Welcome To Helsinki Queen Sheba

Wonderful new restaurant in Töölö and the only Ethiopian restaurant in Helsinki: Kuningatar Saba ie. Queen Sheba at Mechelininkatu. I actually used to live in this same building 10 years ago and at the time there was a pizzeria called Diandra at the same premises. Welcome change to have more ethnic restaurants like this instead of basic pizza and kebab places.

Kuningatar Saba, Mechelininkatu 8

Restaurant has been really popular since it opened in April and the number of tables is limited it is a good idea to book a table (closed on Mondays). Really friendly and easy-going service. Just remember not to be in hurry.

I was very keen on trying Ethiopian specialities and chose Doro Wot, which is the national dish of Ethiopia. Basically the dish is a spicy chicken stew with a boiled egg seasoned with a taste of berbere. You eat the dish by hands with injera (sourdough crepe). So rich in taste and totally new flavours for me.

The other dish I tried was Lega Tibs, which is lamb marinated in white wine and Kibe (clarified butter seasoned with cardamom and sacred basil). Both the dishes were brilliant, but Doro Wot was my absolute favourite.

Doro Wot and Lega Tibs on top of Injera

I particularly liked the easy-going, stress-free athmosphere as well as the food. The service was friendly, waitress had traditional dress on, food was served in native dishes and there was also local music in the background (sounded like Asian music to me due to flutes). One area of improvement was that there was no washing bowl or wipes in the table when you are eating with your hands. So remember to bring your own hand & face wipes.