Ratings and reviews
Megenagna Mart and Cafe Photos
Hours
| Monday | 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM |
| Thursday | 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM |
| Friday | 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM |
| Saturday | 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM |
| Sunday | 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM |
Megenagna Mart and Cafe Reviews
Wow! This place has the best coffee in Austin! I usually put cream in my coffee; I find black coffee to be undrinkable -- but not here! Cream would ruin it! I hope this place stays around!
This place is fairly new. It opened in 2023 and appears to be locally owned. This is a store and cafe. You can find spices, coffee, ceramics, and other items in addition to food. We ordered the beef awaze tibs and vegetarian platter. The awaze tibs were not good. I'd give the awaze tibs 2/5 stars. The meat was tough and very very bland. I'm not sure if it was just an off day or what. The vegetarian plate was divine and completely blew us away. The veggie plate is a solid 5/5 stars.
Megenagna Mart and Cafe
Megenagna Mart and Cafe, located at 2013 Wells Branch Pkwy Austin, TX 78728, is a delightful spot where the vibrant flavors of Ethiopia come to life. This cozy establishment, tucked inside a small grocery store, brings a taste of Ethiopian cuisine to Austin's diverse culinary scene. While unassuming in its setup, the cafe delivers an authentic dining experience that keeps customers coming back for more.
Exceptional Ethiopian Cuisine and a Diverse Menu
The heart of Megenagna Mart and Cafe is its impressive menu that celebrates the bold and complex flavors of Ethiopian cuisine. The breakfast menu features traditional dishes such as Chechebsa, Quanta Firfir, and Injera Firfir, which combine spices and ingredients that showcase the rich heritage of Ethiopia. If you're craving a hearty meal to start your day, their Scrambled Eggs with Meat or Scrambled Eggs are excellent choices, offering a comforting balance of flavors.
For lunch and dinner, the menu includes popular dishes such as Awaze Tibs, Kitfo Special, and Gaslight Tibs, perfect for those seeking a savory and filling experience. Doro Wot, a spicy chicken stew, is another signature dish that brings heat and depth to your taste buds. Vegans and vegetarians will appreciate the Veggie Combo, Lentil Wot, and Salsa Firfir, while Collard Greens Wot adds a nutritious and flavorful dimension to the meal.
Don’t forget to try a refreshing Mexican Coke or Coffee Latte, both of which perfectly complement the rich flavors of the food. For dessert, indulge in the Tiramisu, an unexpected treat that offers a delightful end to your meal.
A Unique Dining Experience with Delivery and Takeout Options
Megenagna Mart and Cafe is more than just a place to eat; it's an experience. The cafe provides a mix of grocery items, spices, and coffee, creating a unique fusion of food and culture. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a meal in the humble setting or take it home, the cafe offers both delivery and takeout services. This makes it incredibly convenient for those craving a flavorful Ethiopian meal but unable to dine in.
The cafe's intimate size means it doesn’t boast grand decor, but its charm lies in the authenticity and warmth it offers. Despite being located within a grocery store, the Ethiopian food takes center stage, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in exploring unique flavors.
Customer Praise for the Café’s Authenticity and Coffee
Many customers have shared their glowing reviews about Megenagna Mart and Cafe. Hannah K., a frequent visitor, raved about the Veggie Combo, which provides a wonderful sampling of Ethiopian flavors, and particularly enjoyed the Yetsom Firfir, a dish featuring injera mixed with a rich tomato stew. Her experience was enriched by the fresh and authentic taste of the food.
Another enthusiastic customer, Ellen F., praised the cafe’s coffee, calling it “the best coffee in Austin.” As a self-proclaimed cream lover, she was pleasantly surprised to find that the coffee was so good, it didn’t need any cream. This highlights the cafe’s commitment to quality, both in its food and beverages.
Although some reviews note that not every dish is perfect, the majority of visitors appreciate the authenticity and homemade flavors that Megenagna Mart and Cafe offers. The experience at this local gem is as much about savoring Ethiopian dishes as it is about immersing yourself in a culturally rich and cozy atmosphere.
In conclusion, Megenagna Mart and Cafe is a standout for those seeking genuine Ethiopian flavors in Austin. Whether you're grabbing a quick meal to go or sitting down for an intimate dining experience, this place offers a truly memorable culinary adventure. The restaurant's focus on delivering authentic food, combined with its convenience and warm atmosphere, makes it a wonderful addition to Austin's vibrant food scene.
It's not much to behold, little more than a few tables in the back of a small grocery store, but the Ethiopian eats are one point. Of course, you need the veggie combo to try a little bit of everything, but my favorite dish was actually the yetsom firfir; injera mixed with a rich tomato, red bell pepper, and onion stew. I regret not getting a better photo of it; it's the lump covered by more injera in the back. Peep the spirals of teff flatbread sneaking out from underneath to get an idea of what to expect, but you should really try it for yourself. It's incredibly umami, highly seasoned without being spicy, and just everything I'm craving on a gloomy weather day.