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Two summers ago, as part of owner Sileshi Alifom's ongoing campaign to refine his food at the white-tablecloth Das Ethio­pian Cuisine in Georgetown, he attempted to create an East African lasagna. Semi-frozen sections of injera, the fermented Ethio­pian flatbread, served as his noodles, which Alifom layered with a yellow split-pea puree, collard greens, red-lentil stew and a mild cheese, all flavors native to his mother country.

While un­or­tho­dox, the Ethio­pian lasagna does have a foundation in East African cooking. Neighboring Eritrea was an Italian colony for decades in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and the Italians, under Benito Mussolini, occupied Ethi­o­pia from 1936 to 1941. Italian food and drink left a permanent mark on both countries, one of the very few outside influences on cooking in the region.

Yet, regardless of its legitimacy, Alifom’s lasagna did not set firmly, nor was it particularly pleasing to the eye. “It was delicious, but was it something that was usable and sellable?” says Alifom, who has a food and beverage background with Marriott Hotels. “When you started digging into it, the thing was moving left and right.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Das Ethiopian Cuisine's hours?

Das Ethiopian Cuisine is closed Mondays. We're open Tuesday through Wednesday from 5:00 to 9:30 PM, and Thursday through Sunday from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

Where is Das Ethiopian Cuisine located?

We're located at 1201 28th St NW, Washington, DC 20007, in the heart of Georgetown.

Does Das Ethiopian Cuisine take reservations?

Yes, reservations can be made directly on our website or by calling (202) 333-4710.

What type of cuisine does Das Ethiopian Cuisine serve?

We serve traditional Ethiopian cuisine, family-owned and operated since 2011 by Sileshi Alifom and Elizabeth Wossen.

Has Das Ethiopian Cuisine been featured in the media?

Yes. Das Ethiopian Cuisine has been featured on PBS's No Passport Required with Chef Marcus Samuelsson, and owner Sileshi Alifom appeared as a guest judge on Food Network's Beat Bobby Flay.

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