Dashen Ethiopian Cuisine
| Address: | 88 Albany St, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA |
| Phone: | +1 732-249-0494 |
| Site: | dashenethiopiannj.com |
| Rating: | 4.5 |
| Working: | Closed 11AM–10PM 11AM–10PM 11AM–10PM 11AM–11PM 12–11PM 12–8PM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 13
MA
Marilyn Bellantoni
My husband and I shared the Meat and Vegetable Sampler Platter. One of the chicken samples was very spicy and delicious! The cold lentil dish was also magnificent! My husband also enjoyed the lamb. I thought all of the other meat and vegetable dishes were a bit bland compared to what Im accustomed to at other Ethiopian restaurants. In general, the food was good but my least favorite compared to all the others Ive been to especially for the price. The food itself wasnt the biggest disappoint, however. My waitress was a "Space Cadette." We were unable to get her attention even when we were a foot away from her. She kept staring into space and forgetting our requests for beverages, 3 times. She also made a mistake with our order and gave us 2 lentil dishes instead of one lentil and one cabbage. However, the biggest turn off was that after we ordered our food, the waitress brought us FORKS! I have never been given utensils at an Ethiopian restaurant. Is that a new trend? It totally took away from the feeling of authenticity! Also, even though I knew in advance, I was really disappointed that they didnt have a liquor license because I was really in the mood for some Ethiopian honey wine. I would have stopped at the liquor store first but my husband didnt want any so I would have had a whole bottle to drink myself or waste it. I dont think Ill be going back. I miss Makeda. I guess Ill have to go back to D.C. to get the real thing!
PE
Peter Arcand
New Ethiopian eatery in New Brunswick. With the absence of Makeda, due to their closing the end of 2014, New Brunswick has been missing something. That something has been amazing, authentic, Ethiopian cuisine. Desta (which means joy/happiness in Amharic) will surely have you leaving a VERY happy and joyous person! The owners and staff are extremely warm, welcoming, and friendly. The food is a burst of flavor upon the palate, cooked with care and perfection, of flavors so unique to Ethiopian cuisine. If its your first time I HIGHLY recommend one of the sampler dishes (either meat and veggie combo or all veggie) as it will give you a wonderful chance to try many of their dishes and decide which you like best. I, personally Love them ALL. And, unique to Desta, is the addition of a delightful crêpe menu which you wont find at your average Ethiopian restaurant. The crêpes are a wonderful way to end such a culinary explosion of flavor with something light, sweet, and not too filling. Desta is a sure fire HIT, and I look forward to being a regular here for MANY years to come!!! I wish them nothing but success, and Im sure theyll have it, with this fabulous new addition to the New Brunswick restaurant scene!
KI
Kija Fitzpatrick
My husband and I frequent this place for our date nights and it is simply outstanding. I appreciate it more and more...the quality, the amazing flavors, its a BYOB in New Brunswick, which is rare. We are fans of Ethiopian...if you have never tried it, this place would be an amazing first. If you do like Ethiopian, trust me...we have had Ethiopian in Little Ethiopia in DC and this place rivals most of those places. Prices are more than fair for the quantity of food and since its a BYOB, need I say more... My only gripe is that the only fish dishes, not including shellfish (hubby has an allergy) are with tilapia. Tilapia is not the best quality fish to eat, its never wild. I wish they had haddock or cod or some other fish, done with those amazing spices...then it would be 5 stars for me and not 4.99 stars, lol. Try it!!!
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C Brown
This place has improved substantially since they first opened. They make good injera (although they make a 10-12 inch injera not a 18-20 inch like so many other restaurants). The flavors and spices are well done and consistent with Ethiopian food served throughout North America. The combos are delicious, unlike other places, Ive never been served dry/overcooked meat here. The portions are generous and Ive never gone home hungry. There one issue is price, this place is much cheaper than the previous Ethiopian restaurant in New Brunswick, but is still more expensive than most other Ethiopian restaurants.
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Tejas Kadia
Probably the best Ethiopian food Ive ever had. Great vegetarian options as well. The mushroom tibs was awesome, as well as the veg sampler plate. The crepes were very good too, and the selection of teas are splendid. The place has a nice homey vibe to it, and the food is amazing. Unfortunately there is currently some construction right in front of the restaurant entrance which makes it difficult for people to find this place. Also they close at 8pm on Sunday so make sure to come early!
KE
Keerthiga Ragunathan
One more absolutely delicious place for Ethiopian cuisine.. the service and the food was really good.. they served desserts like baklava, tiramisu etc, but we were too full from the main course to try them.. but the veg/meat platters/samplers are quite really expensive.. I suggest to take the option of paying for additional 6$ per person on the same order.. one sampler will be plenty for two very hungry ppl.. the four star is for being so expensive and NO unlimited injeras.
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Furtuna Abubeker
Am Ethiopian and was having a hard time finding a good authentic restaurant where I live (philly) but I found this place when I come to new burnswick for work. Am absolutely delighted and look forward to the couple of days of week I come here. Great food, excellent service and great coffee. VERY CLEAN, VERY EFFICIENT.....I WOULD 100% recommend this place.
AM
amitaf Ait
Well, I used to eat at Makeda, it was my favorite Ethiopian food, so technically I can consider myself as Ethiopian food expert :). Dashen makes very authentic Ethiopian food. I loved their Awaze sauce and Doro wat, but the Mesir wat was not cooked enough, maybe just that day. They make delicious Injera and I highly recommend it with Ethiopian cheese.
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Thomas Kusch
Delicious food at reasonable prices, and fast, attentive service. The sampler platter is highly recommended for parties of 3 and more people. The place seems to be very family-friendly. A number of babies and free roaming toddlers generated a somewhat noisy dinner atmosphere, and some kids banged into our chairs. It didnt bother us much.
JO
Joseph Horan
Staff was very friendly and the space is nicely decorated. Food was very good. When ordering a meat dish, you also get to choose 2 sides from their vegetarian menu section. Portions are sized well ND each meal is accompanied by several pieces of Injera- a round spongy bread. All the vegetarian dishes are gluten free.
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George
Excellent Ethiopian restaurant. I always stop by for lunch or dinner when in NJ. The service is warm, friendly and very attentive. I have thoroughly enjoyed everything g I have ever ordered. I recommend the fried Injera as a starter. It is served with homemade ethiopian cheese and a bit of spice.
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A Davis
Great BYOB, especially when introducing someone to Ethiopian cuisine. The smell of the food cooking is exciting, and the flavors even more satisfying. Buna was fresh and delicious, which went well with the carrot cake. Will definitely come back...and the newbie got hooked as well.
GE
Geraldine Cochran
Delicious food! Great desert! Excellent Service! This will be a regular for me. I tried the vegetarian platter. Lots of options; spice was perfect. I also tried the "create your own crepe. I added white chocolate, honey, and whipped cream. It was absolutely delicious!
