Discover the Rich and Vibrant Plant-Based Dishes of Ethiopian Cuisine

Berekti Mengistu, Co-Owner of Mesob in Montclair, NJ, Invites Us to Learn More

When I was a student at Butler University in Indianapolis, my Ethiopian roommate, Almaz, introduced me to the delights of her country’s cuisine—from the slightly sour and spongy injera to the bold, aromatic flavors of berbere and the hearty, comforting wat.

During a trip to DC with Almaz to enjoy Ethiopian restaurants, I learned that Ethiopian cuisine naturally celebrates plant-based ingredients, with lentils, chickpeas, greens, and vegetables taking center stage in many traditional dishes.

Rooted in Ethiopia’s Orthodox Christian fasting traditions, these vibrant, spice-infused meals have been enjoyed for centuries, long before plant-based eating became a global trend.

While Washington, D.C. remains a hub for Ethiopian cuisine, its flavors have spread nationwide, including to Montclair, New Jersey, home to Mesob, an award-winning Ethiopian restaurant.

Founded in 2003, Mesob was recently voted #1 Most Popular Culinary Destination in Montclair by BestofNJ.com, thanks in part to its authentic approach and its diverse, plant-forward menu that appeals to vegans, vegetarians, and omnivores alike.

To uncover the secrets behind Mesob’s two-decade success, I caught up with Berekti Mengistu, the restaurant’s co-founder.

In our conversation, she shares how Mesob has evolved to meet changing tastes while staying true to its roots, offering an immersive dining experience for all who seek to explore the rich flavors of Ethiopia.

How would you describe Ethiopian cuisine to someone who is trying it for the first time?

Ethiopian cuisine is a vibrant, communal experience centered on bold flavors, rich spices, and wholesome ingredients. Meals are traditionally shared from a large platter, fostering a sense of togetherness. It’s more than just food; it’s an expression of culture, hospitality, and love.

What does Mesob mean?

A Mesob is a traditional Ethiopian handwoven wicker basket, historically used as both a table and a storage container for injera. It symbolizes community, togetherness, and the joy of sharing a meal, which is a perfect reflection of Ethiopian dining culture.

Mesob has been in business since 2003. How did you get started? What were the early years like?

My sister Akberet, who is a co-founder of Mesob, and I come from a large, close-knit Ethiopian family where cooking was a daily tradition for many. Preparing meals was not just about feeding people; it was about bringing them together in a warm and joyful space.

Opening Mesob was a natural extension of that love for food and hospitality. In the early years, we focused on introducing the beauty of Ethiopian cuisine to new audiences while staying true to our roots.

How has your menu evolved through the years to accommodate changing food preferences?

Health and authenticity have always been at the heart of our cooking. Over the years, we have expanded our menu to accommodate gluten-free, vegan, and plant-based diets, ensuring that everyone, regardless of dietary preference, can enjoy the richness of Ethiopian cuisine.

What makes dining at your restaurant an authentic Ethiopian experience for diverse diners — vegans, vegetarians, omnivores and meat-lovers?

Ethiopian cuisine naturally caters to a wide range of dietary preferences.

In accordance with our Ethiopian Orthodox Christian traditions, we observe vegan fasting days on Wednesdays and Fridays, as well as during the Lenten season, like Easter, Christmas, and five other fasting periods.

During these times, we ensure that every guest, whether vegan, vegetarian, or omnivore, can enjoy a delicious and truly authentic Ethiopian meal.

Your website says that Mesob is a favorite for both vegans & meat lovers. What Ethiopian plant-based dishes do you feature in the Mesob menu that appeal to vegans and vegetarians?

Our menu includes a variety of flavorful, 100% plant-based dishes that showcase the food’s depth and richness. At Mesob, we take pride in honoring our plant-based traditions, ensuring that vegans and meat lovers can enjoy Ethiopian cuisine’s diverse and delicious flavors.

Some favorites include:

• Gomen (Collard Greens) – Slow-cooked with garlic and mild spices
• Tikil Gomen (Cabbage & potato) – A comforting dish infused with turmeric and spices
• Atkilt Alicha (Green Beans & Carrots) – Lightly sautéed for a fresh and crisp taste
• Shiro – A creamy and flavorful chickpea stew with berbere spices
• Misir Wet (Spiced Lentils) – A rich, slow-cooked lentil stew
• Kik Alicha (Yellow Split Pea) – Mildly spiced and smooth

With a menu that caters to all dietary preferences and a commitment to preserving the authenticity of Ethiopian flavors, Mesob continues to be a must-visit destination for those eager to experience the rich culinary traditions of Ethiopia.

Whether you’re new to Ethiopian cuisine or a longtime fan, Mesob offers an invitation to explore, savor, and share in a truly special dining experience.

Learn more about Mesob at: Mesob Restaurant.