Eats - Ethiopian

Goji
1261 W. San Carlos St.
San Jose, CA
(408) 295-9546
Open 7 days a week, including breakfast
Probably more authentic than Red Sea, but also more difficult for an unaccustomed palate–the sour, fermented pancake-like bread that is used to scoop up a variety of vegetable pastes, stewed meats, and sauces is probably the major stumbling block. This small storefront-cum-restaurant has zero character, but you know that the owners (or perhaps the owner's mother) is in the kitchen preparing the same food they might eat at home. Service is neighborly. 12/01

UPDATE 12/02: A much different experience than my first visit. The injera (the slightly sour fermented batter crepe that you use to scoop up food) was FAR less sour than before, more like a sourdough pancake. We had a raw chopped meat dish with ghee, homemade cheese, and collard greens (like a beef kibbeh but without the bulgar), a mild puree of chickpeas, and a spicy lamb stew, all of which were entirely enjoyable. I finished things off with a tiny cup of spiced Ethiopian coffee, which was thick and aromatic. This place was busy on a weekend for lunch, so go a bit early. It's also easy to miss: look for the giant Safeway supermarket on San Carlos; Goji is one block east on the opposite side.

UPDATE 3/04: Went with a friend. Had the house specialties, siga begomen (collard greens wtih lamb ribs) and the special kitfo (chopped beef mixed with ghee and spices). Also added a bowl of ater kik (yello split peas cooked with onion, garlic and green peppers). The siga begomen was delicious with tender greens and lamb bones with a smattering of meat on them. The special kitfo was very spicy again; next time we'll have it cooked. The ater kik was delicious as always. They've remodeled half of the restaurant—a large tented ceiling and these very cool woven food tables with covers. The other half the restaurant remains a dingy diner. Service is excellent and they have perhaps the most beautiful waitstaff in San Jose.

Mudai - NEW!
503 W. San Carlos (near Hwy 87)
San Jose, CA 95128
Tele (408)292-2282 Fax (408)292-2239
Now my favorite Ethiopian restaurant, even though I only eat Ethiopian food once or twice a year. The first time I went here was about a year ago fora friend's birthday. Servings are large and tasty, service is extremely cheerful, and prices are very reasonable (considering you can get away with ordering one dish if you aren't terribly hungry). But, I recommend you order more. There are always specials, and I've had really good luck with them. The injera is served with pile of chili and some dishes come with a smudge of tangy homemade cheese. The decor is negligible, which is fine considering the quality of the food, and there's a small traditional seating area near the door (although I almost always opt for a table). 04/01/2007

Queen of Sheba
1860 The Alameda
San Jose, CA 95126 www.queenofshebarestaurant.com
I actually ate here twice not long after it opened, but for some reason forgot to add it to my Etheopian restaurant review page. I actually enjoyed this place more than Goji. The atmosphere is a little unusual being that the restaurant is actually part of a motel, but the food and the service are really excellent. Since it's been awhile since I've been there I'll go back to check it out. 09/2005

Red Sea
684 North 1st Street
San Jose, CA 95112
(408) 993-1990
Ethiopian food is a pleasant change from just about everything, except perhaps Northern Indian food. Dinners are usually composed of thin meat stews and spiced vegetable pastes eaten by hand with spongy sour bread. Sound yummy? It's an acquired taste (my dinner companion refers to this cuisine as 'vomit pancakes smeared with baby food.'), so neophytes may opt for the lunch buffet. If you stop by on a warm evening, try a glass of the honey wine called taj, which is served chilled. 10/98