Where to go: St. Yared Ethiopian Cuisine & Coffeehaus
Address: 11210 Fall Creek Rd., Indianapolis
What to get: Meat Combination for One
Price: $24.75
Anna’s take: Let me preface by stating please go to St. Yared when you are very hungry. The portions this family-owned restaurant provides you are astronomical — in a good way. I ordered the Meat Combination for One, and it was definitely a cultural dining experience. I had never tried Ethiopian food, and the combination platter served Doro Wot (spicy chicken), Ye-siga Tibs (beef) and Ye-beg Alicha (mild lamb). The platter comes with your choice of two vegetarian dishes. I chose Ye-Misir Wot (split red lentils) and Tikle Gomen (cabbage and carrot).
The spices are exported from Ethiopia. The Meat Combination for One is definitely an ideal choice if you’ve never tried Ethiopian food. If you’re hesitant when it comes to spice, let your server know and they will help you order what’s best for your delicate taste buds. The cool thing I learned about Ethiopian food is you eat with your right hand only, because food is considered sacred in Ethiopia, and you’re not supposed to use your left hand or utensils. It makes for a messy but very fun meal. The meals are served with a tortilla made of an ancient grain called teff, which is used to scoop and eat food. In Ethiopia, couples feeding each other is considered the ultimate expression of love, so get to it, lovebirds!
Suggested pairings: Although St. Yared has a full bar, I strongly encourage you to try the Ethiopian Spiced Tea ($2.50). It’s a mouthful of comfort.