When you think of the food scene in Miami, many types of food come to mind – some more popular than others – but Ethiopian food is rarely a go-to. Allow me to introduce you to cuisine that is a bit off of the beaten path, but well worth it.
Awash Ethiopian Restaurant, 19934 NW 2nd Avenue, Miami, FL 33169
Owners: Fouad Wassel and Eka Wassel
Price: $$
AMBIANCE
It is easy to drive passed this restaurant on NW 2nd Avenue. Awash is tucked away in the corner of a strip mall. The façade is clean and unassuming. However, once inside, you are transported to a different world. Awash describes its interior as encompassing “a traditional Ethiopian ‘Gojo bait’ (country style home) environment [with] “a center piece commonly found in a gojo home.” There is nothing pretentious about the ambiance of Awash. You can go as you are and be completely comfortable.
SERVICE
When I entered Awash, I was greeted with a bright “hello” and promptly seated. The restaurant was not very busy on this particular Wednesday night. My waitress came to the table with water and asked if I had any questions about the menu. I explained that I was not familiar with Ethiopian food and I wanted to try everything! She kindly smiled and made a suggestion, explaining that it highlights typical Ethiopian food and will give me a good sense of what Ethiopian food is about. I was sold!
FOOD
If I had to use one word to describe the food at Awash, it would be “Mmmm.” What I liked most about it was the organic nature of the menu. Ethiopian food is vegan friendly. I ordered the Taste of Awash platter which included: green beans, greens, cabbage, split peas, chick peas, red lentils, beets, cheese, chicken, and two types of beef (regular and spicy) on top of injera with extra injera to enjoy the meal. Ethiopian food is meant to be eaten with your hands and injera is the perfect, flatbread-like vehicle to enjoy the variety of well seasoned dishes in the Taste of Awash platter. In addition to the platter, I ordered lamb to supplement the meal. To round out the experience, I drank Ethiopian Style Honey Wine. The wine was delicious – not too sweet and nicely balanced.
FINAL RATING
I rate Awash 4.5 out of 5 injera. The location is unexpected, but clean and lots of free parking. The ambiance and service were warm, welcoming, and “homey.” The food was flavorful and the wine set it off. I look forward to returning; maybe I will go on the weekend to experience the Ethiopian coffee ceremony. Will you join me?
