Restaurants

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Injera bread under cover at Mosob (© Heloise Bergman)

Best East African restaurants for vegetarian meals

The large numbers of Orthodox and Coptic Christians in Ethiopia and Eritrea, who observe meat-free fasting for a large part of the year, has resulted in some very impressive vegetarian and vegan dishes. Unfortunately London’s best Ethiopian restaurant, Tobia, recently closed, but the following places are all excellent value.

Asmara
A colourful, homely Eritrean place. A good tip is to go for the bebiainetu or messob meal so you can sample a variety of vegetarian dishes.
Asmara, 386 Coldharbour Lane, SW9 8LF (020 7737 4144) Brixton tube/rail. Open daily 5.30pm-12midnight. Meal for two with drinks and service: around £45.

Mosob
Mosob is a family-run affair, as are most Eritrean restaurants in London. Vegan dishes on offer include warmly spiced shiro (ground chickpeas), or selsi (onion and tomato stew).
Mosob, 339 Harrow Rd, W9 3RB (020 7266 2012) Westbourne Park tube. Open Mon-Fri 6-11.30pm, Sat, Sun 3pm-12midnight. Unlicensed. Meal for two with service: around £40.

The Queen of Sheba
You’ll get a warm welcome and unhurried service at this Kentish Town Ethiopian. The traditional coffee ceremony complete with incense is an unmissable end to the meal.
The Queen of Sheba, 12 Fortess Rd, NW5 2EU (020 7284 3947) Kentish Town tube/rail. Open Mon-Sat 5-11.30pm, Sun 1-10pm. Meal for two with drinks and service: around £40.

The top ten | Haute cuisine | East African | Indian | Thai | West End fast food
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