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Café Lalibela is more than just a restaurant—it’s a story of tradition, community, and the rich culture of Ethiopia brought to the heart of Tempe, Arizona. Since opening its doors in 1996, Café Lalibela has been dedicated to sharing the authentic flavors of Ethiopian cuisine while creating a welcoming space for people to connect and experience a piece of Ethiopia’s vibrant heritage. Over the years, it has served and been loved by many distinguished guests, including members of Congress, the Senate, and the Mayor. In this blog, we’ll take you through the journey of Café Lalibela, from its humble beginnings to becoming a beloved institution in the community.

The Inspiration: Bringing Ethiopia to Arizona

The vision behind Café Lalibela was born from a desire to share the rich culinary traditions of Ethiopia with a wider audience. The founders, deeply connected to their Ethiopian roots, wanted to create a space where people could experience the unique flavors, culture, and hospitality of their homeland. They chose to name the restaurant after the historic town of Lalibela in Ethiopia, famous for its monolithic rock-hewn churches and spiritual significance. Just as Lalibela is a symbol of Ethiopian heritage, Café Lalibela was meant to be a beacon of Ethiopian culture in Arizona.

When Café Lalibela first opened, Ethiopian cuisine was relatively unknown in the area. The founders took on the challenge of introducing this rich and diverse cuisine to a new audience, educating diners about the traditional dishes, ingredients, and dining customs that make Ethiopian food so special. From the beginning, the restaurant was committed to authenticity, using traditional recipes and high-quality ingredients to ensure that every dish reflected the true taste of Ethiopia.

A Menu Rooted in Tradition

Café Lalibela’s menu is a testament to the depth and diversity of Ethiopian cuisine. Each dish is crafted with care, using time-honored recipes that have been passed down through generations. The menu features a wide range of options, from hearty meat stews like doro wat (spicy chicken stew) and key sega (spicy beef) to flavorful vegan dishes like misir wat (spiced lentil stew), fosolia (green beans and carrots), and gomen (collard greens).

One of the restaurant’s most beloved offerings is its injera—a spongy, slightly tangy flatbread that serves as the foundation of every Ethiopian meal. Café Lalibela offers injera in two forms: one made from a mix of teff, barley, and wheat, and another made from 100% teff, which is gluten-free. This attention to detail ensures that every guest can enjoy an authentic Ethiopian dining experience, regardless of dietary preferences.

The restaurant also offers combination platters, such as the Lalibela Deluxe and Vegan Deluxe for parties of two, and the Lalibela Exclusive and Vegan Exclusive for larger groups. These platters allow guests to sample a variety of dishes, making them perfect for sharing and for those new to Ethiopian cuisine.

A Commitment to Community and Giving Back

From its early days, Café Lalibela has been more than just a place to eat—it has been a cornerstone of the Tempe community. The restaurant’s founders believed in the importance of giving back and supporting those in need. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Café Lalibela served free food to individuals and families who were struggling financially, ensuring that no one in the community went hungry. Additionally, the restaurant has donated a percentage of its proceeds to support hurricane victims and other charitable causes.

Café Lalibela’s commitment to the community extends beyond charitable giving. The restaurant regularly hosts cultural events, such as the monthly Ethiopian coffee ceremony, which coincides with the Vegan Buffet offered on the last Sunday of each month. These events provide an opportunity for the community to come together, learn about Ethiopian culture, and enjoy traditional food and drink in a welcoming environment.

Expanding the Lalibela Experience Beyond the Restaurant

As Café Lalibela continues to thrive, it remains rooted in the traditions that have made it a success while also embracing opportunities for growth and change. The restaurant has expanded its offerings to include packaged vegan wraps and dishes in mainstream stores like Whole Foods Market and Natural Grocers. This allows more people to enjoy the flavors of Café Lalibela in the comfort of their homes, making Ethiopian cuisine more accessible to a wider audience.

In addition to these offerings, Café Lalibela also sells packaged Ethiopian coffee and spices at Market Lalibela. Whether it’s a bag of Yirgacheffe or Sidamo coffee, or a jar of berbere spice, these products help to extend the Café Lalibela experience beyond the restaurant, allowing customers to bring the authentic taste of Ethiopia into their own kitchens.

The restaurant’s dedication to quality and authenticity has earned it a loyal following, with customers returning time and again to enjoy the warm hospitality and delicious food that Café Lalibela is known for. As the restaurant looks to the future, it remains committed to preserving the rich culinary traditions of Ethiopia while continuing to serve the Tempe community with the same passion and care that has defined it from the beginning.

Conclusion: A Tradition of Excellence at Café Lalibela

Café Lalibela is more than just a restaurant—it’s a living testament to the beauty and richness of Ethiopian culture. From its authentic menu to its commitment to community service, Café Lalibela has become a beloved institution in Tempe, offering a true taste of Ethiopian food to all who walk through its doors. As the restaurant continues to grow and evolve, it remains dedicated to its mission of sharing the flavors and traditions of Ethiopia with the world.

We invite you to visit Café Lalibela and experience the warmth, hospitality, and delicious food that have made it a cornerstone of the community for nearly three decades. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a first-time visitor, you’ll find that every meal at Café Lalibela is a journey into the heart of Ethiopian cuisine.