Walia Ethiopian Cuisine serves authentic family recipes in San Jose, California, featuring injera platters loaded with spiced stews like misir wot (red lentils), kitfo (minced beef tartar), and doro wot (chicken with egg), ideal for communal dining. Located at 2208 Business Cir, San Jose, CA 95103, this spot opened in 2011, earning praise for fresh ingredients, vegan options, and hands-on eating without utensils. It draws crowds for combo platters feeding 2-4, aligning with your Ethiopian restaurant guides.
Signature Dishes
Veggie platters highlight five staples: shiro chickpeas, red lentils (misir wot), split peas (fufu), gomen collards, and atkilt cabbage-carrots, all simmered with berbere and niter kibbeh. Meat lovers favor juicy tibs (sautéed lamb or beef cubes with onions, jalapeños, rosemary), kitfo with mitmita butter, and doro alicha (mild turmeric chicken). Appetizers include lentil sambusas, timatim fitfit (berbere-tossed injera salad), and avocado kits.
Dining Experience
Expect spongy, house-made injera as the base for sharing stews family-style, with spice levels from mild alicha to fiery key wot—vegan platters shine gluten-free. The casual space suits groups; open for lunch/dinner with takeout via Grubhub/Toast, plus tej honey wine pairings. Reviewers note flavorful portions and cultural vibes, perfect for first-timers near your Selam Orlando interests.
Customer Reviews
Yelp diners rave about “perfect spice balance” in tibs and lentil combos, calling it a “San Jose gem” since 2011 with consistent quality. Veggie platters earn top marks for freshness; some highlight iced tea and service, though parking challenges noted. It ranks high for authenticity versus chains.
FAQ
Where is Walia Ethiopian Cuisine?
2208 Business Cir, San Jose, CA 95103—near airport, ample parking.
Hours and reservations?
Daily lunch/dinner; call or online orders recommended for groups.
Vegan/vegetarian friendly?
Yes, extensive five-dish platters; confirm gluten-free injera.
Spice levels?
Mild (alicha), medium, hot (key wot)—customizable.
Takeout/delivery?
Available via Grubhub, Toast; platters travel well.
People Also Ask
Best for beginners?
Veggie combo platter samples safely; staff guides pairings.
Halal options?
Many meats qualify; ask kitchen for confirmation.
Worth the price?
Platters $20-35 feed 2-4; value matches portions.
Pairs with tej?
Yes, honey wine complements tibs from DC spots like Elfegne.
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