The Heart of Ethiopian Flavors
From family recipes to a warm dining experience, discover the journey behind Elsi Ethiopian Restaurant and Bar.
A History of Ethiopian Cuisine
The region around modern day Ethiopia was exposed to various exotic spices from India, chile peppers from Portugal, and ginger from East Asian countries as far back as the 1400s. Indigenous to Ethiopia, grains such as sorghum, millet, teff, and wheat grow well in the temperate climate and are used in many Ethiopian dishes. Ethiopian cuisine today is a blend of introduced spices and food items coupled with indigenous grains and proteins.
What does Ethiopian food taste like?
The profile of Ethiopian food is very distinct. It marries together earthy, spicy, tart, sour, and pungent flavors. A base seasoning, used in a wide variety of savory and spiced Ethiopian dishes, is a blend of spices known as Berbere. Most Berbere seasoning is made with chile peppers, fenugreek, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and coriander.
How is Ethiopian food eaten?
Ethopian dishes are also often paired with a sour fermented teff flour bread called Injera. Injera is rolled into a large flatbread and the food is served on top of it. When eating a dish involving injera, no utensils are involved. Simply tear off a piece of injera, scoop up a bite size amount of food, and then enjoy the flavors.
Visit Us Now đź“Ť
Come enjoy real Ethiopian food in a cozy, modern space at Elsi Ethiopian Restaurant and Bar. We’re open every day and late into the night, so there’s always time to stop by. Whether you're out with friends or grabbing a quiet meal, there’s a seat ready for you. Find us at 13825 Outlet Dr, Silver Spring, MD 20904.
đź•’ Hours
Sun–Thu: 11 AM–2 AM
Fri–Sat: 11 AM–3 AM