Yotsugi’s Little Ethiopia Restaurant a Tokyo Center for Dining Diplomacy

Little Ethiopia stands out in its Arakawa riverside surroundings. The vivid colors out front can be overwhelming, but inside is a calm space where friendly Ephrem and his wife Mina offer hospitality in the Ethiopian way.

Here, injera, with its unique acidity and texture, is served with doro wat cooked in a small earthenware pot. It is more filling that it looks.

A jebena is an essential part of Ethiopia’s coffee ceremony. It is used both to brew and serve the pan-roasted, finely ground coffee beans.

Kitchen-mistress Mina poses with Ephrem. Both can speak fluent Japanese and are happy to answer questions about the food.

Abebe has lived in Japan for 25 years. His NPO’s name, Adeyabeba, comes from a flower traditionally given to loved ones in Ethiopia. (© Kumazaki Takashi)

Aromatic Ethiopian coffee is served here with a type of herb that can be placed in the drink to change the flavor.

The Little Ethiopia Restaurant and Bar.