Taste of Ethiopia (now under Light of Africa)

Unit 55, Brixton Village, Coldharbour Ln, London SW9 8PS, United Kingdom
$$$ Ethiopian restaurant
(43 Reviews)
Price Range £1–10

Experience the Heart of Ethiopian Cuisine at Taste of Ethiopia

Tucked away in the vibrant Brixton Village, now rebranded as Light of Africa, Taste of Ethiopia offers an exquisite journey into the flavors of Ethiopia that is as delightful as it is authentic. With its welcoming atmosphere—where the warmth of the staff mirrors the warmth of the food—you’re invited to indulge in a culture rich with tradition and flavor.

The second you step into this cozy corner spot, the delightful aroma of spices engulfs you, beckoning you to explore their culinary offerings. The restaurant opens its doors with a charming ritual of washing hands at the table, setting the stage for a meal that is about respect, tradition, and togetherness.

One of the standout experiences at Taste of Ethiopia is the Beyaynetu, a mixed platter that allows you to sample a delightful combination of four different sauces, presenting an array of colorful lentils and vegetables, each prepared in traditional ways. Served on the spongy, savory injera—a fermented flatbread that serves as the perfect vehicle for all the delicious flavors—this dish ensures you won’t leave hungry. It’s a meal designed not just to satisfy your hunger, but to nourish your soul.

The Sambussa, crispy samosas filled with a medley of spiced vegetables, serve as a tantalizing starter, while the Classic Salad with fresh tomatoes, onions, and cucumber provides a refreshing contrast to the robust flavors of the larger dishes. For a sweeter touch, try the Beetroot Salad that adds a pop of color and flavor to your meal.

With a focus on inclusivity, Taste of Ethiopia offers a range of dishes suitable for vegans and vegetarians, ensuring everyone can join in the feast. The prices are as friendly as the staff, and you won’t find yourself disappointed with the generous portions. As one guest aptly put it, “every week, I go eat out by myself to taste different cultural food. This, by far, takes the No1 spot.”

The overall atmosphere enhances the experience, with lively conversations intermingling and laughter flowing across the tables, embodying the spirit of community and sharing that Ethiopia is known for. Customer reviews highlight the restaurant's commitment to quality service, with one patron mentioning the “lovely people who explained the food and chatted to us about their culture”—making every dining experience both informative and enjoyable.

If you're looking for an authentic Ethiopian dining experience that’s authentic, vibrant, and filled with flavor, Taste of Ethiopia is definitely the place to visit. You’ll leave not just with a satisfied palate but with a heart full of warmth and a newfound appreciation for Ethiopian cuisine.

From the business
Identifies as women-owned
Service options
Takeaway
Dine-in
Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Coffee
Halal food
Healthy options
Small plates
Vegan options
Vegetarian options
Wine
Dining options
Lunch
Dinner
Catering
Seating
Amenities
Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Crowd
Groups
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
Openings Hours

Monday

11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Tuesday

11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Wednesday

11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Thursday

11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Friday

11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Saturday

11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Sunday

Closed

43 Reviews
CEO Secrets

18 Oct 2025

Every week, i go eat out by myself to taste different cultural food. This, by far, takes the No1 spot. I was full, not a wind-up meal leaving me hungry after. Tucked inside Brixton Village, this cosyy corner spot offers a bustling, authentic vibe. Guests are welcomed with true warmth before dining, you’re invited to wash your hands at the table in a traditional brass jug ritual, setting a respectful and cultural tone, which bring out the culture more than other restaurants, not just by cooking. Staff are noted for being incredibly friendly and informative, no clue what i wanted but they guided me through the dishes. Highly recommended, ideal for anyone seeking a true taste of Ethiopian cuisine in London. Expect warm service, generous vegetarian food, and a cultural dining journey that’s both nourishing and memorable.Be prepared to grin and bear the coffee‑table comfort!

Kael Cockcroft

11 Oct 2025

Hey, what a fantastic experience! We sat in and had their mixed dish; which gives a sizable portion of all of the options. We chose to have this on Injera, but rice is available. The dish included a variety of lentils and vegetables prepared in several different traditional ways. Food was an excellent price for enormous portions. You’re not gonna go away hungry. All the dishes we had were filling, healthy and delicious. “Taste of Ethiopia” food store in Brixton market has recently taken over quotation Light of Africa“. So now they authentic North African cuisine also has indoor options. We went on a very, very rainy day, so this was an absolute blessing. They have communal seating inside the restaurant and some seating out in the buzz of the market. It was a great experience talking to the server and the chef about the dishes and they cultural significance. Before eating our hands were washed at the table and then after eating, which is done with your hand, the ornate brass bowl and jug again arrived to clean our hands.

Katie Horsfield

01 Oct 2025

Amazing Ethiopian food and great prices for large portions. Service is always really friendly. Great options for vegans and vegetarians and always a good variety.

Sandy Power

23 Sep 2025

Told they had just opened at Brixton market but busy and atmosphere was great! Such lovely people who explained the food, washed our hands and chatted to us about their food and culture. Shared a delicious platter where we’re broke the giant pancake to scoop up the various vegan dishes. Gave up in the end and used a fork!! Wonderful experience. Thank you.

Tilly Austin-Walker

04 Sep 2025

Saba's food is cooked for the soul! I've had the pleasure of eating her food for years. Couldn't recommend more. Food is packed full of flavor and you feel so good after, can't get enough of the injera! You'll leave well fed for a great price. Always a chilled home feel vibe with excellent service

Elizabeth “Lizzie” Halling

18 Aug 2025

Best Ethiopian food in London. It’s our Sunday tradition to get a box on a Sunday at Herne Hill Market. Such a kind lady, always served with a smile and made with love.

Viktorija Semjonova

04 Aug 2025

Absolutely amazing food, every single time I get my food from there it is so delicious and such lovely people serving the food (that makes it all even lovelier :). Fantastic vegan option for £6

blacklilly101

04 Jul 2025

Yummy choice of sauces with my mixed platter and the injera was fluffy and sour, just the way I like it. Thanks!

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