Ethiopian Restaurant Opens in Manchester

MANCHESTER, CT — A new restaurant on Main Street in Manchester has brought Ethiopian Food to north central Connecticut.

Walia Ethiopian Restaurant, located at 836 Main St.,opened in June 2018. It's kitchen is run by Chef Mimi, a longtime resident of Hartford area.

Walia is a family-owned and operated.

One of the features on the menu is Injera, a traditional bread of Ethiopia that is flat, pancake-like and fermented. It complements the exotic spices found in the regional food, restaurant owners said.

The bread is made from Teff, a fine grain—about the size of a poppy seed—that grows predominantly in Ethiopia and Eritrea, and comprises the staple grain of their cuisines, according to the restaurant's website.

The grain has a very mild, nutty flavor, and it packs a serious nutritional punch, the chef says. Teff has balance of amino acids and it is also high in protein, calcium, and iron. Ground into flour, Teff is used to make the traditional bread, Injera. It can also be ground into flour to make an excellent gluten-free flour alternative.

Teff’s history traces back thousands of years,to ancient civilizations of Abyssinia.

Restaurant ingredients are handmade in Ethiopia, restaurant owners said.

The menu features breakfast, lunch and dinner selections.

Walia is open every day but Wednesday. Click here for the restaurant hours.

Photo Credit: Walia Ethiopian Restaurant