So I’m back in Vancouver for the weekend, and wanted to make at least one stop for Ethiopian food while over here. We had a few recommendations that came in via Twitter, but unfortunately, the weather gods prevailed, and what should have been a short ferry-trip over in the late afternoon, turned into a bout of sloshing about the high-seas, waiting for the waves to subside in the BC Ferries docks at Tsawwassen!
Needless to say, when I finally rolled into my destination, I didn’t feel like perambulating around the city, so we headed to the nearest Ethiopian restaurant, which happened to be Gojo Cafe on Commercial Drive.
With it being Good Friday, there weren’t a lot of patrons, but it smelled pretty good, so we decided to stay and check out the fare — I’m pretty glad we did.
Everything here is served with injera to mop up the tasty sauces, and extra appears if you need it! We ended up sharing a mixed veg. plate, and a lamb dish, and while it initially looked like we’d have room for dessert after, we both ended up stuffed by the end of the meal. The meat is not too heavily spiced with just enough sauce to permeate the injera. The vegetable dishes, while standard Ethiopian veg dishes, have a nice seasoning balance, with each having its own distinct flavour profile. The cabbage and the spinach were especially good.
With it being quiet, we also had an opportunity to talk a little bit about the ingredients and methods behind their injera, and a little bit about the Ethiopian community’s celebration of the Easter holiday — they were busy in back getting ready for Sunday evening’s feasting after a period of fasting.
I have actually driven right by this place without noticing it on my way to the Latin Supermarket. If you want to try it out, keep your eyes peeled! It is right at Commercial Drive and 12th, a bit south of the hustle and bustle, but well worth the visit.