No. 3: Abissinia – Ethiopian Food
This is a fairly newbie in Gracia’s restaurant scene but a success nevertheless. There’s something fun about sitting upon cushions on the floor and eating with your hands. Abissinia also represents, gastronomically speaking, the mystery of Africa which people in Spain are drawn to. There it is, Africa, the giant continent below just about touching Spain’s southern coasts. And yet, there are few Africans in Spain and few Spanish (with the exception of Morocco) going abroad to Africa for their holidays.
That said Spanish and African cultures seem to be getting to know each other a little more everyday. While an Ethiopian restaurant would not have been popular 30 years ago, times are changing and diversity is embraced in Gracia. Most nights of the week Abissinia has quite a few cross-legged customers scooping up lentils from communal trays of authentic Ethiopian dishes. I say authentic, but the truth is that I’m a poor judge having only eaten Ethiopian one other time in my life. I’ll stick to my guns though because I met the owner of Abissinia and his family who are all from Ethiopia, which in my mind gives them credibility.
What: Abissinia
Where: C/ Torrent de les Flores, 55 - Gracia
When: Evenings; dinner Price: €25 and up for dinner