--- title: "Try Ethiopian Food in Footscray - Taste of Ethiopia" description: "New to Ethiopian food? Explore injera, sharing platters and vegetarian dishes, with a first-meal guide to Taste of Ethiopia at 121 Nicholson Street, Footscray." url: "https://testofethiopiarestaurant.com.au/try-ethiopian-food-footscray" --- TRY ETHIOPIAN FOOD IN FOOTSCRAY # Your first Ethiopian meal, *right here in Footscray.* Something new for the table. Something familiar in every bite. At Taste of Ethiopia, soft stews, sizzling meat and colourful vegetables meet on a bed of injera: a tangy, spongy flatbread you can use to scoop your food. You taste a little, share a little and find the flavours you love. If you’re around Nicholson Street and feel like trying something different, start here. You don’t need to know the names of the dishes to enjoy your first meal with us. [Find your first plate](https://testofethiopiarestaurant.com.au/try-ethiopian-food-footscray#try-plates) [Our menu](https://testofethiopiarestaurant.com.au/menu) ![Vegetarian platter of injera with orange stews, greens, potatoes, cabbage, beetroot and chopped salad](https://testofethiopiarestaurant.com.au/assets/food/food-06-vegetarian-sharing-overhead.webp) ONE PLATE. MANY FIRST BITES. [Meet the vegetarian platter](https://testofethiopiarestaurant.com.au/menu/food/yetsom-beyaynetu-footscray) START WITH WHAT YOU ENJOY ## A new dish. *A familiar starting point.* You can explore without guessing. Think about the textures you enjoy, tell us how much chilli you like and let the team help you choose. ### Vegetables & soft stews Curious about vegetarian Ethiopian food? Shiro and the vegetable platters offer smooth, soft and fresh textures in one meal. Start with shiro [Vegetables &soft stews](https://testofethiopiarestaurant.com.au/try-ethiopian-food-footscray#try-shiro-wot-footscray) ### Seared edges & savoury bites If browned meat and onions sound good, look at tibs. Ask which meat and preparation are available for your visit. Explore tibs [Seared edges &savoury bites](https://testofethiopiarestaurant.com.au/try-ethiopian-food-footscray#try-goden-tibs-footscray) ### Rich sauce & comforting bites Doro Wat is chicken stew. Try its deeply coloured sauce with injera, then explore the egg and sides in the photographed platter. Meet Doro Wat [Rich sauce &comforting bites](https://testofethiopiarestaurant.com.au/try-ethiopian-food-footscray#try-doro-wat-footscray) A CLOSER LOOK AT THE FOOD ## 21 dishes. *Plenty to discover.* Explore the restaurant’s full menu, from vegetarian stews to tibs and breakfast dishes. Prices are in Australian dollars. Open a dish for the ingredients, textures and a first bite explained. [See our menu](https://testofethiopiarestaurant.com.au/menu) Meat dishes A$25 AUD ### [Awaze Tibs](https://testofethiopiarestaurant.com.au/menu/food/awaze-tibs-footscray) Tender cubed lamb or beef cooked with herbs, garlic, ginger, onion and spices. Start with one piece of meat and a little onion. Add some sauce to your next bite once you know the flavour. [What’s on this plate?](https://testofethiopiarestaurant.com.au/menu/food/awaze-tibs-footscray) Meat dishes A$25 AUD ### [Alicha Tibs](https://testofethiopiarestaurant.com.au/menu/food/alicha-tibs-footscray) Tender cubed lamb cooked with mushroom sauce, onion, garlic, ginger and turmeric. Try a lamb piece with a small amount of sauce, then compare a bite with onion. [What’s on this plate?](https://testofethiopiarestaurant.com.au/menu/food/alicha-tibs-footscray) Meat dishes A$30 AUD ### [Derek Tibs](https://testofethiopiarestaurant.com.au/menu/food/derek-tibs-footscray) Crispy cubed beef sautéed with onion, tomato, milled pepper, garlic and rosemary. Taste a small beef piece first, then combine another with onion or tomato. [What’s on this plate?](https://testofethiopiarestaurant.com.au/menu/food/derek-tibs-footscray) Meat dishes A$25 AUD ### [Gomen Besiga](https://testofethiopiarestaurant.com.au/menu/food/gomen-besiga-footscray) Collard greens and lamb cubes cooked with onions and Ethiopian spices. Try a little greens first, then a bite that includes lamb and greens together. [What’s on this plate?](https://testofethiopiarestaurant.com.au/menu/food/gomen-besiga-footscray) Meat dishes A$30 AUD ### [Kitfo Special](https://testofethiopiarestaurant.com.au/menu/food/kitfo-special-footscray) Minced beef with mitmita chilli spices and Ethiopian spiced clarified butter, served with collard greens and ayib cottage cheese. Available raw or cooked to your preference. After confirming your cooking preference, try a small amount of the beef, then add cheese and greens to compare the flavours. [What’s on this plate?](https://testofethiopiarestaurant.com.au/menu/food/kitfo-special-footscray) Meat dishes A$30 AUD ### [Gored Gored](https://testofethiopiarestaurant.com.au/menu/food/gored-gored-footscray) Beef cubes with melted butter and mitmita or red-pepper seasoning, served raw or cooked according to your preference. Confirm the cooking level first. Try one small piece with plain injera before adding any extra condiment. [What’s on this plate?](https://testofethiopiarestaurant.com.au/menu/food/gored-gored-footscray) Meat dishes A$25 AUD ### [Dulet](https://testofethiopiarestaurant.com.au/menu/food/dulet-footscray) Minced tripe, liver and lean beef fried in butter with onions, chilli, cardamom and pepper. If organ meats are new to you, begin with a small spoonful on injera and taste it before adding a condiment. [What’s on this plate?](https://testofethiopiarestaurant.com.au/menu/food/dulet-footscray) Vegetarian A$25 AUD ### [Yetsom Beyaynetu](https://testofethiopiarestaurant.com.au/menu/food/yetsom-beyaynetu-footscray) A selection of Ethiopian vegetarian stews, served together with injera. Try potato on injera first, followed by greens, then the smooth centre stew. Compare that with one of the thicker orange servings. Finish the round with a little beetroot or salad, and ask the team about the small red condiments before adding them. [What’s on this plate?](https://testofethiopiarestaurant.com.au/menu/food/yetsom-beyaynetu-footscray) Meat dishes A$30 AUD ### [Doro Wat](https://testofethiopiarestaurant.com.au/menu/food/doro-wat-footscray) Traditional Ethiopian chicken stew cooked with spices. Taste a little chicken sauce on injera, then try it with a piece of egg. Next add a small amount of cheese, if you eat dairy, and compare that bite with one of the greens. Ask the team about the sauce’s chilli level. [What’s on this plate?](https://testofethiopiarestaurant.com.au/menu/food/doro-wat-footscray) Meat dishes A$30 AUD ### [Goden Tibs](https://testofethiopiarestaurant.com.au/menu/food/goden-tibs-footscray) Tibs cooked with fresh onions, tomatoes and garlic, served with injera. Try a small piece of meat with onion first. Let the team know whether you prefer gentle seasoning or more chilli. [What’s on this plate?](https://testofethiopiarestaurant.com.au/menu/food/goden-tibs-footscray) Meat dishes A$25 AUD ### [Kitfo](https://testofethiopiarestaurant.com.au/menu/food/kitfo-footscray) Minced beef seasoned with mitmita chilli spices and Ethiopian clarified butter infused with herbs and spices. Enjoy it raw or cooked to your preference. After confirming how it will be cooked, try a small amount with plain injera before adding anything else. [What’s on this plate?](https://testofethiopiarestaurant.com.au/menu/food/kitfo-footscray) Meat dishes A$25 AUD ### [Kekel](https://testofethiopiarestaurant.com.au/menu/food/kekel-footscray) Seasoned lamb cooked with a special blend of spices. Try a small lamb piece with a little of the cooking liquid before combining it with bread. [What’s on this plate?](https://testofethiopiarestaurant.com.au/menu/food/kekel-footscray) Meat dishes A$25 AUD ### [Yeconta Firfir](https://testofethiopiarestaurant.com.au/menu/food/yeconta-firfir-footscray) Sun-dried beef seasoned with berbere sauce, special butter and mixed spices. Begin with a small amount of the beef mixture and plain injera so you can get to know the seasoning. [What’s on this plate?](https://testofethiopiarestaurant.com.au/menu/food/yeconta-firfir-footscray) Vegetarian A$15 AUD ### [Salad](https://testofethiopiarestaurant.com.au/menu/food/ethiopian-salad-footscray) Mixed salad with fresh tomato, chilli, avocado and onion, prepared with homemade dressing. Try a small forkful with tomato and avocado before adding a visible chilli piece. [What’s on this plate?](https://testofethiopiarestaurant.com.au/menu/food/ethiopian-salad-footscray) Vegetarian A$25 AUD ### [Shiro Wot](https://testofethiopiarestaurant.com.au/menu/food/shiro-wot-footscray) Puréed split peas cooked with red pepper sauce, onion, garlic, ginger, olive oil, mild berbere sauce and fresh herbs. Begin with a little shiro on plain injera. Next compare one textured pulse serving, some cabbage and a bite of salad. Once you know the flavours, try shiro and greens or beetroot in the same mouthful; ask which servings have more chilli. [What’s on this plate?](https://testofethiopiarestaurant.com.au/menu/food/shiro-wot-footscray) Meat dishes A$25 AUD ### [Rice with Lamb Tibs](https://testofethiopiarestaurant.com.au/menu/food/rice-with-lamb-tibs-footscray) Tender lamb pieces served with a side of flavourful rice. Try a little rice on its own, then add a lamb piece to your next forkful. [What’s on this plate?](https://testofethiopiarestaurant.com.au/menu/food/rice-with-lamb-tibs-footscray) Vegetarian A$20 AUD ### [Enkulal Firfir](https://testofethiopiarestaurant.com.au/menu/food/enkulal-firfir-footscray) Fried eggs with onions, chillies and tomato. Take a small spoonful of egg and tomato, then try a bite that includes chilli once you know its heat. [What’s on this plate?](https://testofethiopiarestaurant.com.au/menu/food/enkulal-firfir-footscray) Vegetarian A$20 AUD ### [Foul](https://testofethiopiarestaurant.com.au/menu/food/foul-footscray) Ethiopian beans cooked with tomatoes, olive oil, onion, Ethiopian cheese, green pepper and special spices. Try the bean base first, then add a little cheese and vegetable to compare the textures. [What’s on this plate?](https://testofethiopiarestaurant.com.au/menu/food/foul-footscray) Vegetarian From A$20 AUD ### [Chechebsa](https://testofethiopiarestaurant.com.au/menu/food/chechebsa-footscray) Pieces of freshly pan-baked flatbread with berbere seasoning. Choose without butter or kibe, or add spiced butter. Tell the team which butter option you want, then try a few bread pieces before mixing in any accompaniment. [What’s on this plate?](https://testofethiopiarestaurant.com.au/menu/food/chechebsa-footscray) Vegetarian A$25 AUD ### [Genfo](https://testofethiopiarestaurant.com.au/menu/food/genfo-footscray) A traditional Ethiopian breakfast. Try a small spoonful of the main portion first, then add a little of the central seasoning. [What’s on this plate?](https://testofethiopiarestaurant.com.au/menu/food/genfo-footscray) Meat dishes A$25 AUD ### [Tera Siga](https://testofethiopiarestaurant.com.au/menu/food/tera-siga-footscray) The restaurant’s weekend special, available Saturday and Sunday. Before ordering, confirm the meat and cooking level. If you prefer fully cooked food, make that preference clear and ask which preparation is suitable. Saturday & Sunday [What’s on this plate?](https://testofethiopiarestaurant.com.au/menu/food/tera-siga-footscray) Restaurant menu prices in AUD, updated 8 September 2026. Photographs may show extra accompaniments; confirm what comes with your dish and tell the team about allergies or dietary requirements before ordering. YOUR FIRST BITE, EXPLAINED ## Meet injera. *Your bread. Your scoop.* The flatbread beneath the food is part of the meal. Its tiny air pockets hold the sauce, while its gentle sourness brings a different balance to the stews and vegetables. 1. ### Tear a little. Take a bite-sized piece from a roll or fold of injera at the edge of your plate. 2. ### Try one flavour. Use it to scoop a little stew or pick up a piece of food. Start small and taste each side. 3. ### Find your mix. Combine a couple of favourites in the next bite. Cutlery is welcome if that’s more comfortable. [Read the first-meal guide](https://testofethiopiarestaurant.com.au/blog/your-first-ethiopian-meal) ![Black clay jebena beside a decorated handleless Ethiopian cup filled with black coffee](https://testofethiopiarestaurant.com.au/assets/menu/jebena-buna-cup-transparent.webp) STAY FOR ONE MORE THING ## Make time *for coffee.* Ask about Jebena Buna: Ethiopian coffee served from a traditional pot. It’s a chance to pause over small cups and let the conversation carry on after the meal. [Explore coffee & drinks](https://testofethiopiarestaurant.com.au/menu/drinks) A LITTLE REASSURANCE ## New to it? *You’re welcome here.* [More questions answered](https://testofethiopiarestaurant.com.au/faq) **Is all Ethiopian food very spicy?** The heat depends on the dish and preparation. Tell the team how much chilli you enjoy and ask which stews, sides and condiments are gentler that day. Taste a little condiment before adding more. **What can I try if I don’t eat meat?** Try Shiro Wot for a smooth split-pea stew, or Yetsom Beyaynetu for a selection of vegetarian stews with injera. If you need vegan food, confirm the cooking fats, dressings and other ingredients with the team. **Do I have to eat with my hands?** No. Injera is traditionally used to scoop the food, but you can use cutlery. Choose the way you feel comfortable eating, and ask us to show you a first bite if you’d like. **Can I have my meat fully cooked?** Some Ethiopian preparations, including kitfo, may be served raw or lightly cooked. Tell the team you want fully cooked meat before ordering, and confirm which preparations they can offer. **How should I choose for a group?** Tell us how many people are eating, what everyone enjoys and any dietary requirements. Ask the team to recommend today’s dishes and portion sizes for your table before placing the order. YOUR NEXT MEAL ON NICHOLSON STREET ## Come curious. *We’ll help you begin.* Footscray brings many food cultures together. Make a visit to Taste of Ethiopia part of your next wander through the neighbourhood, or plan a table with friends who are keen to try something new. [Explore Footscray with Visit Melbourne](https://www.visitmelbourne.com/regions/melbourne/destinations/footscray.aspx) ### Taste of Ethiopia Bar & Restaurant 121 Nicholson Street Footscray, VIC 3011 [Get directions](https://maps.app.goo.gl/gZUF2ft8vjPss8Kp9) [Plan your first visit](https://testofethiopiarestaurant.com.au/reservations) Contact the team for current opening hours. Reservation requests are confirmed by the restaurant. ## Structured data ```json [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://testofethiopiarestaurant.com.au/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Try Ethiopian food in Footscray", "item": "https://testofethiopiarestaurant.com.au/try-ethiopian-food-footscray" } ] } ] ```