Meskerem Ethiopian Restaurant

Located at 124 MacDougal Street in the Village, across from Cafe Wha?, Meskerem is interesting, fun, and flavorful — from its cuisine to its atmosphere.

Originally I visited the restaurant to see what it was like. Now I go back because I enjoy the food, the setting, and the ambiance. Going down the steep stairway is an adventure in itself. The restaurant is located in a basement, but like the Oyster Houses of Old New York, it is worth the trip.

Ethiopian cuisine was new to me; the waiter on my first visit and the waitress on subsequent trips, have been helpful in understanding the menu — which explains the many strange-to-me names of the dishes extremely well. Each dish has a written description of the appetizer, entré or special, and the strength of the spices used.

What I enjoy is the use of injera, spongy rounds of bread made from a fermented rye-like grain. No silverware is offered. One uses the injera to pick up the meat, vegetables, and sauces and to pop them into the mouth. The meal is served on injera, which soaks up the juices of the meat, vegetables and sauces, making it a rich, tasty experience.

On the table is a Honey Wine, which I have not tasted. Since I am in Greenwich Village to lead walking tours in the afternoon, I do not want to confuse my brain with wine and details about the Village. The bottle explains the Honey Wine and its complement to the spicy Ethiopian Cuisine.

Since I enjoy lamb, I ordered it on the first visit; subsequently, I have eaten the Vegetarian Combo on the lunch menu. More than enough food is offered on the plate...I must stuff myself to finish, which I do because I so enjoy the dishes. The chickpea stew and lentil stews are filling. Each has its own seasonings: Miser Alech is a mild dish of split lentils dipped with ginger, garlic, onions, olive oil and curry cooked “to perfection,” as the menu states. Miser Wat finishes the lentils with a ground red pepper; Shro Wat is chickpeas with the same sauce of the lentils.

A read through the menu is an adventure... as will be your visit. While I eat by myself out of necessity, I have watched groups enjoy the main course in the middle of the table on a round platter with the sauces and seasoned lentil sides. The tables are almost always full of diners. with lunch prices under $10 per entré it is no wonder the restaurant is busy.

Offering fun, exciting food and a comfortable atmosphere, Meskerem is not to be missed during your visit to Greenwich Village — if you have eaten Ethiopian before, or not!