Tucked above the Green Line’s Symphony Station, at 334 Massachusetts Ave in Boston, MA, lies an unassuming restaurant that has been pleasing its customers for the past eight years with traditional Ethiopian fare: Lucy Ethiopian Cafe. This cozy spot offers a variety of traditional dishes, beverages, and a relaxing dining atmosphere. With options for delivery, takeout, and reservations, Lucy Ethiopian Cafe caters to a range of dining preferences.
Upon entry, you are greeted with mustard yellow walls and the aroma of Ethiopian spices. Woven baskets, clay coffee pots, bright painted pictures and wicker chairs - all evocative of the traditional African decor - adorn the space. A white-board prominently displays common phrases and words in Amharic, one of eighty-three languages in Ethiopia.
The Menu at Lucy Ethiopian Restaurant
The menu, though initially simple, provides a sufficient range of traditional dishes and possible combinations. Popular with vegetarians and meat-eaters alike, Lucy serves breakfast options, appetizers, entrées, and speciality drinks. Upon entering the cafe, you will be greeted with a menu full of flavorful appetizers, beef dishes, and beverages.
Appetizers
Some must-try appetizers include:
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- Timatim Fit Fit Injera
- Veggie Rolls
- Kategna Injera
Main Courses
For those who enjoy beef dishes, the:
- Lega Tibs
- Tibs Fir Fir
- Miser Besga
are sure to tantalize your taste buds.
Sensing us overwhelmed, our waiter suggested the best way to try a variety of food: the Vegetarian Combo for Two and a beef dish called Lega Tibs. Served in a large, round, family-style platter, the combo contains the seven vegetable options on top of injera, a sourdough-risen flatbread and staple to many Ethiopian meals. Made to eat with your hands, using the injera to aid the process, the dish consists of miser wot (red lentils), gomen (collard greens), tikile gomen (cabbage and green beans), dinch wot (potatoes, green beans, and carrots), kit aletcha (split peas), timatim fit fit (mixed injera and diced tomatoes), and simmered spinach. Separating each vegetable are more rolls of injera, encouraging its use, skipping the fork and knife.
Starting with the injera, the spongy, crepe-like bread is made from teff and wheat flour, with a hint of lemony afternotes. The green vegetables - the collard greens and spinach - are simmered in a mild blend of seasons and herbs, providing freshness and texture to the dish. The yellow vegetables - potatoes, cabbage, and split peas - each bring a unique angle to the dish. The potatoes, simmered with green beans and carrots in a mild sauce, were hearty but not overbearing. Out of all the vegetables, this was my least favorite, perhaps due to its arguably too-simple seasoning. Conversely, the cabbage was a people pleaser. The buttery sauce was a perfect match for the crunchy, slightly acidic vegetable. The split peas, cooked in a ginger and garlic sauce, were also enjoyable, especially when soaked in the injera. The red options - the lentils and tomato mixture - were also favorites of mine.
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Drinks
Though Ethiopia is proudly known as the origin of coffee, a must-try at Lucy is its peanut tea. Available hot or cold, the tea is a rich combination of peanuts, milk, and honey. The hot version is reminiscent of a warm frothy milkshake - the perfect drink for a brisk, autumn day or evening. The Traditional Tea is also an excellent choice for fans of some spice, as it is infused with ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves. If you are in the mood for strong coffee, however, Lucy offers the option of ordering solely a cup until 4:30pm (after then, you are required to also order food).
የለውዝ ሻይ አፈላል How to make peanut tea/ Seifu on EBS/Donkey Tube/EBS/Melly spice tv /Bahlie Tube
Customer Reviews and Experiences
Customers have raved about the generous portion sizes, delicious flavors, and vegetarian options available at Lucy Ethiopian Cafe. Reviewer Mike F. particularly enjoyed the variety of vegetables and the telba shake with flaxseed, while others have praised the welcoming atmosphere and attentive service.
Here's a summary of what people are saying:
- Delicious Food and Portions: Many reviewers highlight the delicious food and generous portions.
- Vegetarian Options: The restaurant is praised for its wide array of vegetarian choices.
- Price: It is considered reasonably priced.
- Atmosphere: The restaurant has a nice and quiet atmosphere, especially during non-peak hours.
- Service: The service is generally considered great and attentive.
One reviewer shared their experience:
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We ordered the Single Lamb combo (medium spicy) to share and were given the option of 2 sides. We picked the potatoes and pureed split peas and surprisingly we loved the split peas! The puréed texture was great for dipping the injera since it soaked up all the sauce. The lamb was also flavored well and had spices dancing in my mouth. Considering we weren't super hungry, for 2 we just ordered this one dish then ordered an additional side of injera to share and that was the perfect amount. Although it was a little pricey at $25 for a single portion of lamb combo, it was worth it.
Dining at Lucy Ethiopian Cafe
Next time that you are looking for a meal out of the ordinary, or perhaps one to bring you back to your roots, take a step inside this hidden gem. Prior to eating at Lucy, I did not think of Ethiopian food as having its own community in Boston. Now, it has opened my mind to not only cultural cuisine, but also the diverse cultures that inhabit this northeastern city. Lucy is a reminder that food is not homogenous and that it should be a shared experience. Given the price this place offers, I think this was a great find. Highly recommend Bostonians or visitors to try out here especially if you don't know much about Ethiopian food. I cannot imagine leaving this place dissatisfied.
Pros:
- Delicious food and huge portions
- So many vegetarian options
- Very reasonably priced
Cons:
- Can get quite crowded at peak hours, would recommend showing up early
Whether you are a fan of Ethiopian cuisine or looking to try something new, Lucy Ethiopian Cafe is a must-visit dining destination in Boston. The combination of authentic flavors, comfortable ambiance, and friendly service make it a standout choice for lunch, dinner, or any dining occasion. Experience the rich, cultural flavors of Ethiopia at Lucy Ethiopian Cafe and discover why it has garnered rave reviews from customers for its exceptional food and inviting atmosphere.
