Langano Skies - Edmonton

Ethiopian food can be a bit intimidating when you first try it at least that 's how I felt when I visited Langano Skies for the first time back in 2009. But you know what else happened? I grew obsessed with the deliciousness and and unique nature of this cuisine. Langano Skies has remained a benchmark for what I believe the best Ethiopian food should taste like and they 've become one of my favourite restaurants. You 'll find them in the Worldwide Faves section of this blog. You 'll also find them as VUE Weekly 's #1 Best African 2018 (as well as every other year before that and Edmonton Journal 's Best African Restaurant 2020 and Best Ethiopian Restaurant 2020. Now a mainstay in Edmonton, this Strathcona institution has earned it 's place in the city 's culinary scene. Not even a devastating fire in 2011 (which I certainly feared might be the end could keep them down. Owned and operated by Amsale and Paul Sumamo, if you 've never tried Langano Skies, now is the time. I visited on a Saturday evening after years away and was so thrilled to make my return. The giant murals of African scenes on the walls, the sky and cloud painted ceiling, and the Moseb on each table (a communal tray woven like a colourful decorative basket ... I missed the feeling of the space very much and was so happy to see that not a thing had changed. Our friendly server was on top of anything that we needed and I was eager to taste the amazing flavours that I had so missed. First, I always order the Ethiopian Caesar (Our twist on a well known favouite. A traditional caesar rimmed with the tantalizing spice Mitmita. Ask for spicy or mild $7.50 . I love a caesar and throwing an Ethiopian twist onto it only sounds like it 'll be more fun. I love this caesar! Not only is it just a great caesar in itself but the Ethiopian spices around the rim make it extra delicious and special. I asked for mine to be made medium spicy and they were happy to oblige. The menu can be a bit overwhelming if you 've never tried this type of food before but my recommendation is to just wing it. As a novice, you might be unsure of what 's good or what you 're supposed to get. Ask the server for recommendations if you are feeling truly lost. After a few visits you 'll know what your favourites are. Ethiopia is the only African country that has never been colonized, therefore the food has essentially remained uninfluenced by other countries. As such, the cuisine retains its unique taste, style and tradition. There are no forks, knives, or any flatware at all. Everything is eaten with your hands. (This is similar to the way that you eat Indian food using naan bread. My favourite appetizer on the menu is the Sambusa with Lentils (Tasty spiced lentils stuffed in a pastry shell $3.50 . A sambusa is very much like a samosa even their names are pretty close. Essentially, it 's a triangular pastry available with different types of fillings. I 've tried Langano Skies ' meat and vegetable sambusas as well and the lentil one is my favourite. Served piping hot, you pick the sambusa up with your hands and dive in. You try not to burn yourself but you can 't stop eating. This little golden pocket blows me away with its deliciousness every time. So much great flavour in such a small package! The tender lentils almost have a bit of a garlicy seasoning to them and the pastry is perfectly crispy. A must on every visit. I would also like to try the Kategna on my next visit, injera covered in a delectable spread. I need to get some new items into my mix! You might notice that many of the dishes at Langano Skies are actually quite vegetarian based. They do offer plenty of meat dishes to choose from but I do get the sense that leaning more veg is what you 're supposed to aim for. The food arrives quickly when ordered, served on a massive round platter. Get ready for some wots and tibs people! First, let 's talk about injera. Injera is like the Ethiopian equivalent to Indian n

Such delicious food and amazing service. Everything we had on the menu was to die for, and the waitress gave us perfect recommendations. ?

Incredible. We love doing the combo nights on Fridays to be able to get a little bit of everything. My fiance and I are always extremely pleased with everything we get

Came in for lunch not knowing what to expect and left so happy! The owner served us and cooked for us, she was so sweet and welcoming.

This was my first time to try Ethiopian foodI heard the food was good but I had no idea what to orderThe lady who helped us was very friendly.