Reviews of Dukem

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Scotiabank Toronto Marathon Ethiopian woman winner Dukem restaurant participate

           


                           



"The heady scent of incense slaps diners about the face as they enter the red glow of this space. Knives and forks are scarce; as per Ethiopian custom, food is scooped up with ripped bits of injera a large, flat pancake. The menu ranges from spicy chicken stew and curried vegetables to lamb kebabs. An elaborately traditional post meal coffee ceremony enhances the experience."

Dukem is definitely not the cheapest Ethiopian fare to be found in Toronto but nor is it super pricey. What really stood out for me about the food at Dukem was that it was not overly greasy…

 Dukem, the best african restaurant at Danforth.
Dukem compares favourably with any other Ethiopian restaurant in the city. Good, cheap food, nice service and pleasant decor. One of the nicest restaurants in the Donlands and Danforth area.

Mr. Kidus took over an Ethiopian restaurant on a stretch of Danforth Avenue that was becoming popular with North African businesses. He renamed it Dukem, after a city in Ethiopia that is a frequent pit stop for vacationers and stirs up fond memories for any of his fellow countrymen.
The menu features doro wat, a spicy chicken stew that Kidus learned how to cook from his mother and is often eaten at the end of Lent. He also offers an Ethiopian coffee ceremony, a unique java experience that you won’t find at Tim Hortons anytime soon.

“First you roast the green beans in the dining room with incense (burning). Then they are ground and boiled in a special pot called a jebena.” The dark, rich brew is poured into small cups and enjoyed with a basket of popcorn. Coffee and popcorn? When in Dukem Mr. Kidus serves this stew with injera, an Ethiopian flatbread, but you could also serve it with rice.

Couple of weekends ago I met an Ethiopian fellow and after chatting about foods, spices and the many, many foods and restaurants available here in Toronto, I asked Abye where one should go for Ethiopian food here in the city. He directed me to Dukem, named after the city that sits just south of Ethiopia’s capital – Addis Adaba. City folk travel south for holidays or a weekend getaway and Dukem is often a pit-stop for refreshments or dining on the way back to Addis Adaba. The folks at Dukem hope to bring some of this hospitality to Toronto and let’s see how they do !

Upon walking into this restaurant you’re transported to another place: African music plays softly in the background, low lights (but not dim enough to not see your food), the exotic aroma of spices (Berbere is an Ethiopian spice mixture) and the smell of coffee beans roasting. Coffee’s origins are from Ethiopia and they take it very seriously.

Vegetarian-friendly places to eat.
Dukem Restaurant at 950 Danforth Ave, west of Donlands, serves authentic Ethiopian cuisine. They write: "There's no rush while you sample the Vegetarian Combo Platter accompanied by delicious injera bread."


For those who have ever eaten in an Ethiopian restaurant, they know that it's an experience unlike any other. Sharing platters of injera and wat with family and friends, one digs in, without reserve, and uses one's hands to break off pieces of the yeast-risen, sourdough flatbread to scoop up the stews of meat and vegetables.

Recent Reviews
11 Feb, 2012
Dukem Restaurant 950 Danforth Avenue
This place is amazing. I've been here twice and both times the food was great the service was wonderful and altogether I left very pleased. I highly recommend this place if you want a filling delicious dinner for 2 under $30. Great Great Great!

23 Jul, 2011
Great authentic Ethiopian food
Liked: Food, Service, Atmosphere

31 Jan, 2010
Art and Food Art lovers will enjoy Dukem restaurant's decor. Owner, Michael, is supporting local artists by lending his wall space for art shows. So now in addition to the great food, wonderful coffee and thoughtful service, people eatin at DUKEM can also feast their eyes!

I agree, Dukem was great. My only other experience with an Ethiopian restaurant was in New York City (think it was called Ghenet) and I throughly enjoyed it. I finally got a chance to try Dukem in Toronto and found the food at Dukem to be much better. The injera (pancake/bread) was a light texture and tasted great. Three of us shared the vegetable assortment (collard greens, lentils, roasted beets, cabbage, salad, etc.) and beef tibs (like a stew) in both a spicy and mild version.

The Best Ethiopian Restaurants in Toronto
22 November, 2011
On the Danforth near Donlands station, Dukem is a casual and warm space nestled in the east end with friendly service and good prices. The spicy chicken stew is a real favourite, as are the lamb kebabs. Dukem gets extra points for great vibe and atmosphere.