Nestled on Kingsland Road, Andu Cafe bashes out hefty portions of Ethiopian vegan food on the cheap in a friendly, no-frills setting. Inside, it’s simple: take a seat among the fairy lights, framed photos and artificial plants and you’ll be asked whether you want the traditional injera (a sour, spongy pancake) or a portion of rice, which speedily arrive alongside six dishes. They’re served up either in an adorable plastic tray with divisions – yes, a bit like at school – or, if you’re going for the injera and want to be more grown-up, you can ask for them to be presented traditionally, with the stews neatly arranged on top, for a bit extra. For a huge sampler plate, it’s only £7 per person or £12 for two, plus it’s BYO.
It’s all about the beans, greens and lentils here, which are pimped out with plenty of garlic, ginger and turmeric. Standouts included the misir wot – a comforting stew of spicy red lentils with minced garlic – and the tikil gomen, an aromatic mix of chopped cabbage, potatoes and onion. It’s not game-changing stuff, no, and the menu is pretty simple (there are no desserts or sides), but it’s good quality and delicious. Andu Cafe is a charming, cheap and cheerful place, and one that has clearly nuzzled its way into the hearts of hip young locals.
It’s all about the beans, greens and lentils here, which are pimped out with plenty of garlic, ginger and turmeric. Standouts included the misir wot – a comforting stew of spicy red lentils with minced garlic – and the tikil gomen, an aromatic mix of chopped cabbage, potatoes and onion. It’s not game-changing stuff, no, and the menu is pretty simple (there are no desserts or sides), but it’s good quality and delicious. Andu Cafe is a charming, cheap and cheerful place, and one that has clearly nuzzled its way into the hearts of hip young locals.