Seattle, with its vibrant culinary scene, boasts one of the largest Ethiopian diaspora communities in the United States. This rich cultural presence is reflected in the numerous Ethiopian restaurants scattered throughout the city and its suburbs, including Northgate, the Central District, Tukwila, Rainier Beach, and Kent. Among these culinary gems, Ras Dashen Ethiopian Restaurant stands out as a must-visit destination for anyone seeking an authentic taste of Ethiopia.
Ras Dashen Restaurant is a cozy Ethiopian eatery that offers traditional dishes and a warm atmosphere. The restaurant is known for its generous portions, with perfectly round injera topped with flavorful spiced meats, vegetarian plates, and honey wine. Run by an inspiring team of women, Ras Dashen provides an authentic taste of Ethiopia through its home-style family cooking and traditional Ethiopian coffee.
Why Ras Dashen is a Must-Visit
- Indulge in the best Ethiopian food with delicious flavors: Ras Dashen is praised for its flavorful dishes that capture the essence of Ethiopian cuisine.
- Enjoy a cozy atmosphere and friendly service: The restaurant offers a warm and inviting ambiance, complemented by attentive and friendly staff.
- Try unique dishes: Ras Dashen offers a variety of unique dishes like tibes, king kitfo, and kuanta firfer.
One of the first lessons we learn is to share things - toys, animal crackers, a parent’s love. But as adults, we might hesitate when someone just asks for a piece of gum. Eventually, we realize that resources are limited, and if something is valuable, we better hold on to it. Occasionally though, something comes along that is so good, you feel morally obligated to share. That’s the case at Ras Dashen. After your first trip here, you’ll start creating reasons to bring people just to share platters of their fantastic Ethiopian food.
Ras Dashen is a quiet, relaxing spot in Edgewater that’s minimally decorated with Ethiopian paintings and woven baskets. It’s very charming - which starts with being cheerfully greeted by someone who clearly doesn’t know (or care) about the irritable text you just sent before walking through the door. You’ll also see the owner serenely moving around in the kitchen, casually making seriously delicious stuff to eat. Like at most Ethiopian spots, that delicious stuff is meant to be shared. Almost everything here is served on top of a big piece of injera - the spongy flatbread that’s definitely the hardest working bread in the industry. There’s no role it can’t play - it’s a plate, it’s a utensil for scooping up food, it’s the blanket’s understudy in Hamilton. And the injera at Ras Dashen is some of the best in Chicago.
Sharing here doesn’t just happen with the food though. Your server will happily suggest what to order from the long menu: “I eat this every day” sold us on the shimbera asa wat (balls of chickpea dough in a spicy berbere sauce), and now it’s one of our favorites, too. So is the doro wat, a spicy chicken stew. Entrees come with your choice of side, and they’re all vegetarian. In fact, you can make a meal out of them and order the sampler where you get five sides for $15. We’re fans of the misser salata, a cold lentil salad with peppers (hearing “I love this and I had it today for breakfast” is how this dish came into our lives). It’s light and sweet and goes well in between bites of the thicker stews.
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Despite the fantastic food, Ras Dashen is never very crowded, but it still isn’t somewhere you go to in a hurry. With just one person in the kitchen, things can take a while, and you’re not the only table getting personalized attention. You’ll see the staff playing with little kids, and chatting with people at the bar while you’re waiting for the check. But at that point, it won’t matter - you’ll be busy thinking of who else you need to bring here.
A Food Rundown: Must-Try Dishes at Ras Dashen
Here are some of the standout dishes you should consider trying at Ras Dashen:
- Sambusa: It isn’t 100% necessary to get an appetizer because any meal here is going to include a ton of variety. That said, the sambusas (four fried pastries with your choice of fillings) are delicious and there should be an order on the table.
- Shimbera Asa Wat: We’re not sure what we like most about this - the firm texture of the ground chickpea dough balls, or the thick berbere sauce. But what we know for sure is that this vegetarian dish is a must-order.
- Doro Wat: The bone-in chicken is juicy, and goes perfectly with the spicy berbere sauce. Plus there’s an egg, which if we’re being honest is hard to share.
- Yequysur Salata: This is a spicy beet salad made with onions and tomatoes in a tangy dressing. And even if you hate beets, you’ll probably like this.
- Misser Salata: This sweet and acidic combination of lentils and bell peppers is a fantastic palate cleanser between the heavier dishes.
- Ayib: Most of the sides are vegan, but this is the Midwest so thankfully there’s some cheese on the menu, too. The fresh ayib is smooth and creamy, and we highly suggest you combine it with any of the spicy meats.
- Diblik Atkilt: These carrots, sweet potatoes, and green beans are stewed with tomatoes. And we can’t imagine a better dish to eat during the Chicago winter.
- Gomen: Eat your greens, in the form of delicious spicy kale.
- Yebeg Dereq Tibs: If we’re not in the mood for a lot of spicy heat, this is a great option. The juicy pieces of lamb are cooked with garlic, rosemary, and peppers.
- Quelulu: Strips of steak with shallots, garlic, ginger, and the berbere.
What the Reviews Say
Ras Dashen Ethiopian Restaurant is a must-visit spot for delicious and authentic Ethiopian cuisine. Reviewers praise the flavorful dishes, cozy atmosphere, friendly staff, and generous portions. While some mention hidden fees like a service charge for card payments and extra charges for to-go boxes, overall, the experience is highly recommended with highlights including tasty tibes, king kitfo, kuanta firfer, and vegetarian options that can be customized to preferences.
Here's a summary of what people are saying:
- "These best Ethiopian food I have ever had, simply delicious 😋 10/10 a must try. This was my first time trying Ethiopian Latte so good."
- "Lovely restaurant! Delicious and a fantastic value. We enjoyed a $30 family combo between four people."
- "I ate there last night with a wonderful friend - and this place is a treat! They also honored my request to substitute the cheese for more vegetables - I got an extra large salad, and loads of okra as a replacement. It was delicious - and I have plenty of leftovers for home!"
- "Lovely little spot, cozy atmosphere. Staff was friendly. Marking down one star because of the hidden fees. They charge a 3.5% service fee if you use card (would’ve paid cash had I known). They also charge $1 per to-go box. Monetarily not a lot, but again, it would’ve been nice to have known up front."
- "A close friend of brought me to this restaurant and it was delicious!"
Things to Know Before You Go
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when planning your visit to Ras Dashen:
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- Consider paying in cash to avoid the service fee for card payments.
- Be aware of additional charges like $1 per to-go box.
- If you have dietary preferences or restrictions, ask about customization options as they may accommodate requests.
- For faster service during busy times, consider making a reservation in advance.
Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast of Ethiopian cuisine or a curious diner eager to explore new flavors, Ras Dashen Ethiopian Restaurant promises a memorable and satisfying culinary experience. From the flavorful dishes to the warm and inviting atmosphere, Ras Dashen is a true gem in Seattle's diverse food scene.
Doro Wat - Ethiopian Spicy Chicken Stew
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