Dukem Ethiopian Restaurant & Market

So, I think I really love Ethiopian food! I was in the DC area for a work event and we stopped by Dukem when we were done. Everyone at my table (5 total) LOVED their food, even the two of us who are vegan/plant-based (I ordered #33 which included lentils, cabbage, greens, a fantastic tomato medley, plus more). The meat-eaters among us raved about the lamb that was included in their meal. Lastly, the service was great! They were welcoming and very helpful giving us ideas on what we should order. Oh, and the vegan (and non-vegan, apparently) samosas were a great appetizer. Yes, go here. Don't think about it. Just go.

WHEN I TELL YOU THIS IS THE BEST ETHIOPIAN FOOD/Restaurant/Lounge (apple lounge upstairs for hookah etc) I AM NOT JOKING! Best Patio to hang out on U st. This is my Home Sweet Home & Best Owners Also! They even have a venue in Addis Abba Ethiopian for the Real Travelers! THIS IS MY FAVORITE PLACE! S/O to Dunno the Woman Owner

Almost everything about the food is amazing, ranging from taste to portion to variety. My friend and I went to Shenandoah National Park during the day for some pretty intense hiking so we went into Dukem hungry for food. I had never been there prior to such, so I could not relate to anything mentioned in some other reviews in which people had mentioned how the portions had gotten smaller either due to inflation or change of management, but there was definitely enough food for the two of us. We got one of the combination platters, and some samosas. There was so much meat and veggies that we had to use extra injera for such. The only reason I am giving the place a 4 instead of a 5 star is due to the cleanliness. Some people mentioned flies, and I experienced such as well. Our table was also very sticky and required some additional cleaning prior to us being able to dine. When my friend and I went there, there was nobody else, maybe because it was early dinner time, so once again, I cannot relate too much with the service complaints. I have been to a couple of Ethiopian restaurants around the area, and I will recommend Dukem because it is one of those "hole in the wall" places where you can rely on for good food despite potential problems elsewhere. It doesn't look as fancy, but it has quite a bit of cultural presentation and representation, and that always matters more.

This place is a DC treasure! Located on U street in the unofficial little Ethiopia. I enjoyed the juicy lamb tibs with a small tomato salad. It’s was so flavorful! I hadn’t eaten here before though I had intended too several times. After hearing the owner passed away, it gave me more reason to enjoy a meal and pay my respects.