In the heart of Austin just minutes away from campus, a quaint Ethiopian restaurant, rich in family heritage, invites diners to savor the flavors of Ethiopia. Tucked on the corner of Dean Keaton and Interstate 35, Aster’s Ethiopian Restaurant promises an inviting experience for those hoping to discover an Austin gem.

Originally opened in 1991 in North Austin, the family-owned restaurant boasts over 30 years of success, demonstrating the unparalleled quality and unwavering attention poured into Aster’s dishes. Although often overlooked, Aster’s demonstrates the variety of tastes Ethiopian cuisine offers.

Upon walking in, customers walk into a welcoming environment, comparable to that of a family dining room. With a cozy interior and a spacious indoor-outdoor seating area, Aster’s offers a charming ambiance fit for both a solo meal or a group of 10.

With nine vegetarian options and nine meat options, almost anyone can find something to enjoy. For those who love spice, the Keyi Siga, a tender beef stew with berbere sauce flavored with onions, garlic and ginger root, stands as a great introduction to Ethiopian cuisine. The incredibly tender beef melts in the mouth, contrasting wonderfully with the accompanying injera bread. The spongy, sourdough flatbread serves as both a utensil and a side dish, offering a delightful combination of flavors. The scents of garlic, ginger and berbere provide a completely separate aspect to the dish, elevating it to another level. 

Aster’s also offers Ethiopia’s national dish, Doro Wott, chicken slow-simmered in berbere sauce with authentic Ethiopian spices, served with a hard-boiled egg. The tender chicken combines beautifully with the egg, which absorbs the flavors of the sauce to make for a delightful textural contrast. Traditionally, the dish comes on a bed of injera, which further absorbs the stew’s flavors, providing a chewy element as well. Not only delicious, the crown jewel of Ethiopian cuisine also serves as a symbol of Ethiopian heritage and hospitality.

Diners can also order Kitfo, Ethiopian-style steak tartar, seasoned with a blend of spices, spiced butter and mit’mit’a, a hot blend of dried ground chillies. Presented as a small mound on a plate, accompanied by a side of Gomen, the rich combination of spices and chillies provide accents of heat that pair beautifully with the garlic and butter of the Gomen. Also served with injera, the smooth texture of the Kitfo spreads easily on the bread, offering a unique combination of spongy and smooth textures.

The special ambiance inside the restaurant, combined with exceptional service and delicious dishes, solidifies Aster’s Ethiopian Restaurant as one of the top places to visit near campus.