Down-to-earth restaurant serving traditional Ethiopian dishes & coffee, plus goods for sale.
Jenny L
Bahel is a truly enchanting cultural experience! From the moment you step inside, you’ll be captivated by the vibrant Ethiopian decor that beautifully showcases the country’s rich heritage. As you explore the mini mart filled with delightful offerings, you’ll feel the warmth of Ethiopian hospitality.
The highlight of my visit was indulging in the delicious traditional cuisine paired with a unique Ethiopian coffee experience. I think there’s something special about enjoying coffee with popcorn—my two favorite treats coming together in one delightful moment!
Bahel is the perfect place to savor great food and coffee while creating cherished memories with family, friends, or even business clients. It’s an opportunity for everyone to bond over a truly unique experience. Come and discover this gem for yourself!
… moreNotes from the Sweet Spot
First time to eat at Bahel and it was a good experience. We have been to Ethiopian restaurants in other cities so used those to compare our meal here. We ordered the Specialty Favorite #2 with shiro and whole lentil #1 as the vegan sides. It came with a basket of injera. The chicken leg with a whole egg (doro wot, far left in photo) was a deeply flavorful, and spicy chicken stew and the sauteed beef cubes (chikina tibs, far right in photo) had a subtle flavor which reminded me of fajita meat but better, especially with the spicy dipping sauce. I enjoyed the whole lentil #1 (left lower middle in photo) so much I could just eat it by the spoonfuls. The chickpea stew (shiro, upper right middle in photo) was equally delicious. Each item had its own unique flavor and that made the meal exciting. The injera was appropriate thickness and sour. We will be back again.
… moreRaisa Torres
I’ve tried Ethiopian food in several states, and this spot easily takes the crown. Everything hits — the flavor, the huge portions, the chill atmosphere, and the insanely kind staff.
I’ve been here twice while visiting Houston and both times ordered the Vegan Combination (12 different veggies — every single one packed with flavor). For just $10 more, you can add Doro Wat, which is a must.
The quality, taste, and quantity you get for the price are unbeatable. The platter could easily feed four people, but we’re total foodies and finished it b
… moreTheresa DeLong
Bahel Ethiopian Mart is an unassuming location with incredible food. We started with sambusas and an Ethiopian beer, and then shared a specialty plate with chikina tibs, doru, collard greens, and spicy lentils served with injera. Injera is a fermented flatbread that is used as the utensil. No forks or spoons. You use the bread to dip and scoop the food. The warm spices rich flavors, and perfectly cooked meats were absolutely fabulous. I understand why this place is on the Houston Chronicle’s Top 100 restaurants. I wish we lived closer so we could go more often. If you live in Houston and like to try new cultural cuisine, check this place out. You won’t be disappointed.
Miron and his family run this food mart and restaurant. The meat is butchered right on the premises. Miron spent a lot of time with us explaining their culture and food. He had no idea they were listed in the top 100. He even convinced us to buy some fresh Ethiopian coffee beans and try roasting it ourselves. I LOVED this place.
… moreBrooke
This Ethiopian restaurant has truly become a family favorite for us. From the very first visit, it felt special —and every time we return, it only gets better. The food is absolutely phenomenal. As someone who has tried Ethiopian cuisine across the U.S. and even abroad (though I haven’t made it to Ethiopia itself yet!), I can confidently say this is the best I’ve had.
Their vegan and vegetarian options are outstanding rich, flavorful, and beautifully prepared. The lentils, collard greens, cabbage, and perfectly spiced stews are always fresh and deeply satisfying. You can taste the care and authenticity in every bite. Whether you’re plant-based or just exploring, this place sets the standard.
On top of that, the pricing is extremely reasonable, especially for the quality and portion sizes. It’s one of those rare spots where you leave completely full and happy without feeling like you overspent.
What truly makes this place unforgettable, though, is the staff. Over time, they’ve become like family warm, welcoming, and genuinely appreciative of their guests. They make every visit feel personal.
If you love Ethiopian food (or want to try it for the first time), this is a must-visit spot. Don’t miss it!
… moreMeghana Yella
Its my first time trying ethipoian food,ordered the mushrooms stir fry and chickpea gravy (shiro)
Loved the flavors with fresh vegetables.
Highly recommend to anyone who wants to try ethipoian food.
… moreLok Wong
Incredible dine in experience! Came for my good friend’s birthday and they were happy to accommodate us. The server was amazing, provided excellent suggestions and supportive in our choices. We ordered a good amount and balance between meat and vegetarian options. Great quality food, i didnt do the ordering but the cabbage and chicken dishes were my favorite. They were pretty busy from what I saw, on a Sunday evening which is always a good sign. I highly recommend!
… moreCes Geriatric
I recently had the chance to dine at an Ethiopian restaurant, and it was a truly memorable experience. From the moment I walked in, the warm, inviting atmosphere set the tone — soft traditional music in the background, earthy décor, and the aroma of spices that immediately made me hungry.
The highlight, of course, was the food. I ordered a mixed platter served on injera, the spongy sourdough flatbread that doubles as both plate and utensil. Every dish had its own distinct personality — the lentils were rich and comforting, the greens had just the right balance of flavor and spice, and the beef tibs were perfectly seasoned and tender. Eating with my hands, tearing the injera to scoop up the stews, felt like such an authentic and communal experience.
The staff was incredibly welcoming and took the time to explain each dish, which I really appreciated since some of it was new to me. They also made sure my water glass was always full and checked in just enough without being intrusive.
Overall, it was more than just a meal — it felt like being welcomed into someone’s home. If you’ve never tried Ethiopian cuisine before, I highly recommend it. The flavors are bold, the experience is unique, and this restaurant in particular made it all feel special.
… moreCaro Onya
First time going to an Ethiopian restaurant. Was excited but I was kinda disappointed by the food. The portions are great. One plate of food can easily feed 2. But I didn’t get some of the things I ordered and they don’t have water, so you have to buy bottled water. I ordered ribs tibs, the meat was tough, and no spices. The injera is an acquired taste. The restaurant is nice and the prices are fair. I will go back and try something different that will hopefully wow me.
… moreTratari Moss
Best Ethiopian restaurant in town! Tibs had just right amount of onions and bell peppers and sauce. The salad was delicious to me. The salad dressing was light and not too much. Definitely !!
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