From Gresham to Beaverton and in between, the Portland-Metro area boasts a thriving, extended East African community. This rich cultural presence is beautifully reflected in the numerous restaurants, markets, and specialty shops that offer a taste of East Africa.
A vibrant display of Ethiopian stews.
A Taste of Ethiopia in Portland
Among the many culinary gems, Sengatera Ethiopian Restaurant stands out as a beloved establishment. This dine-in Ethiopian restaurant is a favorite go-to for date night with its warm ambiance and excellent service.
Locations & History
Sengatera is located at 2413 NE Martin Luther King Jr. This beloved Ethiopian and East African restaurant has been around since 1997 (’94 if you count their origins at Saturday Market!).
Ambiance and Entertainment
Adding to the experience, this Ethiopian restaurant also has a DJ every weekend, with Friday evenings featuring pan-African music and Saturday evenings offering a lively atmosphere.
Read also: Ethiopian Cuisine: Philadelphia Guide
Ethiopia’s Food Culture: A Culinary Journey Through Tradition and Modernity
Other Notable Ethiopian Dining Options in Portland
- Upscale Ethiopian and Eritrean dining in Clinton: Offers Ethiopian dining at its finest.
- Eleni’s: Serves at these farmers’ markets from May-October: Beaverton (Saturdays), Milwaukee (Sundays), OHSU (Tuesdays-through Dec.).
A traditional Ethiopian meal with injera bread.
Beyond Sengatera: Exploring East African Cuisine in Portland
Tucked away in a Mill Park strip mall, you’ll find this neighborhood treasure. This restaurant in close-in SE is a treasure! Freshly re-opened and offering meals, snacks and sweet treats to go and with free delivery, as well as catering (and during normal circumstances: cooking classes and salad bar) specializing in Kenyan and Ethiopian cooking. They also offer Moroccan specials.
Once a month they feature different chefs from Africa (East, West and North). Brand new! This restaurant just opened July 1 and is getting great reviews. “This is the best Ethiopian food we’ve had in the US. Authentic flavors, no fusion silliness or flavor dilution for American palates. Prepare to be transported to Somalia and come hungry.
Markets and Convenience Stores
For those looking to explore Ethiopian ingredients and products, the following markets are available:
- Ethiopian market and convenience store near PCC.
- E. Ethiopian market and convenience store.
- Lentil sambusas!
Ethiopian Lentil Sambusas.
Read also: Authentic Ethiopian Cuisine
Read also: A Taste of Ethiopia in South Carolina
