Whatever you do in Africa, don’t EVER get between a hippo and water, an elephant and her offspring, or Migration Mark and Ethiopian food!

I am a raging fanatic of eating Ethiopian food. Ever since I had my first bite of Doro Wot at an Ethiopian friend’s house in Nairobi back in the late 90’s, I’ve had a chronic addiction.

The medley of colors, the mouthwatering combination of spices, the pungent aromas, and let’s not forget that ever so creamy Ethiopian butter…the list could be everlasting.

It had been many months since my previous Ethiopian encounter (tragically the only Ethiopian restaurant in Bangkok shut down…) and I had developed a near sickness for the craving of this world-class cuisine.

We arrived at The Smart Village in Nairobi, I could smell the scent of berebere spices penetrating the parking lot as I exited the vehicle.  At this moment, I knew I was willing to throw down my entire bank account or even sacrifice something important in order get my hands onto a platter (it wasn’t necessary this time, but I was willing).

There are a number of seating options and we quickly chose an open air table near the bakery.

Note: The Smart Village is actually an Eritrean restaurant, but it is essentially the same as Ethiopian food.

Ethiopian food is served family style, a large communal platter in the center for everyone to share.   Utensils are unnecessary as pieces of injera (white pancake looking bread) are used to transfer food from the platter to your mouth.

Most dishes at the Smart Village range in price from 400 – 600 KSH ($4.97 – $7.45 USD).  We ordered a mixed dish, which included the normal repertoire of vegetables and stews, along with a few extra supplementing dishes like Shiro Wot (spicy chickpea curry), fish, and Tibs (roasted meat).

I was so intoxicated with fullness, that the only logical thing to do next was to relax and order Ethiopian coffee.

It arrived at our table in the normal fashion, brewed in a clay pot and accompanying a basket of freshly popped corn and burning sap incense to set the mood.

At the end of the meal we paid a little less than 600 KSH ($7.45 USD) each.  I can safely say we ate as much as we possibly could.

The Smart Village left that so familiar fill that only injera and Ethiopian butter can provide.  The food was exceptionally delicious, I simply couldn’t have asked for more.  If you are searching for Ethiopian food in Nairobi, The Smart Village can accommodate to all your wants and needs.

The Smart Village Restaurant Address and Directions in Nairobi, Kenya

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