Queen of Sheba is a renowned Ethiopian restaurant that has been delighting diners with its authentic and flavorful cuisine for over two decades. Located in the heart of the city, this establishment offers a culinary journey through the rich traditions of Ethiopia, while also embracing diversity and catering to various dietary preferences.
The menu at Queen of Sheba is a true celebration of flavors, showcasing the vibrant spices and unique ingredients that have made Ethiopian cuisine a beloved delicacy worldwide. From the tantalizing vegetarian and vegan dishes to the succulent meat offerings, each plate is a masterpiece of taste and presentation.
What sets Queen of Sheba apart is its unwavering commitment to authenticity. The chefs meticulously prepare each dish using time-honored recipes and techniques passed down through generations, ensuring that every bite transports diners to the heart of Ethiopia. Whether it’s the spongy injera bread, the fragrant berbere spice blend, or the slow-cooked stews, every element is crafted with care and reverence for tradition.
Appetizers
Queen of Sheba’s appetizer menu is a delightful introduction to the flavors of Ethiopian cuisine. The Himbasha Garlic Bread, a traditional bread infused with garlic and spices, is a perfect way to whet your appetite. The Sambusa, a savory pastry filled with lentils, beef, or vegetables, offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures.
For those seeking a taste of Ethiopia’s famous kitfo dish, the Kitfo Appetizer is a must-try. This dish features finely chopped lean beef mixed with spiced butter, making it a flavorful and tantalizing start to your meal.
The Queen’s Cauliflower Appetizer is a delightful vegetarian option, showcasing the versatility of Ethiopian cuisine. Roasted cauliflower is seasoned with a blend of spices, creating a delightful and satisfying dish.
Vegans can indulge in the Vegan Dip, a flavorful and creamy spread made with lentils, herbs, and spices, perfect for scooping up with injera or vegetables. The Vegan Mushroom Sambusa, a pastry filled with a savory mushroom mixture, is another delightful vegan option that will tantalize your taste buds.
Vegan Entrees
Embracing the vibrant flavors of Ethiopia, Queen of Sheba’s vegan entrees offer a delightful journey for plant-based diners. The Tofu Tibs is a crowd favorite, featuring sautéed tofu cubes infused with a blend of aromatic spices, garlic, and onions, creating a delectable and satisfying dish. For those seeking a taste of authentic Ethiopian cuisine, the Doro Tibs presents a vegan twist on the classic chicken dish, substituting soy-based protein for a flavorful and protein-rich alternative.
The Eggplant Tibs is a testament to the restaurant’s culinary mastery, showcasing tender eggplant chunks sautéed with onions, garlic, and a harmonious blend of Ethiopian spices. Missir Wott, a staple of Ethiopian cuisine, offers a comforting and nutritious lentil stew, slow-cooked to perfection with berbere, a signature Ethiopian spice blend.
Lastly, the Shiro, a creamy and flavorful chickpea-based dish, is a must-try for those seeking a hearty and protein-packed vegan option. Expertly seasoned with a blend of spices and herbs, this dish exemplifies the depth and complexity of Ethiopian flavors.
Fish Entrees
For seafood lovers, Queen of Sheba’s menu offers a delightful selection of fish entrees that showcase the vibrant flavors of Ethiopian cuisine. The Ye’assa Tuna Tibs is a must-try dish, featuring succulent tuna cubes sautéed with onions, jalapeños, and a blend of aromatic spices. This dish is a perfect balance of heat and tang, with each bite bursting with flavor.
Another standout option is the Queen’s Mahi Mahi, a delectable preparation of fresh mahi-mahi fillets cooked to perfection. The fish is marinated in a unique blend of spices and herbs, then pan-seared to create a crispy exterior while retaining its tender, flaky interior. Served with a side of savory Ethiopian lentils or vegetables, this dish is a true delight for seafood enthusiasts.
Chicken Entrees
For those seeking authentic Ethiopian chicken dishes, Queen of Sheba’s menu offers two standout options: Doro Wott and Doro Tibs. Doro Wott, often referred to as the national dish of Ethiopia, is a flavorful stew made with chicken, hard-boiled eggs, and a rich berbere sauce. This dish is slowly simmered, allowing the spices to infuse the tender chicken with a complex blend of flavors.
Doro Tibs, on the other hand, is a sautéed chicken dish that showcases the restaurant’s expertise in Ethiopian cooking techniques. Succulent pieces of chicken are cooked with onions, jalapeños, and a blend of spices, resulting in a dish that is both savory and slightly spicy. The chicken is cooked to perfection, retaining its juiciness while absorbing the aromatic flavors of the spices.
Both Doro Wott and Doro Tibs are served with a generous portion of injera, the traditional Ethiopian flatbread. The injera’s spongy texture and slightly tangy flavor complement the richness of the chicken dishes, making it an integral part of the dining experience. Diners are encouraged to use the injera to scoop up the flavorful sauces, creating a truly immersive and authentic Ethiopian culinary journey.
Lamb Entrees
For those seeking the rich and flavorful taste of lamb, the Queen of Sheba menu offers a tantalizing selection of traditional Ethiopian dishes. The Yebeg Wott, a slow-cooked lamb stew, is a true culinary delight. Tender chunks of lamb are simmered in a vibrant berbere sauce, infusing each bite with the warmth of spices like chili peppers, garlic, and ginger. This hearty dish is a perfect representation of Ethiopian comfort food.
The Yebeg Tibs is a sautéed lamb dish that showcases the restaurant’s expertise in preparing succulent meat dishes. Cubes of lamb are pan-fried with onions, jalapeños, and a blend of aromatic spices, creating a burst of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. This dish is often served sizzling on a hot platter, adding to the theatrical dining experience.
For those seeking a little extra heat, the Lamb Awaze Tibs is a must-try. This dish features tender lamb pieces cooked with awaze, a fiery Ethiopian spice blend made with berbere, garlic, and other robust seasonings. The result is a dish that packs a punch of flavor, with each bite delivering a delightful kick of heat that lingers pleasantly on the palate.
Beef Entrees
Queen of Sheba’s beef entrees are a true celebration of Ethiopian culinary traditions. The menu features a diverse range of beef dishes, each showcasing the rich flavors and spices that define this cuisine.
Sirloin Sizzle Tibs
The Sirloin Sizzle Tibs is a sizzling sensation that will tantalize your taste buds. Tender sirloin steak is marinated in a blend of aromatic spices and sautéed with onions, garlic, and jalapeños. The result is a dish bursting with flavor, where each bite offers a delightful combination of tenderness and a subtle kick of heat.
Kitfo
Kitfo is a beloved Ethiopian dish that showcases the country’s love for raw beef. Lean beef is finely minced and mixed with a flavorful blend of spiced butter, mitmita (a chili-based spice blend), and niter kibbeh (spiced clarified butter). This dish is a true taste of tradition, with each bite offering a burst of flavors that will transport you to the heart of Ethiopian cuisine.
Gored-Gored
Gored-Gored is a hearty and comforting beef dish that exemplifies the essence of Ethiopian cooking. Chunks of lean beef are slow-cooked in a rich, flavorful sauce made with onions, garlic, and a blend of aromatic spices. The result is a tender and succulent dish that will leave you craving for more with every bite.
Combination Plates
The Queen of Sheba menu features a variety of combination plates, allowing diners to sample multiple dishes in one sitting. These platters are perfect for those who want to explore the diverse flavors of Ethiopian cuisine or share a meal with friends and family.
One of the standout options is the Vegetarian Combination, a delightful assortment of plant-based delicacies. This platter includes a generous portion of Missir Wott (spicy lentil stew), Gomen (collard greens simmered with spices), Shiro (chickpea-based stew), and Eggplant Tibs (sautéed eggplant with onions and spices). Each dish is bursting with unique flavors and textures, showcasing the vibrant and nourishing essence of Ethiopian vegetarian cuisine.
For those seeking a heartier option, the Queen’s Combination offers a delectable medley of meat and vegetable dishes. This platter features Doro Wott (chicken stew), Yebeg Wott (lamb stew), Missir Wott, and Gomen, providing a harmonious blend of savory flavors and textures. The tender meat dishes are perfectly complemented by the richness of the lentil stew and the freshness of the collard greens.
All combination plates are served with a generous portion of injera, the traditional Ethiopian flatbread. This spongy, slightly sour bread is used as a utensil to scoop up the flavorful stews and sauces, making for a truly immersive and authentic dining experience.
Italian Dishes
While Queen of Sheba is renowned for its authentic Ethiopian cuisine, the menu also features a selection of classic Italian dishes. These options cater to those seeking familiar flavors or a change of pace from the traditional Ethiopian fare.
One of the standout Italian offerings is the Spaghetti Marinara, a simple yet delicious pasta dish. The al dente spaghetti is tossed in a rich, tomato-based sauce that bursts with the flavors of garlic, herbs, and a hint of sweetness. This classic dish is a crowd-pleaser and a perfect choice for those with a preference for vegetarian options.
For those in the mood for something heartier, the Lasagna is a must-try. Layers of pasta are sandwiched between a savory meat sauce and a creamy blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses. This baked dish is a comforting and satisfying option that will leave you craving for more.
The Chicken Parmigiana is another popular Italian dish on the menu. Tender chicken breasts are breaded and fried to perfection, then topped with a tangy marinara sauce and a generous helping of melted mozzarella cheese. Served alongside a side of spaghetti or a fresh garden salad, this dish is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures.
Sides and Salads
Queen of Sheba’s menu offers a delightful array of vegetable sides and salads, perfectly complementing the flavorful main dishes. These accompaniments not only add vibrant colors and textures to your plate but also provide a refreshing balance to the rich flavors of Ethiopian cuisine.
One of the standout sides is the Missir Wott, a delectable lentil stew simmered in a fragrant blend of spices. This vegan-friendly dish is a beloved staple in Ethiopian households, offering a hearty and nutritious option. The lentils are cooked to perfection, creating a delightfully thick and comforting texture that pairs beautifully with injera.
For those seeking a vibrant and nutrient-packed side, the Gomen is a must-try. This dish features tender collard greens sautéed with onions, garlic, and a touch of spices, resulting in a flavorful and healthy accompaniment. The greens are cooked to retain their vibrant color and slightly crisp texture, making for a refreshing contrast to the richer main courses.
No Ethiopian meal would be complete without a serving of steamed rice. The Queen of Sheba’s menu offers a simple yet satisfying rice option, providing a neutral base to soak up the flavorful sauces and stews. This humble side dish allows the bold flavors of the main courses to shine while offering a comforting and familiar element to the dining experience.
For those seeking a light and refreshing accompaniment, the Cabbage Salad is a perfect choice. This crisp and crunchy salad features shredded cabbage tossed with a tangy dressing, offering a burst of freshness to balance the richness of the other dishes. The salad can be enjoyed as a palate cleanser or as a side to complement the heartier fare.
Beverages
At Queen of Sheba, the beverage menu is a delightful fusion of traditional Ethiopian drinks and modern favorites. One of the highlights is the Ethiopian coffee ceremony, a cultural experience that showcases the intricate process of roasting, grinding, and brewing coffee beans. The fragrant aroma and rich flavors of this centuries-old tradition are sure to captivate your senses.
For those seeking a unique and authentic taste, the honey wine, known as tej, is a must-try. This traditional Ethiopian mead is made from fermented honey and gesho, a local herb that imparts a distinctive flavor. Served chilled, it’s the perfect accompaniment to the bold spices of the cuisine.
The cocktail menu features a range of creative concoctions, blending Ethiopian flavors with classic mixology techniques. Try the Queen’s Signature Cocktail, a refreshing blend of Ethiopian honey wine, citrus, and spices, or the Berbere Margarita, which adds a kick of the famous Ethiopian spice blend to the classic margarita.
Quench your thirst with a selection of soft drinks, including Ethiopian favorites like Ambo and Pepsi. For those seeking a healthier option, freshly squeezed juices, such as mango, pineapple, and avocado, offer a refreshing and nutritious choice.
Beer enthusiasts can savor the flavors of Ethiopia with the St. George and Dashen beers, while wine lovers can explore a curated selection of both Ethiopian and international wines, perfectly paired with the restaurant’s diverse menu offerings.
Conclusion
Queen of Sheba’s menu is a delightful fusion of authentic Ethiopian cuisine and Italian favorites, catering to a diverse range of palates and dietary preferences.
From the flavorful vegan entrees like Tofu Tibs and Missir Wott to the succulent meat dishes such as Lamb Awaze Tibs and Gored-Gored, the menu offers a culinary adventure for every taste bud.
The restaurant’s commitment to accommodating various dietary needs is evident in their extensive selection of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. The gluten-free injera, a traditional Ethiopian flatbread, ensures that even those with dietary restrictions can savor the authentic flavors of this rich culinary heritage.
Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur of Ethiopian cuisine or a curious newcomer, Queen of Sheba promises a dining experience that will tantalize your senses. From the aromatic spices to the vibrant colors of the dishes, every bite is a celebration of flavors and traditions.
Indulge in the delectable combination plates, which offer a sampling of various dishes, or explore the Italian offerings for a fusion of flavors. With a wide range of beverages, including Ethiopian coffee, honey wine, and cocktails, you can complete your culinary journey with the perfect accompaniment.
Don’t hesitate to visit Queen of Sheba and immerse yourself in the warm ambiance and exceptional service. Whether you dine in or order online, you’re sure to discover a new favorite dish that will keep you coming back for more. Embrace the flavors of Ethiopia and experience the true essence of hospitality at Queen of Sheba.