Let’s say you’re planning to vacation in Ethiopia, Garden Paradise of the Dark Continent. But, let’s also say you’re not sure you’ll like the food there. Oh, what to do? Here’s our suggestion. Visit Zemam’s Ethiopian Cuisine, either on Speedway or Broadway for lunch or dinner. For an hour or so, the experience will be like visiting a country on the other side of the world without the cost or hassle of air travel.
Dr. Gil & I dined at Zemam’s on Broadway recently, much to our delight. If you’re like most Tucsonans, you have never experienced anything like it.
We were seated right away. The first thing we noticed was that Zemam’s is a very simple place. Yes, there were some objects d’art on a wall that looked vaguely African. But other than that … no frills, no ostentatious displays.
The second thing we noticed was that our server didn’t speak English. Or rather, at first we weren’t sure it was English, so thick was her Ethiopian accent. But both Gil & I are world travelers used to tuning our ears to local dialects. By mid-meal, we could understand her, but not each other.
“Her” is Rahwa. Dark skin, slender build, & a beautiful face with a radiant smile. She was also quick. I’m fairly certain that from the time she took our order to the time she placed the platter on our table, not 4 minutes had passed.
Remember, I said Zemam’s is a simple place? Well, ‘tis so simple there are no plates. No silverware, flatware, or plastic ware either. Not even a pair of chopsticks. If we were going to sample Ethiopian cuisine, we had to use our hands. Fine. “When in Rome …” And given where the recipes for our dishes originated, I’m guessing that we were only suppose to use our right hand.
Gil ordered the #12: Yedoro Alicha. Mild tender chicken slowly cooked with onions, garlic, ginger root & other spices.
I ordered the #10: Yebeg Wat. Hot & spicy dish of succulent lamb. Our orders (can’t say dishes) came with sides of various cooked veggies such as collard greens.
Both orders came on a single large tin platter set in the middle of our table. And each of us got strips of injera with which to eat our food. Injera is Ethiopian bread like nothing we’ve ever seen or tasted. It’s kinda spongy, and has a faint sourdough taste.
The general idea is to tear off a piece of injera, then use it to pick up a bite-size portion of food from the central platter. After you’ve mastered that maneuver, all you have to do is pop it into your mouth. Sounds simple, doesn’t it. But neither one of us could do it without using both hands … which I’m sure is a no-no in Ethiopia.
Rahwa gave us the choice of drinks: assorted American sodas, such as Coke; several types of juices, and two kinds of coffees & teas … regular ol’ boring American coffee & tea or real Ethiopian coffee & tea. We both ordered Ethiopian tea. Very tasty … somewhat akin to Good Earth tea … spicy sweet.
We found out later that Zemam’s Ethiopian Cuisine doesn’t serve alcoholic beverages, but you are welcome to BYOB. A slight corkage fee applies.
We both agreed. The food was delicious. Different, but really, really good. Is it authentic Southern Arizona Cuisine? Nope. Is it authentic Ethiopian cuisine? Yup! Do we wholeheartedly recommend Zemam’s to our friends & family? We do.
The owners are Cynthia & Amanuel Gebremariam. He and his family started the business in a small rented house in 1994. Since then, the Gebremariam’s restaurant has been making Ethiopian food according to his mother’s recipes. As a tribute to his mother, the restaurant is named after her.I will add Zemam’s to our List of the Best Restaurants By Cuisine.
Zemam’s Ethiopian Cuisine Hours: Tuesday – Sunday
Original Location: 2731 E Broadway Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85716
New 2nd Location: 119 East Speedway Blvd, where the Garland Bistro used to be.
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