“Let’s go for an Ethiopian” has yet to make it into the canon of ideas on the average English night out, which would be a major gain for visitors to Manchester seeking something different.
Habesha is a small, family-run restaurant hidden away up an unassuming set of spiral stairs in a tired old takeaway in the heart of Manchester’s gay village.
One of the few places in the city that sells exclusively Ethiopian food, the entire experience is refreshingly no-frills from beginning to end.
Upon arrival, you’ll be invited to sit in a friendly, brightly painted room adorned with artwork and musical instruments. The small but perfect menu includes chicken, lamb and vegetarian dishes at varying levels of spiciness.
A good bet is to select two or three and share over a traditional sour flatbread, or injera. Be warned however, cutlery isn’t a part of the deal. The idea is that you use the thick pancake-like accompaniment to scoop up your dinner.
Twin your feast with an Ethiopian or Eritrean beer, or if you’re feeling adventurous, an Ethiopian red wine (£3.50 per glass). At £2.50 for a beer and dishes coming in at £6 – £7.50, an evening at Habesha is illegally great value. Get stuck in!
