises a dining room, gourmet grocery store, and banquet hall—as they admire portraits of Ethiopian emperors painted on lambskins. Throughout three elevated tiers, white and red cloths coat each table and patrons recline into patterned cushioned chairs. Sweeping bands of color swirl and draw eyes toward the ceiling, enhancing the dining room’s air of spaciousness.

Meaza Ethiopian Cuisine, servicing the best Ethiopian food in Falls Chruch, VA for over 15 years.

What Our Customers Say About Us

Dulce Benitez Avatar
Dulce Benitez
3/16/2023 - Google
I've been coming here for 10 years and absolutely love it! My favorites are Mellasena Senber and Yabug tibs.
Yohannes Zewdu Avatar
Yohannes Zewdu
3/04/2023 - Google
Vegetarian options: Excellent food Excellent customer service Very dedicated owner Meaza Thanks
Nova Guy Avatar
Nova Guy
2/06/2023 - Google
We love this place. Ethiopian food isn't for everyone - it can be pretty different. However if you're an adventurous... read more
Kim Lawrence Avatar
Kim Lawrence
1/23/2023 - Google
We had a group of over 20 people who came for an event. Each table of 4 had a... read more
Nick Alex Avatar
Nick Alex
1/23/2023 - Google
What a great experience! The food, service and the ambiance of the restaurant!!! Thank you, Meaza for your great hospitality!!!
Ms. T. (MsT) Avatar
Ms. T. (MsT)
1/23/2023 - Google
First time I ever been there and had a wonderful time. Parking: Was night time and didn't count, but had... read more

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