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+44-2072541780
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528 Kingsland Rd, Dalston, East London, England, E8 4AH
Small Ethiopian cafe and restaurant offering a simple menu with 6 dishes which are served with injera or rice – you get all 6 samples with a choice of portion size – take away, small meal for one, and meal for two. Cozy place with Ethiopian look and feel. Open Mon-Sun 1:00pm-10:00pm.
Categories: Vegan, Take-out, Ethiopian, African
25 Reviews
First Review by jon active
Contributions +98
Quality - Edit
Real food. Quality and integrity.
Contributions +18
Consistently delicious - Edit
I only wish they had more menu options because their sampler is so tasty.
Contributions +246
tasy, great value - Edit
unpretentious, friendly place with tasty, authentic food at good price
Pros: good value
Cons: once i went and the food was incredibly salty, but this was a one off
Contributions +53
A Vegan Feast! - Edit
The vegetable platter is called “Yetsom Beyaynetu,” and it follows one of the world’s oldest vegan tradition as it is derived from the belief of the Orthodox Christianity in Ethiopia, which is, in fact, one of the most ancient and mystic Christian beliefs, existing long before it became the state religion in early 4th century. As is in the Coptic tradition, there are many fasting days where no animal product or byproduct may be consumed, which makes the food almost vegan (sometimes fish is permitted), and in the case of Ethiopia, the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church mandates 250 days of fasting – for the monks and priests (now you can let out that breath) and 180 days for the lay people (or perhaps not so fast). Most notably, no food can be taken before noon on Wednesdays and Fridays and during the 40-days prior to Nativity; furthermore, the long-awaited meal must not contain any meat, fish, dairy or eggs. Fasting is prescribed, needlessly to say, so that the mind and body may be purified of the constant carnal (carnal – carne – meat) thoughts. Thus, came about the vegan fare in Ethiopia. Nonetheless, pure food does not mean poor or meagre because, as a matter of fact, the Ethiopian vegan fasting food is so full of flavors, colors, textures and pleasure that it is nothing but a fasting “feast” for the body and soul.
Traditionally, Ethiopian food is served directly on a thin crepe called “injera” – which is made of fermented teff batter and cooked on a round pan. Injera is spongy with bubbles due to the fermentation, and, as if purposely designed, the air holes are perfectly suited to soak up the various vegetable sauces. If you have heard of injera, then you have most likely heard that the taste is sour, and you have heard it correct. Acidity develops in the process of fermenting the teff – making it more digestible – and produces an aromatic sourness, quite similar to a good and hearty German rye bread. Therefore, if you love the robust roggenbrot or pumpernickel, the signature sourness should pose no problem. Even those who would normally shy away from strong European bread should give it a try because the acidity complements the vegetables and beans so well that it becomes a part of the seasoning. If that is not convicting enough, then there is the trump card: teff is claimed to be one of those superfoods that is full of fiber, mineral and protein and, serendipitously, it is also gluten-free.
Pros: Delicious food, Clean environment, Nice staff
Cons: Same menu all the time
Contributions +264
Well spiced food - Edit
My friend and I shared the menu with 6 dishes with injera for 12£. It was well spiced, really tasty and enough for both of us.
Pros: Friendly staff, Cheap
Cons: Nothing is organic.
Contributions +88
Delicious - Edit
Took my partner there as a surprise, so we shared the mixed plate. I had never had Ethiopian food before so it was a lovely experience! Very interesting flavour for the bread it was served with. Lovely selection of hots. All in all, we both enjoyed it. Possibly too small of a portion for two hungry dwellers, but we just about managed to finish it, having had lunch not too long beforehand. I imagine a single portion would be enough for a proper meal size.
Pros: Fast service, Authentic food
Cons: Not a great tea selection, but kinda expected
Contributions +36
very nice and authentic place - Edit
Really flavourful and exciting food that feels authentic African cuisine. I would definitely recommend. Very good vegan menu.
Contributions +28
amazing - Edit
Had an amazing dinner there with friends. Take the sampler to taste everything! Fully vegan small restaurant. Nice atmosphere. Simple but great
Pros: fully vegan, Ethiopian , cheap
Cons: very small
Contributions +916
cheap, simple and cheerful - Edit
Dalston is the epicentre of hipster dome and so avoidable if possible but this little cafe is a delightful oasis of no thrills, no-nonsense, no hipsters basic old school Hackney culture. There is not a vast choice but ask for the vegan platter to share amongst however many you are and you'll get interestingly shaped dishes with at least four different servings to eat with your Injera - soda bread pancake thing ! Tis good.
Updated from previous review on 2015-05-24
Pros: Cheap, Tasty, No thrills
Cons: Beware spicy food!, Limited options.
Contributions +483
Really delicious, and cheap - Edit
Maybe the fourth time in my life I've had Ethiopian, definitely the best. The injera bread isn't as "bready" as usual, which is a good thing! Good portion size, healthy food, each thing was delicious. £7 eat in. I will definitely return.
Pros: Delicious food, Good value
Contributions +44
Exciting atmosphere - Edit
I had the opportunity to visit Andu Cafe a few months ago. I can honestly say that the food was great. The atmosphere was vibrant and exciting. I had a wonderful experience, it was awesome. I just can’t wait to visit again. Well done Andu
Pros: Reasonable price, Friendly staff, Great food
Cons: The place is not specious
Contributions +68
Yummy Ethiopian Food! - Edit
Nice to find an all vegan Ethiopian place as we strolled along. We brought back 2 veggie combos to share with our friends and everybody like it!
Contributions +16
What a treat! - Edit
Really lovely little place. We rang up prior to calling in as we were due to arrive only 15 minutes before they closed and they were very welcoming and said it would be no problem. The food was delicious and left you feeling really good inside afterwards. Quick service and friendly staff. Inexpensive and great value for money. We will definitely be coming here again when we visit London!
Pros: Delicious, Fun, Affordable
Cons: No hand wet-wipes before meal
Contributions +6
Delicious and Welcoming - a proper London Gem - Edit
Yes! I would recommend this place 100%. Atmospheric and tasty.
Pros: Interesting Interior, Great Food, Welcoming Staff
Contributions +26
Fast, tasty and cheap - Edit
You can get in and out in less than 30 minutes, the food is very nice and filling and it couldn't be cheaper!
Contributions +13
Delicious authentic East African Veg food! - Edit
Absolutely delicious
Amazing food
So healthy
And ran and cooked by the loveliest people ! Authentic Ethiopian dishes, fermented injira (gluten free sourdogh make from
Red) and all vegan! My favourite place in this area, visit every time I'm here. Thanks Andu!
Contributions +187
Tasty, cosy, cheap spot....but small portions - Edit
I was excited to try this vegan spot after reading the reviews. As expected, it was a cosy little place with tasty Ethiopian food. We got the shared plate for 2, which includes lentil, split peas, spinach, bean, potato and cabbage dishes. Service was quick and staff were friendly... but we found the portion size to be quite small. We ended up grabbing something to eat after, as we were still hungry. So I do recommend this place, it was a nice experience, but on this occasion it was not enough food for 2 hungry vegans.
Pros: Price, 100% vegan, Tasty
Cons: Small portion size for 2
Contributions +60
tasty - Edit
The shared meal is super cheap & very tasty. Tea was also nice. Very chill atmosphere, would recommend!
Contributions +20
Absolutely love this place. - Edit
Delicious Ethiopian food. Cannot recommend enough. Super friendly, chilled and peaceful.
Contributions +48
lovely little spot - Edit
100% vegan and very delicious, authentic Ethiopian good. Great for a cheap lunch - £6!
Contributions +48
lovely discovery - Edit
Very happy to find this basic, friendly, healthy good value place, perfect for a 100% Vegan dinner before going to the Arcola Theatre 3mins away. Really enjoyed the warm welcome, will definitely be back. I've uploaded the menu pic, it's just that plus a choice of Ethiopian Beer and coffee; black chai/masala tea, lemon & Ginger tea, & cans of fizzy pop. Opening hours were very wrong on here, hopefully will soon be updated to 1-10pm every day. Also enjoyed the music. We had the platter to share one with rice one with the Injera bread (Teff flour pancake); saw someone else get theirs served all dishes *on* the Injera which I prefer and will do next time. I don't know if it's the best as someone said, ages since I've been to other Ethiopian in London, but really enjoyed & highly recommend :)
Pros: friendly , tasty , simple & good value
Contributions +11
Best Vegan Ethiopian in London! - Edit
I have a very big soft spot for this restaurant. Living just a couple of doors down from Andu Caffe is a dream. The takeaway costs 5 pounds, and oftentimes, the portion is too big to finish. Andu is super friendly and cares a lot about health. He really takes pride in his cuisine and you'll be able to tell after one bite. The vibe is very 'local' and 'hole-in-the-wall', and it's perfect for large groups, as you can all share a massive platter of vegan dishes. If you're in Dalston, waiting for a show to start at Cafe Oto, Powerlunches or Passing Clouds, come down to Andu's Cafe - you won't regret it!
Pros: Tasty and Healthy, Ethiopian Music, Great Value
Cons: Lighting can be a bit harsh
Contributions +51
Tasty food, relaxed setting, friendly staff - Edit
The food I had all tasted delicious and was served quickly. When I had finished the lady working offered me seconds! I take into consideration the food hygiene comment below but I don't think it is something that should put you off this place at all! Definitely recommend!
Pros: Delicious food, Lovely staff, Great music and vibe
Contributions +21
Food hygiene needs to improve - Edit
I was really pleased to find this place but while I waited for my take-away order, I noticed the state of the food containers (where they keep the food they then serve) and got worried about whether the food was safe to eat. When I looked up their food hygiene rating it was listed as just 1 out of 5.
Pros: Tasty, Cheap
Cons: Very poor food hygiene
1 Response
Woollybum 31 May 2016 - They've since had another inspection and got another 1 out of 5 for poor food hygiene :(
Contributions +54
Delicious food, lovely service, affordable - Edit
I came to order a take-away on my way to Arcola Theatre, but you can also eat in. All dishes are vegan and delicious, portions are big and prices reasonable. The lade behind the counter was nice and helpful.
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