Aster's Ethiopian

My wife and I had an extra time before our flight, wanted lunch, and sought out a small adventure rather than waiting at the airport. How can I rate this special place on the same scale as fine dining? This is an amazing, almost rustic place. The setting is clean and minimalist. Some old tables. Some tables on a covered patio. A drinks cooler. An L-shaped steam table with tubs of food. Delicious food. Most of the food is vegetarian, with some chicken and beef for those who crave it. The dishes are varied it spice, ingredients, and texture. I hadn't had Ethiopian food in a very long time, but I remembered the soft crape-like bread one used by hand to pick up food, and was hoping to find that here, and I was concerned until I found a large container on individually wrapped breads on a nearby table. The bread was so perfect, so tasty, and matched the other food perfectly. Overall, this was a meal and experience worth more than the price. The restaurant is owned and operated by the same family for over 30 years.

I’ve never had Ethiopian food before, but I really enjoyed Aster’s. The meat combination plate allows you to pick 4 meats and 4 veggie sides which ends up being a huge amount of food for $32 ($40+ after tax and tip). You could easily feed 3 people with it and everyone gets to try a good variety of meats and sides. I liked the meats with red sauces the most, but all of the meat was very tender and tasty. The sides were great too, my favorite being the collard greens

Ode to Aster’s Ethiopian: In Austin's heart, where flavors intertwine, Resides Aster's, an Ethiopian treasure fine. Though lacking fancied air, its charm's sincere, Its true allure lies in the dishes, clear. Authenticity permeates each bite, Transporting taste buds on a blissful flight. A tapestry of flavors, rich and true, Unveils Ethiopia's culinary view. For veggie lovers, a haven it be, With ample choices, varied and free. From injera's tang to lentils' gentle sway, Aster's embraces vegetarians' array. And at the lunch buffet, a feast untold, A bounteous offering, a value bold. Sample Ethiopia's heritage so grand, With spices, stews, and bread by your command. Though modest in ambiance it may be, The soul of Aster's blooms triumphantly. For in its kitchen, passion truly thrives, Crafting traditional feasts that delight lives. So venture forth and savor the embrace, Of Aster's, where authenticity takes place. Let go of frills, let flavors guide your way, In Aster's Ethiopian Restaurant, today!

Great food! Highly recommend the doro wot and vegetarian sampler. Excellent cold Cameroonian beer. Friendly fast service. I felt like I was back in EA. Only that we were served flat warm tap water and samosas were not crispy. You have an opportunity to give folks some authentic crispy samosas and Mandazi, suggest that they be prepared fresh. We will definitely be back for more!