Ethiopian Restaurants in Indianapolis, Ind.

Indianapolis is a wonderful city destination for cycling enthusiasts. Not only does this Indiana city boast a flat terrain, there are numerous bike paths running throughout the city. Indianapolis is also home to three highly rated Ethiopian restaurants. Ethiopian meals are best taken in groups; the food is traditionally served on round platters, and everyone grabs morsels of delicious spicy meats and vegetables using spongy bread rather than silverware.

Abyssinia Ethiopian Restaurant

Abyssinia Ethiopian Restaurant is located on Indianapolis's West Side, situated inside a strip mall. While the setting might not inspire, the food is highly acclaimed by local critics and online reviewers alike. Popular dishes here include the Sega Wett (beef cooked in barbeque sauce.) Vegetarians and vegans will be pleased with offerings like the Taste of Abyssinia combo, which comes with a variety of lentils, carrots, cabbage, greens and corn, all cooked in delicious spices. Head Chef Abraha Belechew seems to be present all the time, and will most likely come out of the kitchen to personally ensure that you are enjoying the meal.

Abyssinia Ethiopian Restaurant
5352 W. 38th St.
Indianapolis, IN 46254
(317) 299-0608
abyssiniarestaurant.com

Major Restaurant

Located on Indianapolis' southwest side, Major Restaurant is one of the city's newer African restaurants, having opened its doors in 2008. If the restaurant isn't too crowded, ask to be seated at one of the traditional Ethiopian baskets to get a more authentic dining experience. Major has a delicious combo platter for two, which is highly recommended to those new to Ethiopian food. Vegetarians can try the Shiro dish, which combines greens, red lentils and split peas, all served with spongy Injera bread.

Major Restaurant
1150 S. Mickley Ave.
Indianapolis, IN 46241
(317) 240-2700

Oak of Mamre

It might only be a tiny hole in the wall, but Oak of Mamre, located in downtown Indianapolis, serves some of the best Ethiopian food you're likely to find in the Midwest. Run by a mother and son team, Oak of Mamre opens its doors for lunch during the week (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) and dinner seven nights a week (4 p.m. to 8 p.m.). Try the Zgnee Doro---chicken with a mixture of cabbage, carrots and spinach served with a variety of spices. Besides the tasty Ethiopian specialties, all of which are available for takeout, Oak of Mamre also offers guests the opportunity to partake in a traditional Eritrean coffee ceremony.

Oak of Mamre
28 E. 14th St.
Indianapolis, IN 46202
(317) 423-3958

Article Written By Zach Feral

Zach Feral has been writing and editing professionally since 2003. He has a B.A. in philosophy from the New School for Social Research in New York and pursued postgraduate studies at the Open University in the U.K. His writing has appeared in numerous international publications, including "Dazed & Confused," "Artforum" and "Think Again."

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