By Dan Harriman
Raleigh is part of the "triangle" region in North Carolina, which includes Durham and Chapel Hill. Home to Duke University, this college town is known by its inhabitants as a "city in a park." The greater Raleigh area has more than 152 miles of hiking and greenway trails that will put outdoor enthusiasts in the heart of North Carolina's lush outdoors. After a long day of exploring Raleigh, visitors can enjoy the region's well-rounded restaurant scene, which includes several Ethiopian eateries.
Abyssinia Restaurant
The Abyssinia Restaurant is the only authentic Ethiopian eatery physically located in Raleigh. Its menu includes appetizers, vegetarian, beef and lamb dishes. The Sambusa is a popular starter, which features a pastry shell filled with either lentils or beef mixed with green peppers, onions and herbs. Vegetarians can choose from a combination platter, Miser Wat, Shiro Wat and Kik Alicha (cracked yellow peas cooked in turmeric sauce served with salad and a side dish). Entrees like Kitfo and Kay Wat Ferfer are served with Injera (bread) and a choice of salad, collard greens or lentils. The meat combination platter features three of the restaurant's four meat choices: Kay Wat (beef), Yebeg Wat (lamb), Doro Wat (chicken) and Yegeb Alicha (lamb). Abyssinia's desserts include baklava, tiramisu and cheesecake, plus fresh Ethiopian coffee and teas are also available.
Abyssinia Restaurant
2109-146 Avent Ferry Rd.
Raleigh, NC 27606
(919) 664-8151
abyssiniarestaurant.net
Blue Nile Restaurant
The Blue Nile Restaurant is located about 30 minutes from Raleigh, in nearby Durham. Its menu features authentic Ethiopian-style chicken, tender chopped lamb and sautéed beef, all prepared with special herbs and spices. The restaurant also offers a selection of vegetable and seafood dishes that are low in fat. Special entrees, such as Yedoro Watt (chicken and egg in curry sauce), are served with two vegetables and Injera (bread). Diners at the Blue Nile sit at authentic woven basket tables, and guests celebrating a birthday are treated to a traditional Ethiopian coffee service,
Blue Nile Restaurant
2000 Chapel Hill Rd. #4
Durham, NC 27707
(919) 490-0462
ethiopianrestaurant.com/northcarolina/bluenile.html
Queen of Sheba Restaurant
The Queen of Sheba Restaurant is located in nearby Chapel Hill, about a 30-minute car ride from Raleigh. All of its dishes are traditionally prepared with Ethiopian spices. The restaurant's Watt (stew dishes) includes beef, lamb, chicken and vegetable varieties. Each dish can range from spicy to mild. The menu has a large selection of appetizers and salads, plus eight vegetarian choices. Vegetarian dishes are prepared with lentils, peas, flax and other vegetables. Besides several beef, lamb and chicken options, Queen of Sheba also prepares seafood entrees such as fish Alicha, a fish of the day marinated with lemon, garlic, fresh ginger, simmered in a mild sauce. Authentic Ethiopian coffee is also served.
Queen of Sheba Restaurant
Timberlyne Shopping Center
1129 Weaver Dairy Rd.
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
(919) 932-4986
queenofshebachapelhill.com
About the Author:
Dan Harriman began writing professionally in 2009 and has a varied background in marketing, ranging from sports management to music promotion. Harriman holds a Bachelor of Science in journalism with an emphasis on strategic communications from the University of Kansas and earned the International Advertising Association's diploma in marketing communications.
