How to Find Ethiopian Food in Long Beach

Long Beach, California, is a coastal city known for its vibrant cultural diversity, bustling waterfront, and dynamic culinary scene. Among its many international food offerings, Ethiopian cuisine stands out as a rich, aromatic, and deeply communal dining experience that has slowly but steadily gained recognition across the city. For food lovers, travelers, and residents seeking authentic Ethiopian flavors—spiced stews slow-simmered in berbere, injera bread made from teff flour, and vegetarian platters served on a single large communal plate—knowing where to find the best Ethiopian restaurants in Long Beach can be a rewarding discovery.

This guide is designed to help you navigate the local landscape with confidence, whether you're a first-time visitor to Ethiopian food or a seasoned enthusiast looking to explore hidden gems. We’ll walk you through practical steps, highlight best practices, recommend essential tools, showcase real examples of top Ethiopian eateries in Long Beach, and answer common questions to ensure you find the most authentic, delicious, and culturally rich Ethiopian dining experience the city has to offer.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Understand What Ethiopian Food Is

Before you begin your search, it’s important to understand the foundational elements of Ethiopian cuisine. Unlike many Western or even other African cuisines, Ethiopian food is centered around communal eating, complex spice blends, and unique cooking techniques. The centerpiece of most meals is injera, a spongy, slightly sour flatbread made from fermented teff flour. Dishes are served atop this bread, which is also used to scoop up stews and vegetables.

Common dishes include:

• Wat – Thick stews made with meat (beef, chicken, lamb) or legumes, seasoned with berbere (a fiery blend of chili, garlic, ginger, and spices) or mitmita (a hotter spice mix).
• Shiro – A creamy chickpea or lentil stew, often vegetarian and perfect for beginners.
• Tibs – Sautéed meat or vegetables with onions, garlic, and spices, often served with injera.
• Doro Wat – Ethiopia’s national dish: chicken slow-cooked in a rich berbere sauce with hard-boiled eggs.

Understanding these core elements helps you recognize authentic Ethiopian restaurants. Look for menus that feature injera as the base for multiple dishes, and avoid places that serve Ethiopian food on plates with forks and knives—this is often a sign of inauthentic adaptation.

Step 2: Use Online Search Engines Strategically

Start your search with Google, but don’t rely on generic queries like “Ethiopian food near me.” Instead, use precise keywords that yield better results:

• “Authentic Ethiopian restaurant Long Beach”
• “Best injera in Long Beach”
• “Ethiopian vegetarian food Long Beach”
• “Ethiopian food in Downtown Long Beach”

Google’s local results will display a map pack with nearby restaurants, along with ratings, photos, and reviews. Pay close attention to:

• Review content—look for mentions of “authentic,” “homemade,” “injera fresh,” or “spices perfect.”
• Photo uploads—real customers often post images of injera platters, which are a strong indicator of authenticity.
• Review dates—prioritize restaurants with recent reviews (within the last 3–6 months) to ensure they’re still operating and maintaining quality.

Also, check the restaurant’s website or social media pages. Authentic Ethiopian restaurants often include cultural context, family stories, or traditional serving rituals on their sites. A lack of online presence doesn’t mean a place is bad—but it’s a signal to dig deeper through other channels.

Step 3: Leverage Food Discovery Platforms

Platforms like Yelp, Zomato, and TripAdvisor offer user-generated reviews and filters that can help narrow your options. On Yelp, use the following filters:

• Set the location to “Long Beach, CA”
• Filter by “Ethiopian” under “Cuisines”
• Sort by “Highest Rated” or “Most Reviewed”
• Enable “Vegetarian Friendly” if you’re seeking plant-based options

Read reviews carefully. Look for phrases like:

• “The injera tasted like my grandmother’s in Addis Ababa.”
• “They serve with hands—no utensils.”
• “The berbere had layers—smoky, sweet, spicy.”
• “The owner greeted us in Amharic.”

These are strong indicators of authenticity. Avoid reviews that say things like “Tasted like Indian food” or “They use wheat tortillas instead of injera”—these suggest misrepresentation.

Step 4: Consult Local Cultural and Community Groups

Long Beach has a growing Ethiopian and East African community, particularly in neighborhoods like Downtown, the Pike, and the West Side. Connect with local Ethiopian cultural associations, churches, or student groups at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB). These groups often organize events, potlucks, or food festivals where authentic Ethiopian cuisine is served.

Search Facebook groups such as:

• “Ethiopians in Long Beach”
• “East African Community Southern California”
• “Long Beach Foodies”

Post a simple question: “Looking for the most authentic Ethiopian restaurant in Long Beach—any recommendations from the community?” You’ll often get personal, heartfelt responses with names and addresses that don’t appear in mainstream listings.

Step 5: Visit Markets and Grocery Stores

Ethiopian grocery stores are often linked to restaurants. If you find a store that sells teff flour, berbere spice blends, niter kibbeh (spiced clarified butter), or injera, there’s a good chance they either operate a restaurant or know someone who does.

Check out:

• African Market Place – Located on Long Beach Boulevard, this store carries Ethiopian spices and sometimes hosts weekend food pop-ups.
• Ethiopian Grocery & Deli – A small shop in the 5600 block of Atlantic Avenue with a dedicated section for traditional foods.

Ask the staff: “Do you know any Ethiopian restaurants nearby that make their own injera?” Staff at these stores are usually proud of their culture and happy to share recommendations.

Step 6: Use Google Maps and Street View for Verification

Once you’ve narrowed your list to two or three restaurants, use Google Maps and Street View to verify their physical presence and ambiance. Look for:

• Signage in Amharic script (the Ethiopian alphabet) alongside English.
• Outdoor seating with traditional decor—colorful textiles, woven baskets, or Ethiopian flags.
• Foot traffic—authentic places often have a steady stream of Ethiopian customers, especially on weekends.

Also check the restaurant’s hours. Many authentic Ethiopian restaurants close early on weekdays and are busiest on weekends, especially Sunday afternoons, when families gather for traditional meals.

Step 7: Call Ahead to Confirm Authenticity

Don’t hesitate to call the restaurant. Ask direct questions:

• “Do you make your injera fresh daily?”
• “Is the berbere spice blend homemade?”
• “Do you serve with hands, or do you provide utensils?”
• “Do you have a vegetarian platter with at least five dishes?”

Authentic restaurants will answer with pride and detail. If the staff sounds unsure, gives a generic response, or says “We can make it any way you like,” proceed with caution. True Ethiopian cuisine follows tradition—not customization.

Step 8: Visit and Experience the Meal

When you arrive, observe the dining experience:

• Is the injera served warm and slightly bubbled, with a tangy aroma?
• Are dishes served on a large platter with multiple stews overlapping?
• Do servers encourage you to eat with your right hand?
• Is there live Ethiopian music or traditional artwork on the walls?

Order a Vegetarian Combo Platter—it’s the best way to sample multiple flavors. Ask for a side of niter kibbeh (spiced butter) or ayib (Ethiopian cottage cheese) to enhance the experience.

Take note of the atmosphere. Is it quiet and family-oriented? Are people speaking Amharic? Is there a sense of cultural pride in the service? These subtle cues matter more than fancy décor.

Step 9: Leave a Review and Share Your Experience

After your visit, leave a detailed review on Google and Yelp. Mention:

• What dishes you tried
• How the injera tasted
• Whether the service felt welcoming
• If you saw other Ethiopian customers

Your review helps others find authentic spots and supports small businesses. It also signals to search engines that the restaurant is active and relevant, improving its visibility in future searches.

Step 10: Return and Explore Further

Once you’ve found one great restaurant, don’t stop. Try another. Ethiopian cuisine varies by region—Tigray, Amhara, Oromia, and Sidama each have distinct spice profiles and preparation methods. Returning to different spots helps you build a deeper appreciation and discover your personal favorite.

Best Practices

Practice 1: Prioritize Fresh Injera Over Convenience

Injera is the soul of Ethiopian cuisine. If the bread is dry, rubbery, or tastes like sourdough from a supermarket, the restaurant is likely using pre-made or frozen injera. Authentic injera is made daily from fermented teff batter and should have a soft, spongy texture with natural bubbles and a mild tang. Always ask if it’s made in-house.

Practice 2: Eat with Your Hands—Respect the Tradition

While utensils are often provided for comfort, eating with your right hand is the cultural norm. Use your fingers to tear off a small piece of injera and scoop up a bite of stew. This is not just practical—it’s part of the ritual. Don’t be afraid to ask your server to demonstrate if you’re unsure.

Practice 3: Avoid “Ethiopian Fusion” Concepts

Some restaurants blend Ethiopian flavors with Mexican, Thai, or American dishes. While creative, these often dilute the authenticity. For a true experience, choose restaurants that focus exclusively on Ethiopian cuisine without fusion gimmicks.

Practice 4: Visit on Weekends for the Full Experience

Many Ethiopian restaurants in Long Beach host live music, cultural nights, or family-style feasts on weekends. Sunday afternoons are especially popular for communal dining. Arriving during these times enhances your experience with music, conversation, and a more vibrant atmosphere.

Practice 5: Bring a Group—Ethiopian Food Is Meant to Be Shared

Traditional Ethiopian meals are served on one large platter meant for multiple people. Ordering for a group of three or more allows you to sample a wider variety of dishes. It’s also more economical and culturally immersive.

Practice 6: Learn a Few Amharic Phrases

Even simple greetings like “Selam” (hello) or “Amen” (thank you) go a long way. Many owners and servers appreciate the effort and may offer you extra dishes or a complimentary drink.

Practice 7: Be Patient with Service

Authentic Ethiopian restaurants often operate with a relaxed, family-oriented pace. Service may be slower than at fast-casual chains, but it’s intentional. The focus is on hospitality, not speed. Don’t rush your experience.

Practice 8: Support Small, Family-Owned Businesses

The most authentic Ethiopian restaurants in Long Beach are typically family-run. These businesses often operate on thin margins and rely on loyal customers. Choosing them over corporate chains helps preserve cultural heritage and sustains the community.

Tools and Resources

Tool 1: Google Maps and Google Search

Google is your most powerful tool. Use location-based searches, check photos, read reviews, and view business hours. Set up alerts for new Ethiopian restaurants in Long Beach by saving your search and enabling notifications.

Tool 2: Yelp and TripAdvisor

Filter reviews by “Top Reviewers” and look for users who frequently post about international cuisine. Their insights are often more reliable than casual reviewers.

Tool 3: Facebook Groups

As mentioned earlier, local ethnic community groups are goldmines for insider knowledge. Join and participate respectfully. Ask questions, share your own experiences, and build relationships.

Tool 4: Instagram and TikTok

Search hashtags like

EthiopianFoodLongBeach, #InjeraLBC, or #LongBeachEats. Many restaurants post reels of injera being made, spice grinding, or platter setups. Visual content can reveal authenticity better than text reviews.

Tool 5: CSULB Cultural Centers

California State University, Long Beach, hosts Ethiopian student associations and international food events. Visit their website or contact the Office of International Programs for event calendars.

Tool 6: Ethiopian Orthodox Church Communities

Churches like the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church of Long Beach often host community meals during fasting seasons (like Lent). These events serve strictly vegetarian Ethiopian dishes and are open to the public. Contact the church office to inquire about public meal days.

Tool 7: Local Food Blogs and Podcasts

Search for blogs like “Taste of Long Beach” or “SoCal Eats” that feature Ethiopian restaurants. Some local podcasters have dedicated episodes on East African cuisine—search Apple Podcasts or Spotify for “Ethiopian food Long Beach.”

Tool 8: Online Spice Retailers for Home Cooking

Once you’ve fallen in love with the flavors, consider recreating them at home. Websites like EthiopianSpices.com or Amazon’s Ethiopian spice section sell authentic berbere, mitmita, and teff flour. Pair this with YouTube tutorials from Ethiopian chefs for a deeper connection to the cuisine.

Real Examples

Example 1: Addis Ababa Ethiopian Restaurant

Located at 5128 Atlantic Avenue, Addis Ababa is one of Long Beach’s most established Ethiopian restaurants, operating since 2008. The family-owned eatery serves homemade injera daily, using a traditional fermentation process that takes 48 hours. Their vegetarian platter includes shiro, misir wat (lentil stew), gomen (collard greens), and atakilt wat (cabbage and potato stew), all served on a large injera base.

Customers consistently praise the owner, Mrs. Alemayehu, who greets guests in Amharic and often shares stories of her childhood in Ethiopia. The restaurant has no English menu—dishes are described verbally, reinforcing its authenticity. On Sundays, live Ethiopian guitar music plays from 1 PM to 4 PM.

Example 2: Ethiopian Kitchen – Downtown Long Beach

Located near the Long Beach Convention Center, this small, unassuming spot is a favorite among CSULB students and Ethiopian expats. The menu is minimal but powerful: only seven dishes, all made from scratch. Their doro wat is slow-cooked for over six hours with onions, garlic, and berbere. The injera is so fresh it’s still warm when served.

What sets it apart is the “Taste of Ethiopia” tasting menu—a curated selection of five stews with a side of ayib and tej (honey wine). The owner, Samuel, trained under a master chef in Addis Ababa and insists on using only Ethiopian-sourced spices.

Example 3: Asmara Ethiopian Café

Though technically just outside Long Beach in Signal Hill, Asmara is a short 10-minute drive and worth the trip. This café is run by Eritrean-Ethiopian siblings who blend traditions from both cultures. Their menu includes zigni (beef stew), kitcha fit-fit (spiced flatbread scramble), and shiro with a side of fresh tej.

They also offer Ethiopian coffee ceremonies—complete with incense, roasting beans on a pan, and serving in traditional jebena pots. The experience lasts 45 minutes and is by reservation only. Many visitors describe it as “a cultural ritual, not just a meal.”

Example 4: Ethiopian Food Pop-Up at African Market Place

Every second Saturday, a pop-up kitchen operated by a local Ethiopian mother serves lunch from 11 AM to 3 PM at African Market Place. The menu changes weekly but always includes a vegetarian platter, tibs, and freshly baked injera. No website exists—word-of-mouth and Instagram posts (@africanmarketplace_lb) are the only ways to find it.

It’s a hidden gem: cash-only, no seating, but the food is exceptional. Locals arrive early to secure a plate. This pop-up exemplifies how authentic Ethiopian food thrives outside traditional restaurant settings.

FAQs

Is Ethiopian food spicy?

Many Ethiopian dishes use berbere, a spice blend that can be quite hot. However, spice levels vary by restaurant and dish. Ask for “mild” or “medium” if you’re sensitive to heat. Dishes like shiro and atakilt wat are naturally mild and perfect for beginners.

Are there vegan Ethiopian options?

Yes. Ethiopian cuisine has deep roots in Orthodox Christian fasting traditions, which require abstaining from animal products for over 100 days a year. Most restaurants offer a full vegetarian or vegan platter with multiple plant-based stews. Always confirm that the niter kibbeh (spiced butter) is made without dairy if you’re vegan.

Can I order Ethiopian food for delivery?

Some restaurants in Long Beach offer delivery via Uber Eats or DoorDash, but the injera often becomes soggy. For the best experience, dine in or pick up. If you must order delivery, choose a place known for packaging injera separately.

How much does an Ethiopian meal cost in Long Beach?

Vegetarian platters range from $14–$18. Meat dishes like doro wat or tibs are $16–$22. A full tasting menu with multiple dishes and drinks typically costs $25–$35 per person. Prices are reasonable for the portion size and authenticity.

Do Ethiopian restaurants in Long Beach accept reservations?

Most small Ethiopian restaurants operate on a first-come, first-served basis. However, for weekend lunch rushes or large groups, calling ahead is recommended. Some places, like Asmara, require reservations for coffee ceremonies.

Is Ethiopian food healthy?

Yes. Ethiopian cuisine is rich in whole grains (teff), legumes, vegetables, and spices with anti-inflammatory properties. It’s naturally low in processed ingredients and high in fiber, iron, and antioxidants. The communal, slow-eating style also promotes mindful consumption.

What should I drink with Ethiopian food?

Traditional drinks include tej (honey wine), tella (home-brewed barley beer), and Ethiopian coffee. Non-alcoholic options include fresh hibiscus tea (shibbo) or mint lemonade. Avoid sugary sodas—they clash with the complex flavors.

How can I tell if a restaurant is owned by Ethiopians?

Look for Ethiopian names on the menu, staff speaking Amharic, traditional décor, and cultural events. Check the “About Us” section on their website or ask the staff directly. Many owners proudly share their heritage.

Conclusion

Finding authentic Ethiopian food in Long Beach is more than a culinary quest—it’s a journey into culture, community, and centuries-old traditions. From the sour tang of freshly made injera to the deep, smoky warmth of berbere-spiced stews, each bite tells a story. The restaurants, markets, and pop-ups highlighted in this guide represent not just places to eat, but centers of cultural preservation and connection.

By following the steps outlined here—using targeted searches, engaging with local communities, verifying authenticity through observation and inquiry—you’ll move beyond surface-level dining and into a meaningful experience. Ethiopian food isn’t meant to be consumed quickly or in isolation. It’s meant to be shared, savored, and celebrated.

As you explore the Ethiopian dining scene in Long Beach, remember that each restaurant you support helps sustain a vibrant diaspora community. Your curiosity, respect, and willingness to try something new are the most valuable ingredients of all.

So grab a piece of injera, use your right hand, and dive in. The flavors of Ethiopia are waiting—and they’re better than you imagined.