Menelik:  finger-lickin’ hobo grub

I first experienced Ethiopian cuisine a few years ago in Amsterdam at a chic little hole in the wall where I drank banana beer out of a coconut shell.  Under the influence of the banana beer, I declared Ethiopian cuisine my favorite food in the world and it still holds that spot.  Italy, France and others of course have wonderful food, but Ethiopian cuisine is an experience.

Ethiopian cuisine is a great example of the unique culinary experiences available to you in Paris, once you steer away from traditional French food.  The entire experience is fun, from the colorful décor of the restaurant to the way you eat your food with your fingers, to tasting flavors you’re unlikely to have ever come across before.

At Menelik, tucked around a busy corner in the Clichy neighborhood, there are even booths in the back, so you can eat African food in what feels like the comforts of a typical American diner.

Your food will be served communally to your group on a large platter that is first covered with injera bread.  Injera bread is a spongy flat bread with a touch of buckwheat; it is a staple in Ethiopia and will also double as your utensil.

Dotting the platter will be your food, which is fresh and full of flavor.  I always get the vegetarian platter, so I’ve got little piles of lentils, corn, collard greens, cabbage, Ethiopian cheese, and salad.  But listing the ingredients doesn’t come close to doing it justice, as most items are prepared in such a way that the tastes themselves are truly unique—a number of flavors that I had never tasted before in any dish.

Your portions of each item won’t look like much, but on the whole it is a very filling meal, especially with the injera bread. You eat your meal by tearing off some injera bread (you’ll get another plateful) and using it to scoop up whatever particular food you want to eat.

The owner is very warm and generous and will go out of her way to please.  I strongly suggest, however, that you call ahead for a reservation, as her hours are a bit sketchy.  All part of the experience, right?

Menelik is located at 4 rue Sauffroy in the Clichy neighborhood of the 17^th arrondissement, just across from the Brochant metro stop on line 13.  To make sure they’re open, give them a call at 01 46 27 00 82.  A meal here costs just under 20 euros.  Spoons and forks are not included, but fun and a wet wipe are.  On Friday and Saturday evenings, they have an Ethiopian coffee ceremony as well.