Merkato Cravings

I first discovered Merkato thanks to a foodie couple M&M. They asked us to meet them at Kings cross 2 years ago for an Ethiopian meal, which was how our love affair with this little mama & papa joint began.

Merkato is amharic for market, it lies on Caledonian road nestled between a kebab takeaway and a bookie shop. We entered and were surprised to find most of the 6-7 tables at this joint full. The smell of spices and incense wafting through the room filled my nostrils and I knew at that moment we were going to enjoy this meal.

My best memories of Merkato apart from the food is the service, we are always served by this beautiful tall elegant Ethiopian lady with cheekbones to die for. She is warm, attentive and makes the meal a better experience. I don't know if she recognises us but we are always treated like regulars, special. I am guessing she uses this charm on all her patrons.

We start our meal with ayib- spiced cottage cheese with spinach. Ethiopian food is eaten out of a single plate lined with injera bread. Its communal eating at its best, you use your fingers much like Indian food. This sour dough bread which reminds me of a well fermented kal dosa is about 20 inches in diameter and lines a large plate. This bread is dipped in delicious stews called w0ts- my favourtie is the tibs wot ( beef ) and doro wot ( chicken) . They do very nice vegetarian wats and a spicy rich slow cooked split pea dal called shiro. The secret of the wots lies in the sauce which has a distinctive flavour of berbere a potent combination of various spices.All this is usually washed down with Bati Bira. Both S and I love spicy food, our Indian palate has been singed for decades with spices, Ethiopian cuisine was made for us.



We have dragged every friend, visiting relative, neighbour, colleagues from work, willing to experiment to this little joint. We have spent many Friday nights there with friends enjoying the warm service and the delicious food. We all get Merkato cravings, once you have had a taste of soul food you keep going back for more.