CLOSED: Tajitu

My omni husband and I greatly enjoyed our vegan lunch of the vegetarian combo for two. We have had Ethiopian food at about 7 Ethiopian restaurants around the U.S. and consider this one to be one of the 3 best for flavor. Service was average speed.

I found the portion sizes to be the smallest I'd consider acceptable--anything less I'd consider skimpy. The man there who appeared to be the owner told us that vegetables we were eating were organic. Also, there were asterisks on the menu indicating that the legume dishes we ordered were organic.

Normally I would consider our Ethiopian meal to be exorbitantly priced. It cost $16.50 for the first person and $14.00 for an additional person. With one beverage for my husband, it cost over $30.00 for lunch. However, I can see the use of organic ingredients justifying the higher cost of this lunch + smallest acceptable portion size. Still, I was a bit uncomfortable with the prices.

Another thing I liked about this restaurant is that unlike two Ethiopian restaurants I tried in Silver Spring, MD, this one didn't burn incense during the meal. The overpowering incense that some Ethiopian restaurants burn ruins the dining experience for my asthmatic husband and me.

I plan to come back to this restaurant several times a year.

I guess this place would be okay if you've never experienced real Ethiopian food. Spices are non-existant - which is typical of Frederick - all "ethnic" restaurants here tone down their spices and negate their authenticity. No Ethiopian restaurant should ever have silverware on the tables. The prices are exorbitant!!! I would recommend driving to Adams Morgan to eat real, authentic, delicious Ethiopian food as opposed to walking down the street and paying outrageous prices for inauthentic, tasteless food that comes in portions that are scant in comparison to those served at most Ethiopian establishments. Maybe if you don't know what Ethiopian food is SUPPOSED to taste like this would be okay, but why pay such high prices for bad food when we live so close to Washington, D.C. and all the amazing (delicious and cheap) Ethiopian restaurants in Adams Morgan? This is definitely NOT for people who love Ethiopian food.

Ethiopian food in Frederick. If you've never tried it, you should. The vegetarian sampler plate is the way to go if a first-timer. If you don't want to share your platter with others be sure to ask for an individual plate. Great to enjoy with friends or a peaceful dinner alone. Try the Ethiopian coffee too.

Very welcoming atmosphere, with wait staff that is willing and patient with newbies to Ethiopian food. If you are not familiar with the food, they offer many vegan/veg options that are too tasty to be legal. Also offers many African/foreign beers! A great place for camaraderie.