Welcome to a retrospective exploration of Sora Ethiopian Market, a cherished breakfast and brunch destination once nestled in Alexandria, VA. Sora was more than just a restaurant; it was a vibrant community hub that celebrated the rich traditions of Ethiopian cuisine.
Located at 5145 Duke St. in the Landmark/Van Dorn Corridor, Sora specialized in authentic Ethiopian cuisine with a notable emphasis on vegetarian and vegan options. The restaurant, which opened in 2013, closed over the weekend of Aug. The former Sora Ethiopian Market, Cafe & Carry-Out storefront on Duke Street in Alexandria shows closed blinds and an empty interior after the restaurant's closure in late August.
Though its doors are now closed, the legacy of Sora Ethiopian Market lives on through the memories of its patrons and the unique culinary experience it offered.
What Made Sora Stand Out?
Sora distinguished itself through several key features:
- Exquisite Daily Specials: Sora was known for its rich, flavorful daily specials, such as Gomen Besiga-a delectable combination of collard greens and tender beef chunks seasoned to perfection.
- Diverse Menu Options: Catering to all dietary preferences, Sora offered everything from the traditional, gluten-free Kinche to the hearty Dullet, including a variety of vegan and vegetarian dishes.
- Convenience: Sora made dining easy with options for dining in, takeout, and delivery, accepting Apple Pay and credit cards.
- Family-Friendly Environment: With a kids' menu, on-site parking, and facilities for group gatherings, Sora ensured a delightful experience for every guest.
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A Menu to Explore
The Sora Breakfast Menu featured enticing options, such as Kita FirFir, a delightful dish made from pan-fried Ethiopian bread infused with berbere spices, or the robust Dullet that combines the savory flavors of beef and lamb tripe sautéed in aromatic herbal butter. Each dish at Sora was not just a meal, but a journey through Ethiopian culture, seasoned with love and tradition.
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The combination of fresh ingredients and careful preparation meant every bite was packed with flavor, leaving you longing for more.
Signature Dishes
- Gomen Besiga: Collard greens and beef chunks cooked to perfection with onions, fresh garlic, and garnished with jalapeno.
- Milas Ena Senber: Beef tripe and tongue well cooked with onions, tomato, fresh garlic, carrot, spices, and Ethiopian herbal butter sauce.
- Dullet: Diced lean Beef, Lamb tripe, Lamb liver, onions, jalapeno lightly sautéed with Ethiopian herbal butter Seasoned with mitimita and cardamom.
- Bozena Shiro: Spicy milled chickpeas and beef stew.
- Asa Goulash: Chunked tilapia fillet cooked with fresh tomatoes, onions, garlic, and berbere sauce (Hot chili pepper paste).
The closure has disappointed regular customers who praised the restaurant’s customizable dishes and reasonable prices.
Sora Daily Special Veggies of the Day (5 item Combo):
- Messer- Spicy lentil stew
- Gomen- Collard Greens
- Atakilt (Mix Vegetables)- Green beans & Carrots, Potatoes & Carrots, or Cabbage & Carrots
- Alicha Messer- Non spicy whole lentil stew
- Alicha Kik- Yellow split pea’s stew
Customer Experiences
The customer service is exceptional, and their Ethiopian dishes transport me back to the amazing flavors I experienced in Ethiopia. Its a musttry for anyone craving authentic Ethiopian cuisine. My friend and I both loved it Ethiopian Restaurants. Looking something different to eat for a special day and Sora Ethiopian Food is the winner. The food tasted fresh and so yummy The food is excellent, fresh, and cooked with love. Prices are very reasonable. They always give me the best services when I visit. We usually stop there on our travels.
Here are some sentiments shared by patrons:
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- "The owners were so friendly and welcoming, and even Gave a separate dish on the house! I also liked that the prices wed much more reasonable than other restaurants."
- "We ordered the beef tibs and veggie platter, and the food was excellent! So was the service. It felt like having a home cooked meal at a loving friends house! Loved the coffee too!"
- "Everything is so good. Ive been going there almost 2 years now the recipe stays the same. The meet quality is always good. Just amazing food. Keep it up."
- "I bought two of the veggie combo and everything on there is OUT OF THIS WORLD. Try it all, you will not be disappointed."
Final Days
An online auction hosted by Rasmus.com and closing Monday, Sept. 22, is selling the restaurant’s kitchen equipment, dining furniture, and other items.
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