Zeni Ethiopian in San Jose, CA
I'm not sure if I'm doing myself a service or disservice by blogging about the best Ethiopian restaurant around - Zeni, in San Jose. In other words, the place is so good (and cheap) that if I tell too many people about it, I may not be able to get in.
When MH and I first discovered the place three years ago, it was known as Xeni, and we were the only non-Ethiopians in the place. It has since changed its name, been reviewed in the SJ Mercury News, and has gained a cult following among several more non-Ethiopians. Still, the place is yet unknown by many. In fact, when I recently mentioned this place to a guy I met at a SF party the other night, and I told him it was in San Jose, he responded, "San Jose? That may as well be on the $%&*%-ing moon." Nice. Anyway, it means more deliciousness for me. With that, here's the run-down.
Zeni is located in a completely random strip mall off of Saratoga Avenue, just south of the Sunnyvale border. The first time you go there, you will be confused. Try to find it; it is definitely worth the trek. The interior of the restaurant is done up Ethiopian-style, with mesobs (the small hand-woven tables) and chairs, animal-skin rugs, tribal stencils, and African art. A DJ spins in a tiny booth in the corner on some weekends. Try to get a seat in the back room which has the traditional eating area. It's slightly uncomfortable (the chairs are tiny and hard), but it adds to the experience. The front room has western-style tables and chairs, and may be more comfortable if you have kids or an elderly parent.
The food. Man, oh, man, is this stuff good. Ethiopian food is mainly stew-based. The stew is eaten with delicious, spongy sourdough-like bread called injera that one uses to sop or scoop up the stew (some stews are more viscous than others). Go for the veggie combo (with yellow lentils, red lentils, and an assortment of other delicious dishes). MH loves the cooked Kitfo (if you get it raw, it's raw meat). Any of the Tibs dishes are good, but I prefer lamb over chicken. Get it fried, not juicy. And get some honey tea after dinner.
Don't forget to wash your hands before you eat. Not only is this practical, but it's an Ethiopian ritual, and it's frowned upon if you don't give them a good scrubbing. Oh, and get there early. Since this place has gotten some press (SJ Mercury news, etc.), some non-Ethiopians are pushing for tables.
Zeni Ethiopian
7.5/10
When MH and I first discovered the place three years ago, it was known as Xeni, and we were the only non-Ethiopians in the place. It has since changed its name, been reviewed in the SJ Mercury News, and has gained a cult following among several more non-Ethiopians. Still, the place is yet unknown by many. In fact, when I recently mentioned this place to a guy I met at a SF party the other night, and I told him it was in San Jose, he responded, "San Jose? That may as well be on the $%&*%-ing moon." Nice. Anyway, it means more deliciousness for me. With that, here's the run-down.
Zeni is located in a completely random strip mall off of Saratoga Avenue, just south of the Sunnyvale border. The first time you go there, you will be confused. Try to find it; it is definitely worth the trek. The interior of the restaurant is done up Ethiopian-style, with mesobs (the small hand-woven tables) and chairs, animal-skin rugs, tribal stencils, and African art. A DJ spins in a tiny booth in the corner on some weekends. Try to get a seat in the back room which has the traditional eating area. It's slightly uncomfortable (the chairs are tiny and hard), but it adds to the experience. The front room has western-style tables and chairs, and may be more comfortable if you have kids or an elderly parent.
The food. Man, oh, man, is this stuff good. Ethiopian food is mainly stew-based. The stew is eaten with delicious, spongy sourdough-like bread called injera that one uses to sop or scoop up the stew (some stews are more viscous than others). Go for the veggie combo (with yellow lentils, red lentils, and an assortment of other delicious dishes). MH loves the cooked Kitfo (if you get it raw, it's raw meat). Any of the Tibs dishes are good, but I prefer lamb over chicken. Get it fried, not juicy. And get some honey tea after dinner.
Don't forget to wash your hands before you eat. Not only is this practical, but it's an Ethiopian ritual, and it's frowned upon if you don't give them a good scrubbing. Oh, and get there early. Since this place has gotten some press (SJ Mercury news, etc.), some non-Ethiopians are pushing for tables.
Zeni Ethiopian
7.5/10
posted by epicure | 4:35 PM
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