Regulars at Hawwi Ethiopian Cafe & Restaurant will tell you that if you've never tried Ethiopian food, you're missing out. The first item you should become familiar with at this Alexandria restaurant is injera, the ever-present pancake-like bread that traditionally serves as both plate and utensil. In other words, your food is served atop a round of injera, and you eat by ripping off bits of injera and using them to scoop a bit of food up to your mouth.
If you're not sure what to order, try a "sampler" plate for the whole table, which mirrors a traditional Ethiopian dining style in which many different dishes are served on a single large round of injera that everyone at the table shares. Try simmered red lentils cooked in berbere sauce, braised beef with onions and herbs, and pureed chickpeas with tomatoes and green peppers.
Don't worry if you're just not sure what to order. The staff is friendly and happy to explain the menu or offer suggestions, especially for first-time visitors.
Hawwi Ethiopian Cafe & Restaurant
1125 Queen Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 717-9740
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