Blue Nile Cafe   

933 E University Dr
Tempe, AZ 85281
480-377-1113

Directions   Email   Send to Cell  

What's not to like about an inexpensive ethnic adventure? Nothing, especially if it's as tasty and charming as the Blue Nile Cafe's cuisine. This neat, friendly little Ethiopian restaurant has tables and chairs in the front room, but the inside room is where you eat communally, Ethiopian-style. Get comfy on low, intricately carved stools in front of a colorful woven table. Instead of eating utensils, you'll be given a large piece of spongy, flat bread called "injera," with which you scoop up your food. The menu has chicken, beef and shrimp, but when you're dining Ethiopian-style, think vegetarian. The Greek Orthodox Church sets aside 208 meat-free days a year, so Ethiopians have spent a lot of time perfecting their vegetarian dishes. One of the tastiest vegetable entrees is begerdan, an aromatic wonder made from eggplant, collard greens, onions, peppers and tomato. Shuro watt is like a lentil stew, delightfully seasoned in a robust but mild red chile sauce called berbere. Among the meat dishes, shrimp watt is particularly tasty. The Blue Nile has no liquor license, but you're welcome to bring your own beer or wine.