Eden’s Kitchen

A hub for D.C.'s Eritrean community, Eden's Kitchen is run out of a house along Bladensburg Road NE by a mother and her son. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, it's worth visiting. They will treat you like family.There's easy street parking nearby. Walk inside to Eritrean art on the walls and a small bar area and a side room with small tables. Outside is a medium-sized outdoor patio with tables, chairs, and umbrellas for shade. To feed two of us, we ordered the vegetarian combo with six items- Ades, Yellow Split Peas, Alicha, Collard Greens, Shiro, and Cabbage. Everything was prepared by the mom and well-seasoned. My favorites were the Shiro (puree of chickpeas in a sauce) and the Yellow Split Peas. The items came on teff injera with extra injera. Afterwards, the mother poured us traditional coffee, which was a perfect way to end the lunch.We left very full and our entire meal cost $15.59 before taxes and tip. That's a steal in D.C.

I went here for lunch since it was a friend of a friend who recommended it. When I entered, there was nobody present at the bar. No music was playing so it was pretty quiet. My friend and I rang the bell and someone from the back, the owner of the restaurant, came and greeted us. We sat down and I ordered the beef spris and shiro, which is mashed chickpeas.I didn't like the taste of the beef spris since it had no herbs or sauce, so I asked the owner to add sauce and it tasted better the 2nd time around. The shiro was a bit cold which I didn't expect since I wanted my food to be warm.Overall this place is ok. I've had better Eritrean food elsewhere.

Went for lunch. The outside front of the restaurant is cute, but the sign isn't the easiest to see. Limited parking spots on the street in front because almost all filled by red taxi cabs, which looked like they were waiting to be repaired in a nearby body/mechanic shop. Fortunately, I found a street spot around the corner on the side street (looks like there is a parking lot at the back of the restaurant that is accessible through an alley on a side street.There were only 4-5 patrons in the restaurant when I arrived on a Thursday. You order at the counter/bar area and then sit at a table while your meal is prepared. No one was at the bar when I first stepped in, so after a minute of waiting, I rang the small bell sitting on the bar. A woman immediately came out from the back and asked what I would like to order. I ordered the platter of 6 vegetarian dishes and asked the woman to decide the dishes, and she said ok.The wait was a little longer than I expected, but I think that is because the cook was making everything fresh. The food is served on a platter topped with injera and then with the selected dishes poured atop the injera, just like Ethiopian food. For the most part, I didn't know what I was eating exactly (I knew one dish was collared greens, another a cabbage dish, and a third was a beautiful, vibrant, fresh salad of lettuce, tomatoes, and onions in a light delicious dressing), but everything was outstanding. I later learned that the other three dishes were a lentil dish, a yellow bean/pea dish, and an orange traditional Eritrean chickpea dish. All three were delicious, but I really liked the chickpea dish.When I finished eating, I asked for a carryout container and also a takeout order of the Derek Tibsi because I wanted to try a meat dish. The woman asked if I wanted it spicy, and I said I did. The Derek Tibsi was fantastic-- cubes of beef with what looked like okra in a sauce that had some heat (next time I will ask for extra spicy) with a side of the fresh salad and collard greens. Total including 20% tip was between $40 and $45.

Went here based on the stellar reviews, and was not disappointed! Delicious food (especially the tender beef). The friendly lady who runs the place let us partake in a baby christening party that was using most of the space, and made us feel right at home. So nice of the business and the celebrating family to graciously share their catering-style tasty foods with the daughters and me. There are some great people in the world! A DJ played lively Eritrean music. Good vibes. A great intro to this cuisine. Will definitely return to Eden's Kitchen!

the staff was very accommodating of our large group. we all enjoyed our food and definitely recommend this place to anyone visiting the area or living nearby. it was a great way to end our field trip to the aquatic garden!

Went on a Sunday night and had the place to ourselves. We had the vegetarian combo for two. Tons of food and every bite delicious. Try the okra!

I discovered this place while working at a job site nearby and it became a weekly lunch stop. The food is AMAZING and the owners are so sweet. I ordered the pick 6 vegetarian combo every time and it was filling I usually had leftovers. When I returned to the job site I felt fine working in the heat on a full stomach after eating here because the food isn't greasy and heavy. I'm sad I wasn't able to witness a coffee ceremony before having to leave town.

A surprise hidden gem. Granted, I only got one dish (needed an afternoon snack while my car oil was being changed) but I would like to come back. I had the Shiro / Tegamino, a chickpea-based dish with a creamy consistency I haven't seen before. It was delicious. Also the injera seemed particularly fresh.The restaurant is small and seems to be a converted home (don't expect a polished high-end restaurant ambience) which I found charming. It is brightened by the numerous Ethiopian paintings on the walls.This spot is unfortunately a bit of a drive away but I plan to return.

This is a hidden gem in the DC community. It features a great selection of Eritrean food, including Lamb Spris and Beef with Collard Greens. The Ades and Shiro are my go-to sides. And if you happen to order your food to go, your food is packaged with great care and you get not only one but two fresh injera to enjoy with each dish. Service is quick, serving sizes are generous, and the prices are very reasonable for the area.

Food was amazing, service is great/welcoming and overall the interior is well lite, culturally artful and relaxing. A great gem in NE DC!