Awash Ethiopian Restaurant Brooklyn Review: My First Time Eating Injera & The BK Special

Quick Summary
I’ve tried food from many different cultures around New York City, but visiting Awash Ethiopian Restaurant in Brooklyn was actually my first time eating Ethiopian food. I ordered the BK Special—a huge combination platter piled high with spiced beef, Awash chicken, lentils, and vegetables—along with a crispy Vegetable Sambusa and fresh ayib cheese. Here is my full breakdown of the experience, including what it’s like eating with injera for the first time, the modern neighborhood atmosphere, transit details, and why this is a great entry point for first-time diners.

Jump to:

• Watch My Experience
• A Modern and Comfortable Dining Room
• Friendly and Attentive Service
• How to Get to Awash Ethiopian Restaurant
• Starting With the Vegetable Sambusa
• The Main Event: The BK Special
• Eating With Injera for the First Time
• Trying Ayib & Gluten-Free Options
• Is Awash Worth It?
• Final Verdict
• Frequently Asked Questions

Watch My Experience

Check out my quick video recap of my first time trying Ethiopian food at Awash in Brooklyn:

A Modern and Comfortable Dining Room

When I walked inside Awash, the dining room felt much more modern and casual than I expected. Instead of a heavily traditional design, it features warm wood tones, hanging plants, exposed brick walls, and soft lighting, along with a long bar running down one side.

It has the cozy, welcoming feel of a neighborhood bistro while still incorporating subtle Ethiopian touches. The restaurant wasn't overcrowded during my visit, allowing for a relaxed meal where I never felt rushed—a big plus when exploring a brand-new cuisine.

Friendly and Attentive Service

The staff members were warm, friendly, and happy to answer questions. Since I was new to Ethiopian dining, I appreciated their relaxed and accommodating approach. The food arrived promptly, drinks were kept full, and the overall service made the meal seamless.

How to Get to Awash Ethiopian Restaurant

Awash is located in Cobble Hill at 242 Court St, Brooklyn, NY 11201.

Public transportation is by far the easiest route. Take the F train to Bergen Street, and from there it’s a quick 7- to 8-minute walk down Court Street. Because this is a busy stretch of Brooklyn, private parking isn't available, and finding street parking can require some patience.

Starting With the Vegetable Sambusa

To kick off the meal, I ordered a Vegetable Sambusa. It immediately reminded me of an Indian samosa—both feature a thin, crispy pastry crust packed with spiced vegetables. The Ethiopian spice blend offered a distinct, fragrant warmth that made it an ideal starter.

Comparing similar dishes across cultures is always fun. For instance, the crispy pastry reminded me of the Vegetable Samosas I tried at Tikka N Talk in Forest Hills. The Sambusa set a great tone for the rest of the meal.

The Main Event: The BK Special

For my main course, I selected the BK Special combination platter. When the platter arrived at the table, the sheer portion size was stunning—it is technically listed for one person, but there was easily enough food to share.

The platter came loaded with spiced beef cubes, marinated Awash chicken breast, simmered split red lentils, yellow split peas, and seasoned collard greens, all arranged over a wide layer of injera flatbread.

The tender, well-seasoned beef stood out immediately; some of its warm aromatic spices were reminiscent of Middle Eastern flavor profiles. Switching between savory meats, rich lentils, and hearty greens kept every bite interesting.

Eating With Injera for the First Time

The highlighted element of the meal was learning to eat using injera—a soft, spongy Ethiopian flatbread made with a natural sourdough bite. Instead of traditional utensils, you tear off a small piece of injera and use it to scoop up the meats, stews, and vegetables directly.

While the mild tang of the bread was new to me at first, it clicked once paired with the spiced beef and savory sauces. The bread absorbs all the rich gravies on the platter, turning the entire meal into an interactive experience.

Trying Ayib & Gluten-Free Options

Alongside the main platter, I tried ayib, a fresh, mild Ethiopian cheese with a light texture similar to cottage cheese or ricotta. It provided a cooling, creamier contrast against the spicier stews on the board.

Note on Gluten-Free Dining: Traditional injera is made from teff, an ancient grain that is naturally gluten-free. However, many restaurants mix teff with wheat flour. If you have celiac disease or avoid gluten, make sure to ask the server explicitly for 100% teff gluten-free injera when placing your order.

Is Awash Worth It?

At a moderate price point, the value here is fantastic given the massive portion sizes. The BK Special delivers a wide sampling of protein, lentils, greens, and flatbread on a single plate, making it an incredible entry point for anyone curious about East African cuisine.

Final Verdict

Awash Ethiopian Restaurant provided an outstanding introduction to Ethiopian dining in Brooklyn. Between the massive BK Special platter, delicious Sambusa appetizer, welcoming modern vibe, and fun hands-on dining style with injera, I thoroughly enjoyed the meal and look forward to exploring more Ethiopian spots across the city.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Awash good for Ethiopian food beginners?
Yes. The BK Special combination platter allows first-timers to sample multiple meats, lentils, and vegetable dishes in a single meal.

What is injera?
Injera is a soft, spongy flatbread with a slightly sour flavor. It serves as both the base of the meal and the primary utensil used to scoop up food.

Does Awash have gluten-free options?
Yes, but you must specify that you need 100% teff gluten-free injera when ordering, as standard injera blends may contain wheat flour.

How do you get to Awash via the subway?
Take the F train to Bergen Street station. The restaurant is an 8-minute walk down Court Street.