In my soul, I journeyed to Ethiopia about a week ago and had an absolutely fabulous experience…..In my body, I was actually in an Ethiopian cultural restaurant in Lagos, Nigeria!
I stepped in and my eyes were instantly drawn to these mesmerizing baskets. Being unacquainted with Ethiopian culture, I felt they were just décor. Thankfully, the host was right there to receive my compliments about their prettiness while explaining that they are “Mesob” baskets used as a dining surface/table traditionally in their country. It was at this point that I declared that I was having “Injera” since it was a popular meal served in these babies!
Injera is a spongy flatbread made with teff (Ethiopian gluten-free grain). Interestingly, it is above being just another type of bread….this sour-like nom-ness is also a cutlery for eating meat and sauces. It serves as an under-sheet first then as a scoop spoon for the sauces, so you tear out a piece of injera, grab the jewels then head to your mouth like so…..
The tray for today’s meal held super tasty chicken stew with a juicy drumstick, some stir fry beef pieces, chicpea stew known as “shiro”, lentil stew and a piece of jalapeño that I didn’t touch. My favorite was the chicken stew as it was packed with flavor and had that “cooked for long with love” feel to it.
The most unique table I have ever eaten from….no jokes!
Before Injera, there was Samosas!
Do you see the crispiness? I knew it would be a great bite just from the look and it certainly was….lovingly spiced ground beef & veggie mix filled in beautifully folded triangles! I couldn’t stop staring at the edges.
The dipping sauce was so delicious, definitely a house mix….sweet creamy stuff with a bit of a kick!
Before samosas, there was coffee!
Buna is a coffee making ceremony in Ethiopia. *Pause* Did you know that Ethiopia is the birthplace of coffee. *Unpause* It follows the process of roasting, grinding and brewing coffee beans but I and my dining partners skipped right to the serving and drinking part.
We hipped our teacups with sugar first and of course the incense burning was melody to my senses. The very detailed tea set was also speaking to me…..just stunning.
And then, my cardamom infused coffee was served! Kaldi House step Buna up a notch with infusions. Stronger than what I am used to but definitely registered as one of the best cups I have ever had. My second cup wasn’t as strong but still very earthy.
Impressive Facts
Kaldi House has a coffee factory right in the same compound and gives us diners the opportunity to pick what Country’s coffee we would like to sample…..peep the gold dispensers with country flags above. They also have packaged ones for sale.
Another wow thing for me is how artsy this restaurant is, from the restroom signs…..
To hand painted glasses….
Sculptures and décor…..
Obviously I am obsessed with Mesob baskets!
Thank you Dme.ng for helping me discover this remarkable restaurant.
Address: 1, Adeyemi Bero Crescent, Ilupeju, Lagos.
Instagram: @kaldihouselagos
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