You would be forgiven to think that you are in a restaurant somewhere in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, while you are just dining in the cultural precinct of Maboneng at Arts On Main.


Els Salome Restaurant is situated in uptown Johannesburg near Jeppestown, in what has become a modern arts and cultural hub in Joburg. The smell of African spices from a patterned cafeteria lulls you to a peaceful dining table for one. The spices and coffees from Ethiopia are brewed right before my eyes.

The manager comes round with a smile and warmth of presence.  He gives us free finger-snacks for a starter. He then explains the menu to me and what is on special for the day. He is dressed in dashiki suits and worn a Jesus Christ’s like sandals.

In the background Eretria’s songbird, Aster Awake plays. Her magnetic and profound voice makes you feel at home. The music is a collection of African Female musicians from the continent.

From the menu I ordered the Ethiopia’s favorite cuisine. The food that consists of injera (a type of porridge) – a fermented teff flour and wat (a thick stew) made of beef, lamb or chicken. I ordered Mango and Coconut smoothies and the food was amazing. The kind of food one would want to eat to put all troubles at bay. Their service is prompt and they treat their customers with a respect. It is a restaurant that will resonate with you long after you’ve left.

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