Abyssinia: African dining in Amsterdam

As I was wandering down the street of Overtoom at around 8:30pm, a poster advertising “the best African food in Amsterdam” caught my eye. Unsure as to how many African restaurants there could possibly be in this small Dutch city, I allowed myself to succumb to the marketing and have my final meal in Amsterdam at Abyssinia.

A theme of wood accompanied by pots and fabrics with geometric tessellations and floral prints filled the two dining rooms. We were seated in the more unique seating area with couches and lounge chairs surrounding low coffee tables. The relaxed and homey atmosphere sedated me into a state where I essentially let our server order for me.

We started the meal with a coconut “exotic beer” Mongozo.  I love sweet and different flavor combinations, but I have tried neither coconut nor beer that tasted quite like this. The drink was so high in sugar that it took on a rich, syrupy flavor that proved too sweet to finish—or even attempt a second swig.

The menu was overwhelming yet uniform. A variety of meats and vegetables are all served with Injera, a flat, spongy bread that serves as the crepe of Ethiopia. We ordered Zegni, which is beef served in a red sauce with Ajibo (fresh cheese), and Alecha, fried butter-beans, carrots, and potatoes. Both dishes were served with a lentil sauce and a salad of lettuce, tomato, cucumber, and lentils.

The food, all atop one large piece of Injera, was served on a metal pizza-dish-looking tray and set on a beautifully woven table.

The flavors failed to be as ornate as the presentation. I attribute this to a sensory confusion. The highly sauced array of meats and vegetables caused me to expect more Indian flavors with bold curries and spicy flavors. 

The food was very fun to eat—hands only—using the Injera as a mop to scoop up all the lightly spiced flavors topped with cooling cheese. Crafting each bite was a fun adventure, although, if I closed my eyes, I do not know if I would be able to differentiate between the two dishes.

Abyssinia provided an entertaining dining experience in a relaxed and unique environment. Overall, the flavors in Amsterdam were fair, but the bizarre food combinations and special presentations were what made dining in Amsterdam such a treat.

Abyssinia

J P Heijestraat 190
1054 MN  Amsterdam
+31 (0)20 683 07 92
open: daily 5-11 pm