Review: Harrar Serves Ethiopian, Non-Traditional Fare

Harrar Cafe off South Orange Avenue is a family-run restaurant with a devoted group of regulars who keep it busy. It's decorated with traditional woven baskets and photos and maps of Ethiopia, with tribal music playing throughout the space. There's a full breakfast menu, lunch portions and an expanded dinner menu. In addition to traditional fare, Harrar offers a variety of non-Ethiopian options, such as Maryland crab cakes and chicken strips, frozen (non-alcoholic) drinks and dessert. And every Tuesday is Fat Tuesday, with a full Cajun menu.

The owner/waiter/cook is friendly, attentive and eager to please. When one of our meals came out wrong—we got salmon instead of lamb—he immediately apologized. He brought out the lamb, joking that now we had "surf and turf." It worked out well, as my dad enjoyed both dishes, but his ability to bring the lamb so quickly made me wonder whether the dishes were made-to-order. The portabella mushrooms in the Ingudai Tibs were cooked just right. If you're wary of spice, just make sure to ask for it mild. If you're looking to set your mouth on fire, the sauce on the Soy Tibs is incredible. The actual soy pieces were so tough that I had a hard time chewing them, but the sauce made up for it. Soaked in this sauce, the injera was even tastier.

The side dishes and appetizer left something to be desired. We started with the deep-fried pea and potato sambousas. When I bit into mine, the inside was still slightly frozen! The sides—which we didn't get to choose, but were chosen for us by the cook— came out bland. The Atkilt Wot lacked any distinctive flavor, while the Kik Alitcha and Missir Wot were dry.

The highlight of my meal was the Ethiopian spiced tea. It's full of flavor, reminding me of Chai tea. I had it with my banana pudding—a delectable combination of ice cream, cake and pudding topped with whipped cream, butterscotch and chocolate syrup. It's clearly popular: every table ordered it!

Overall, I was disappointed with my meal. The other tables were full of smiling groups, so maybe I just didn't order the best dish. Harrar has received excellent reviews online, with many happy, regular customers. Unfortunately, if it had been my first Ethiopian dining experience, I don't know that I would be going back for more.