Eat Well: #abcsofyyc #fassil

ABC's of YYC (Week 6: F)

Fassil Ethiopian
3608 17 Ave SE

We were feeling adventurous so we decided to try something completely new to both of us. Neither of us knew what Ethiopian cuisine consisted of so we were quite excited for dinner tonight at Fassil Ethiopian. 

Injera- teff flour sourdough flatbread

The soft and spongy Injera is used as an eating utensil to scoop up the meat and vegetables. We were each provided with one and all of our food was served on another. There was some confusion at first with the lack of utensils, but found it quite easy to pick up the food with the Injera. It went well with the other dishes but we weren't very fond of the sour taste (not a fan of sourdough). We ended up using the Injera as a glove to pick up and eat the various meats and vegetables.  

Vegetarian Combination- Combo of Kikwot (split peas), Misr Wot (split lentils), Gomen (boiled spinach), Alicha (fresh cabbage potatoes and carrots) and Shiro Wot (ground chick peas)

The vegetables were all cooked with onion, garlic, and ginger, with tumeric sauce added to some and tomatoes for others. They all tasted great except for the boiled spinach which was only mediocre. Our favourites were the split peas and lentils with the ground chick peas following close behind. The vegetables helped to balance out the savoury flavours of the meats. 

Kitfo- lean beef minced Ethiopian style, seasoned with Nitter Kibbie, selections of spice and mitmita (Ethiopian Hot Pepper)

The minced beef was so delicious. It was a combination of raw and medium rare meat that was seasoned wonderfully. The strong flavour also paired well with the various vegetables. Definitely our favourite dish of the night. 

Yebeg Tibs- tender sauteed lamb with onion green chilies on bell pepper, cooked with vegetable oil

The lamb was very tender and full of flavour.  I was glad that there wasn't that mutton flavour and it  also went well with the vegetables. 

Overall, the meal was a pleasant surprise and we really enjoyed it. It was a hands on experience (literally) that opened us up to a new culture. Next time, we are definitely bringing some friends so we are able to try more things from the menu. 

Enjoy!