nazareth

the three purples love trying new food (who doesn't?). we've been planning to try ethiopian for quite some time now and finally made it to nazareth! this tiny restaurant located on bloor and dovercourt is to die for. long line ups are part of the scene. if you want it, you just wait wait and wait until you get your fingers dirty (with delicious food of course). the dining area fits about 20 people. it is decorated with random illustrations and photographs of lovely ethiopian ladies along with artificial vines that climb everywhere. the overall vibe is laid back and relaxed. the ladies who work here also have similar tendency, so don't be surprised if no one comes by to look after your table or takes forever to bring  your food and drinks. despite the long line up, no one seems to be in a rush to clear out the table. if you want to avoid the long line up, come early (like 4pm) or come late (like 9pm). also if your party is not all present, you will not be seated.



the menu is very simple (about a dozen to choose from) yet being new to this exotic cuisine, we settled for what seems to be popular choice: vegetarian tibs ($10) and beef tibs ($12) (also heard good things about the lamb tibs). it was served on a ginormous plate covered in injera bread. this bread has very weird texture. spongy, soft, chewy... marvellous! the beef was tender and soaked in delicious spicy sauce that is full of flavour. very bold and strong. for those with weak stomach, you better brace yourselves. the vegetarian tibs was the perfect combo with the spicy beef tibs. i think it was potato, yams, beans, some leafy stuff, butternut squash... i think. i cannot be 100% sure. they were just heavenly mush.






the best way to enjoy this savoury dish is to be creative and use your fingers. no, you will not find forks or knives here, nor should you ask for them. eating with fingers reminded me of the days when my hands were too small to hold utensils and went crazy with food. isn't it liberating and exciting to peel that spongy bread with bare hands, go crazy and dip away in the tibs? though my fingers smelled like food for the rest of the day, i had so much fun.





i believe the prices have gone up since they renovated some time ago. i remember people telling me most dishes were under $10. nevertheless, nazareth lived up to its expectation. we had so much food leftover which i took home and ate it the next day for lunch (and still had more leftovers). when your tummy is full with amazing food and your fingertips smell scrumptious, all is good. all is gooooood.




Nazareth
969 Bloor Street West (@dovercourt)
Toronto
416.535.0797

posted by rin