New York City is a culinary tapestry, woven with the vibrant threads of diverse cultures, and among the most colorful patches are the Ethiopian food markets. These markets are not simply places to purchase food; they are portals to a rich cultural heritage, reminiscent of busy bazaars in Addis Ababa, overflowing with spices and the aroma of simmering stews. Below is a curated list of ten Ethiopian food markets located throughout the city, each offering a unique taste of Ethiopian cuisine, along with pertinent details to facilitate your gastronomic expedition.
1. Enat Kitchen Market
Address: 116-58 88th Ave, Richmond Hill, NY 11418
Contact: (718) 751-1823
Website: www.enatkitchen.com
Nestled in the heart of Queens, Enat Kitchen Market is a modest yet vibrant establishment that serves as a local hub for authentic Ethiopian ingredients. The landscape of this market extends beyond mere groceries; it offers an exquisite selection of fresh injera and spices that transport you to the warm, spice-laden stalls of Ethiopia. With a dedicated staff that navigates the intricacies of Ethiopian cuisine, this market is a treasure trove of culinary wonders.
2. Abyssinia Ethiopian Market
Address: 1131 E 17th St, Brooklyn, NY 11230
Contact: (718) 336-4480
Website: www.abyssiniafoodmarket.com
Abyssinia Ethiopian Market is a colorful oasis on the bustling streets of Brooklyn. The bright murals adorning its exterior beckon passersby, while the enticing scents wafting from within create an irresistible allure. Specializing in an array of Ethiopian spices and traditional ingredients, this market serves as a culinary bridge connecting locals to Ethiopia’s rich flavors. It’s the perfect starting point for any would-be Ethiopian chef.
3. Ethiopian Grocery Store
Address: 1-3 W 116th St, New York, NY 10026
Contact: (212) 828-2515
Website: www.ethiopiangroceryny.com
Located in the vibrant neighborhood of Harlem, the Ethiopian Grocery Store stands as a testament to the community’s thriving Ethiopian population. The intimate setting invites patrons to explore its diverse offerings—fresh produce, house-made bread, and spices are displayed like jewels in a treasure chest. Each visit feels like a homecoming, with familiar products that tell stories of family gatherings and communal feasts.
4. Sheba Ethiopian Market
Address: 1811 1/2 1st Ave, New York, NY 10128
Contact: (212) 996-6999
Website: www.shebamarketnyc.com
Sheba Ethiopian Market is a bustling enclave of flavors along the Upper East Side. It boasts not only traditional ingredients but also a good selection of imported Ethiopian beverages. The market is often abuzz with locals trading tips and recipes, fostering a sense of community that permeates its aisles. A visit here is akin to striking up a conversation with an old friend, rich with flavor and familiarity.
5. Keren Ethiopian Market
Address: 537 S 2nd St, Brooklyn, NY 11211
Contact: (718) 384-7700
Keren Ethiopian Market stands out in Williamsburg, where it is a kaleidoscope of color and culture. This store captures the essence of Ethiopian culinary culture through its wide assortment of spices, grains, and fresh ingredients. It acts as a portal, opening a window to Ethiopia’s vibrant gastronomic world that invites you to explore traditional dishes and their creation.
6. Alchemy Coffee Shop & Ethiopian Market
Address: 103-02 Liberty Ave, Jamaica, NY 11414
Contact: (718) 322-0111
Website: www.alchemyethiopianmarket.com
A delightful blend of coffee shop and market, Alchemy in Jamaica offers more than just caffeine fixes. Here, the fragrant aroma of Ethiopian coffee dances harmoniously with the spices on the shelves. The market is an enticing lure for food enthusiasts craving an authentic taste. It cultivates an ambiance where one can sip high-quality coffee while perusing traditional spices and other specialty foods.
7. Addis Ababa Market
Address: 14-29 31st Ave, Astoria, NY 11106
Contact: Not Available
Website: Not Available
A gem of Astoria, the Addis Ababa Market is a wonderland for food lovers, offering a plethora of Ethiopian goods. The shelves brim with imported products that embody the spirit of Ethiopian cooking—from lentils to honey, every item tells a story. With its warm ambiance, you may find yourself lost in conversations with fellow shoppers about their favorite recipes and ingredients.
8. Tesfa Ethiopian Market
Address: 1365 St Nicholas Ave, New York, NY 10033
Contact: (212) 927-2230
Website: www.tesfamarket.com
At Tesfa Ethiopian Market, the shelves are filled with an array of authentic ingredients and homemade specialties. Just as a grand tapestry intertwines distinct threads into a unified piece, this market brings together an array of flavors and products from across Ethiopia, enhancing the local community’s cooking experiences, promising a canvas of rich meals.
9. Eko Market
Address: 3944 Broadway, New York, NY 10032
Contact: (212) 928-0082
Website: Not Available
Eko Market is a small yet powerful storefront that casts a wide net of influence in the Inwood area. Here, the colorful display of ingredients acts as a siren’s call, enticing locals to integrate Ethiopian canons into their meals. From spices to frozen injera, Eko embodies the very essence of Ethiopian culinary heritage, waiting to be explored by curious palates.
10. Hawi Ethiopian Food Market
Address: 219 E 116th St, New York, NY 10029
Contact: (212) 996-0726
Website: Not Available
Hawi Ethiopian Food Market encapsulates the heart of Ethiopian cuisine in Harlem. Offering a myriad of traditional ingredients, this market is a valuable resource for anyone eager to delve into Ethiopian cooking. The staff, often clad in traditional attire, adds to the charm, drawing you into a world that is both introspective and celebratory, where every ingredient has a story to tell.
These ten Ethiopian food markets spread joy and culture, each distinct in its offerings but united in their mission to rekindle the richness of Ethiopian gastronomy in New York City. Visiting these markets invites you on a journey marked by the intoxicating aromas of spices and the heartfelt warmth of a community bound by love for its culinary traditions. Whether you seek to explore, purchase ingredients, or indulge in the cuisine, you will find that every corner of this vibrant city sings the praises of Ethiopian culture, waiting for you to uncover its culinary secrets.
