Negril welcomes first authentic Ethiopian restaurant
Published:Thursday | September 26, 2024 | 12:07 AMJanet Silvera/Senior Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
Nestled along the scenic Norman Manley Boulevard in Negril, Westmoreland, a new culinary gem has emerged — Sador’s Ethiopian Restaurant. This is more than just a restaurant; it’s a cultural fusion, bringing the rich flavours, vibrant traditions, and communal spirit of Ethiopia to the shores of Jamaica.
Sador Gihus, originally from Ethiopia, has been coming to Negril since 2009 and found a deep connection with its culture, people, and natural beauty, which reminded her of her homeland.
“I’ve always loved the water and the warmth of Jamaica,” Gihus told Food. “There’s a special relationship between Jamaica and Ethiopia, but I noticed there was nothing that truly represented Ethiopian culture here. I wanted to change that.”
The restaurant offers a unique blend of Ethiopian and Jamaican dishes, with a special emphasis on Ethiopian vegan cuisine. This vegan tradition is rooted in the fasting periods observed by Ethiopians, during which no animal products are consumed. Dishes like the red lentil stew, sautéed with onions and the spicy, aromatic berbere, bring an authentic taste of Ethiopia to Negril. Another star on the menu is injera, a tangy flat bread made from the grain teff, which is native to Ethiopia.
“This bread is central to our meals,” Gihus explains as she presents a large plate of injera, topped with a colourful array of vegan dishes, including potatoes, cabbage, and shiro, made from chickpea powder. “We eat with our hands, and the idea is to share the food as a community, just like we do back home in Ethiopia.”
Gihus’s decision to open the restaurant was deeply inspired by her love for her culture and the strong ties between Ethiopia and Jamaica, particularly among the Rastafarian community. She believes that Jamaica is the perfect place to introduce authentic Ethiopian food, given the deep reverence for Ethiopian culture among many Jamaicans.
In addition to the traditional Ethiopian dishes, Sador’s offers a fusion of Jamaican favourites like jerk chicken and chicken wings, catering to a wide variety of palates. Chef Odine McKenzie, a talented Jamaican, was trained by Gihus to master the intricacies of Ethiopian cuisine, and his skills shine through in every dish.
ETHIOPIAN NEW YEAR
When Food visited the restaurant, its official opening coincided with the Ethiopian New Year, marking the beginning of the year 2017 on that African country’s calendar. “We’re seven years behind and seven hours ahead,” Gihus said with a smile, referring to Ethiopia’s unique calendar. The restaurant celebrated this milestone with special dishes and shared the traditional communal dining experience that Ethiopian cuisine embodies.
Reflecting on the importance of this celebration, especially being away from her family in Ethiopia, Gihus described it as a big celebration, which she still gets to do with her daughters, who currently reside in the United States, when they visit. “That helps bridge the gap.”
Gihus has even bigger plans for bringing Ethiopian culture to Jamaica. She’s working on opening an Ethiopian coffee shop in Negril, where visitors will be able to experience the famed Ethiopian coffee ceremony. Coffee, which originated in Ethiopia, plays a significant role in their culture. The ceremony involves brewing and serving coffee in rounds, creating an atmosphere of community and conversation.
“We want to offer an authentic Ethiopian coffee experience,” Gihus explains. “It’s not just about drinking coffee; it’s about bringing people together to share stories and connect.”
In addition to introducing Ethiopian food and culture, Gihus is passionate about giving back to the local community. Alongside the restaurant, she runs a real estate business that offers property management and Airbnb services in Negril. She’s also committed to providing job opportunities and cross-training for her employees. “One of our team members started as a waitress, and now she’s working as a real estate agent with us. We believe in helping people grow,” he says.
With Sador’s Ethiopian Restaurant, Negril not only gains a restaurant but a place where two rich cultures meet and flourish together. Whether you’re looking to try authentic injera, enjoy a coffee ceremony, or simply take in the welcoming atmosphere, Sador’s offers a taste of Ethiopia in the heart of Jamaica.