It’s The Whole Dish, restaurant reviews are written to inform and educate you about healthy eateries that recognize the use of Organic, Natural ingredients and who prepare foods without the use of preservatives, artificial flavors, and if at all possible, the purchase of meat and dairy containing growth hormones or animal bi-products. The restaurants are hand chosen based on their menu quality and order options for vegans, vegetarians, diabetics, raw foodists, and people with a gluten sensitivity.

Restaurant: Queen of Sheba
Where: 3636 Henderson Blvd. Tampa, FL 33609
Website: www.ethiopianrestauranttampa.com
Cuisine Served: Ethiopian
Parking: Plenty ! A lot is available to the left of the restaurant.

A family style operation owned and cared for by a women whose name brushes the surface of each tabletop, Sebel; meaning “all that’s fresh from the harvest”. Originally from Ethiopia and its region of Kaffa, Sebel and her handful of helpers cook and serve to us traditional Ethiopian cuisine prepared using a rich array of cooking oils, clarified butter, organic grains, beans, and the highest quality meats available. Naturally prepared without the use of preservatives and fillers, each dish screams of spices like Fenugreek, Cumin, Basil, Coriander, Ginger, Saffron, Mustard, Cardamom, and more.

Atmosphere: This perfect traditional setting brings calm energy throughout as you forget about your day behind or your night ahead. Lights are dim and the walls are stucco painted with hints of yellow-rust. Small table tops are covered in burgundy cloth and spread throughout the dinning floor. A comfortable space to join hands with one another and relax.

Welcome Service: I arrived with a friend on a Wednesday night to be greeted by Sebel and a quaint table for two. She began service with a menu presentation and drink and appetizer suggestions. 

Menu Highlights:

I applaud the Queen for her menu selection is quaint, yet simple offering famous traditions and noted clearly for its spicy or vegan quality.

Soup: On special and served upon request is a Lentil Minestrone that is ultimately satisfying for each bite contains a hearty blend of organic Lentils, Potatoes, and Carrots stewed with Onions, Garlic, Ginger and spices. *Vegan, Gluten Free.

Appetizer: A tasty favorite is Buticha, a pureed blend of ground Chickpeas mixed with Olive Oil, Onions, Garlic, and Peppers. Served cold, its texture reminds me of Hummus without the taste of sesame. Second to that, don’t pass up the chance to try a mouth watering and perfectly seasoned Vegetarian Sambussa. Hand made and stuffed with a combination of whole Lentils, Garlic, Onions, Pepper’s & Herbs. Lightly fried and well worth its calories! *Vegan, Gluten Free.

Entree: Traditionally Ethiopian cuisine is consumed without the use of utensils and characteristically consists of spicy vegetable and meat dishes, served on top of Injera; a large, pancake-bread made from fermented Teff flour. Playing in tradition I dug into the Queen’s Eight Meal Special ! Using only pieces of Injera to pick up bites of entrees and side dishes containing combinations of Lentils, Collard Greens, Chicken, Lamb, Beef and Vegetables seasoned with Turmeric and Berbere; a Chili based Ethiopian spice blend similar to an Indian Masala. Amongst this incredible sampler I tasted a few more dishes I highly recommend. Shrimp Tibs, Queen Lamb Tibs, and Queen Beef Tibs are all beautifully prepared and remembered for their tender, juicy texture sautéed with Peppers, Onions, and Ethiopian Spices.

Beverages: An experience all its own and offered at the Queen of Sheba is The Coffee Ceremony. The Kaffa region in Ethiopia is the birthplace of coffee beans. A time-honored, customary ending to meal consumption in Ethiopian culture is a Coffee Ceremony. It begins by roasting fresh coffee beans and then crushing them in a grinder called a Mukecha. Fresh coffee powder is then boiled in a traditional clay pot and served in small cups accompanied by a burning coal of Frankincense. This is a replenishing act for soul cleansing. This was a peaceful ending to an energetic eating experience.
Also available are unique selections of Ethiopian Imported Beer and Wine as well as soda, juice, and ice tea. A sweet, crisp, blend of fruits to sample is Addis Tej, a white, honey wine that is similar to a Riesling or a desert wine. Gouder, a dry red wine is one I suggest to try with your meal. It offers low acidity and mild hints of plum. If you are a beer drinker, I suggest Harar. Its refreshing taste of amber is pleasing to the palate.

Menu Pricing: $$ On average for Lunch and Dinner expect to spend between $3.00-13.00 per menu option. Cuisine is served 7 days a week starting at 11am for Lunch and 3pm for Dinner. Service ends at 10pm Monday thru Thursday and 11pm on Friday and Saturday. Reservations are accepted for large parties as well as all major credit cards.

Overall Rating: The Queen of Sheba is known for her beauty, intelligence, resourcefulness and understanding. I sought out to find the truth and wisdom of what Ethiopian culture and this popular restaurant had to offer. As a result I am smitten by the quality and purity it had to offer, using and array of pure oils, aromatic spices, and an abundance of fresh produce and meats. This illuminate eatery is one to visit most frequently.

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