This place has been on my bucket list for a while. I finally made it. I ordered some food to go, and had chai while I was waiting. It was so quiet and peaceful. There were other customers but the peace! The gentleman was personable & polite. I hated that I got my food to go. I'll go back and sit a spell next time.
(5)
Bussy G.
Amazing food and wonderful friendly service! Owner Mohammad will tell you what to order. I'm a vegetarian and the plate he brought me was AMAZING! I highly recommend for an affordable, delicious, "out of the box" dining experience in Memphis.
(4)
Zeydi A.
Delicious ! The owner suggested food since it was our first time eating Ethiopian :) great service and yummy food!
(5)
Jenn B.
Found our way here after reading reviews as many do honestly one of the best meal experiences I've ever enjoyed. Try everything, ask Muhammad for suggestions, he enjoys sharing the unique tastes his restaurant offers.
(5)
Tanya H.
Soup - AMAZING!!!! FUUL is OUTSTANDING!!!! The owner helped me make my selection and recommended the FUUL! Service is great! Food is great!!! I will be back!!!!
(5)
Shane S.
Amazing food! The best lamb I've ever had. The owners are friendly and very helpful; we really didn't have to order. He simply served us delicious food. Not just one of the best Ethiopian restaurants but one of the best places to eat in the city.
(5)
Elisabeth R.
amazing food. good prices. vegetarian friendly. clean. everyone must check this little gem out!
(5)
Nisha N.
Amazing food.. Loved the tibs and injera, fish and rice.. Perfect blend of spices and flavor. The spice tea was also wonderful. The best Ethiopian food in town.
(5)
Barrett R.
I saved this review after two years. I have been loyal to this restaurant for several reasons. The food is authentic, Mohammed is a great guy, and they deliver to my house. The Orange Mound should be proud of its gem. They close at 6, btw. It's best...for all parties.
(5)
Kevin L.
Really interesting and very tasty. I highly recommend. The owner Mohammed was very friendly and guided us towards some really delicious entrees. I'm coming back, you should check it out. The lamb and rice dish was amazing.
(5)
Y. C.
Friendly staff and delicious home style meal.
(3)
Colin B.
This is our new spot. Anytime either of us asks the other what they're in the mood for, the answer is Derae. Muhammad and his family are very welcoming and friendly. He's excited to share his food with everyone. If you're new to African cuisine, don't even worry, he'll walk you through. It honestly feels like you're sitting in someones home, eating a meal with them. Much of this has to do with the hospitality, but the main reason is the food. It feels like a family dinner, because it is. Muhammad's wife is cook, and a fine one at that. I'm pretty sure we could live off the Fuul and bread. For ~6 bucks, it might be the best deal in Memphis. I was lucky enough to be there on a weekend when they prepare Hulbat. It's a red sauce that's kind of tangy, made from fenugreek and other spices, ladled over the top of injera bread with a huge potato and several large pieces of stewed roast beef. It was enough food for 3 meals. Think African Chilaquiles. Get the coffee at the end of the meal. If his wife's made desert, you'd hate yourself if you didn't get it. This place is everything a mom and pop restaurant should be. You better go before you can't get a seat!
(5)
Sean M.
My wife and I passed through here on the way to Atlanta based in other yelp reviews. We were not disappointed. The food and service were excellent. If you are unfamiliar with Ethiopian fare, just ask Muhammed. Friendly, fast and delicious!
(5)
Michael E.
This place is great! I was in town for a conference and when I heard about this place I knew I just had to try it. When we arrived the owner met us at the door. We asked him to give us whatever he recommended. He brought out several of his most popular dishes. Everything was full of flavor and prepared with care. Even though I was only in town for about nine days, I manged to come here three times. I cannot recommend this place enough. I recommend not using the menu and letting the owner take care of you. It also works best when you come with a group, as many of the dishes are perfect for sharing.
(5)
Casey B.
Found this place on groupon and decided to give it a try. I am very glad I did. When we came, the owner, Mohammad, greeted us and sat us. He was very friendly and welcoming. He is passionate about their food and we learned his wife is the chef there. I'll tell ya now, she can cook! He told us he is confident anything she makes will be good, which got me excited out the upcoming food. He also told us "she only cooks for money though, and not for me" hahaha. We decided to let him choose our dishes for us. We started with the Sambusa. These were delicious little pastry pockets of seasoned meat. Next we had Bajiya and this too was excellent. For the main course we got goat and rice and also the veggie combination. Once again, everything we were served was full of great flavor and very scrumptious. To top of this great meal Muhammad brought us out some fresh made Baklava and wow! I am not really a dessert person and hardly ever order it, but I would order this again and again. It must have been right out of the oven because it was hot in the middle which made it soooooo good. Literally melt in your mouth good. I will be back here for sure. Everyone needs to come try this place to have a memorable meal and support a local Memphis business.
(5)
Khalid Z.
The service here is amazing. I've been to my fair share of Ethiopian restaurants in Atlanta, but none like this. We ordered fatirah, a mix of chopped Ethiopian flatbread, eggs, meat, spices, and vegetables. It really reminded me of some Greek spinach and feta cheese puff pastries I used to eat in California. The chef is very personable and is willing to go out of his way to please any customer. He forgot the milk for our coffee, found out he ran out, went next door to get some more and came back to serve it in less than a minute. Needless to say, I was very impressed by this experience
(5)
Margaret H.
The food was delicious with ample servings there was some left to snack on the next day. That was only half of it, the service was spectacular ! I really enjoyed my time chatting with the owner who really made sure I was satisfied and had a good mix of everything he offered. Will do again.
(5)
Maria B.
I just had lunch at Derae. I ordered the Hanid, and it was to die for. This dish of goat meat with basmati rice came with a salad of fresh mixed greens as well as a small serving of their clear vegetable soup with a splash of lime, which was on the house. All of it was delicious, fresh, and seemed to be prepared with great care. The service was also fast and attentive. I'm hesitant to compare this place to Abyssinia, another local Ethiopian restaurant that I love. I will say that while many of the popular lunchtime spots in Midtown and the University of Memphis area might serve food that is "just good", Derae is setting a higher bar for excellence.
(5)
Russell W.
Five star restaurants on Yelp with more than few reviews are rare. Combine that with me only having had exceptional Ethiopian food in DC, I felt I may get let down. Luckily for me, that was not the case! I don't know what I ate, I just told the gentleman Muhammad to pick for me. I wanted to go back to try another dish he was equally proud of, but sadly I didn't have enough time. But the food is great. I went at an off time and Muhammad even sat down with me at the table talking about Ethiopia and his background. Whenever I'm back in Memphis, I will be back to try that other dish he is proud of.
(5)
Alison H.
The fuul is amazing, and the vegetable platter is really good! The man who works here is always so warm, welcoming, and inviting. Can't recommend this place enough! We hope to make it a weekly lunching place for our co-workers.
(5)
D D.
Derae is a nice surprise in the area. It offers a great menu selection that is all very delicious and it also comes with great service. There are great vegetarian options and there are options for people that like to eat meat. I suggest that you try both. It can be a little expensive for a casual meal but it is worth supporting good local businesses like this one. The seating is limited and the parking is even more limited. This shouldn't discourage you from giving it a shot!
(5)
Vishal C.
There is a reason this restaurant has 5stars..awesome food..friendly owner..homely treatment...there is nothing that can go wrong..
(5)
Teddy C.
Decent food, tiresome and overbearing owner. He spent a lot of time mansplaining the menu even though we were pretty familiar with Ethiopian food, having lived in Africa and the two most populous US cities (Ethiopian expatriates) in DC and Atlanta.
(3)
Andrew S.
The owner and his staff are very hospitable and friendly. Derae serves several delicious and authentic Ethiopian dishes, that are exotic and a must try for the adventurous eater. The Hulbat is an exceptional dish that reminded me of my time in Africa. I believe it can only be ordered on Friday and Saturday (I remember the menu said something about it only being served during a limited time frame); but it is defiantly worth trying.
(5)
David M.
Excellent injera, tibs and vegetables. The spicy tibs had the perfect amount of kick. FYI they charge for water (bottled), but the clove spice hot tea is superb -- same price as the water. Friendly staff and excellent food, I'll be back.
(5)
Mia H.
Delicious food and incredible service. I will bring and recommend to others for sure.
(5)
Neha B.
A real gem! A must visit! The humble atmosphere is appropriate given that the food itself is so spectacular. Authentic East African and Mediterranean food cooked by a lovely couple from Ethiopia. The hospitality is so gracious I actually let them choose my dish for me, and they did not disappoint: Vegetable injera (perfectly balanced cabbage, kale, lentils, and peas!), spicy chicken and lamb with rice (mouth-watering), and hot tea (the cloves warmed my throat). I didn't know this til I got there and saw the plaque, but Derae apparently made the Top 100 Restaurants in Memphis to Try Before You Die list in the Commercial Appeal this year! And from my experience, it was very well deserved. Will definitely be going back.
(5)
Nadia C.
In Memphis on business trip, found this place on yelp after reading the reviews. Amazing food, great service, home style kind of feel. I tried 2 of the breakfast items, and it's yummy. Highly recommended.
(5)
Randy S.
A hidden gem. Great food accompanied with even better service! If you're looking for an alternative ethnic dining experience, then you have to stop into this place.
(5)
Andy M.
SENSATIONAL. I walked out fuller than I've been in months because I couldn't bring myself to stop. The quality of the food was matched by the delightful company of the restaurant's owner, Mohammed Omer, whose presence was a delightful addition to the meal. He made excellent recommendations to a newcomer like myself without overwhelming me. He owns and runs the restaurant with his wife, Zenub Abdurahman, whose cooking could rival anyone alive. It's no wonder their dishes were included in the Commercial Appeal as #6 on the "101 Memphis Dishes You Should Eat Before You Die." GO HUNGRY! YOU'LL NEED THE ROOM!
(5)
Cherry B.
This place is walking distance from my house and I have been missing out. My partner and I went and order chicken and rice not knowing what Hanin was, another miss out. The chicken and rice was excellent, enough said. My co-workers asked me about it so I took them and we had the goat meat, excellent again. Please go it is a great experience and Mohammad was a excellent host.
(4)
Florestela G.
I have been craving something different and this place really hit the spot. The owner and his wife are very friendly. Being that it was my first time here, the owner was kind enough to help me choose what to order. I had the vegetarian sambusa and bajiya for appetizers. Both blew my mind with the extra hot green salsa it comes with. The Hanid and Rice made me realize how I've missed goat meat. I took a lot of food to go, since the portions are very generous. Also ask them what kind of desserts they have, it's not on the menu. I chose the tiramisu to go and his wife told him not to charge me for it. Overall I liked how chill this place is, the owners are awesome, and the food is great, plus very low price.
(5)
Justin A.
I've been to Derae twice and the food was great both times. Very great for breakfast and dinner (I haven't been there for lunch but I'm sure that would be just as amazing). You must try the fatira! And the tea is excellent as well!
(5)
Jack B.
Delicious food, wonderful owner. If you're new to Ethiopian food or are not familiar with the menu, Mohammad will recommend two fantastic dishes that are sure to fill at least 2 people up nicely. I hope Mohammad brings this restaurant closer to downtown soon so I can enjoy it more often!
(5)
Chelsea R.
This place is awesome. We took everyone's advice and had Muhammad order for us. He came and explained the menu to us, as well as what he would be ordering for us. He started us out with the veggie Sambusa's that came out with a spicy green chutney. It was spicy but in the sense that it had a good kick and flavor and it wasn't unbearable. Then he brought out this soup that he said was on the house, which was perfect for the rainy day that we had come. Then he got us the Hanid (goat) and rice and the Fuul. The Fuul was my favorite. He brought it out with this really good bread and showed us how to eat it. Another honorable mention was the tea, it pairs well with the Fuul (per a tip from Muhammad). He and his wife run the restaurant, he laughed and said the tea was the only thing he made and his wife prepares the rest of the food.
(5)
Casey B.
I can't speak highly enough of this place. I lived in Ethiopia for a bit, and this is the best Ethiopian food I've had in the states. The owner is extremely friendly. The atmosphere is fun. Very reasonably priced. Don't hesitate. Go! :)
(5)
Stacie F.
Awesome meal with Mohammed and Zanub! The food was amazing and the service was perfect. Highly recommend!!!
(5)
Nancy K.
Super sad because we have been craving Ethiopian for a while and maybe, just maybe, my hopes were a little too high for this place. We ordered the veggie sampler and doro wat and I think my main disappointments were that 1. the injera is kinda thick, 2. the veggie sampler wasn't amazing by any means and seemed tailored to more "americanized" tastes. Less importantly, 3. we were charged for two bottles of water ($1 each) when we asked for water and then also charged for an appetizer ($2) that we didn't order and thought was a complimentary item that was just placed on our table. Not really a big deal but it's a big pet peeve of mine to be charged for things unknowingly not matter how cheap the cost. Still a good place to try if you've never had Ethiopian food and there's lots of livingsocial/groupons available right now for it.
(3)
Sean M.
I never write reviews of anyplace, but this place is awesome, just go - you definitely won't be disappointed.
(5)
Kerry C.
As much as I used to love Abyssinia, it's kind of taken a dive lately. The food is still pretty good, it's just not as amazing as it used to be. That's why I'm glad I saw Bianca mention Derae on her blog a few days ago. It's a new-ish Ethiopian and Middle Eastern restaurant on Highland, just a little bit south of Park. I was all excited about going yesterday, until I realized that they're closed on Mondays. When I went for lunch today, my friend John and I were the only people in the restaurant. It's a nice, bright space and it's very clean. The server / owner / cook (at least, I think he was all three) gave us menus and made a few recommendations. Since I trusted his knowledge of the food more than mine, we ordered what he told us to get: fuul, hanid and rice and the special hot tea. The tea was served with milk, and it tasted a little bit citrusy. The server brought over sugar, which I skipped, but adding it makes the tea taste a lot like really good Chai. The fuul, which is on the breakfast menu, came out first. Fuul, Derae, Memphis, Tenn. It's a medium spicy stew-like dish made from fava beans, olive oil, onions, jalepenos, paprika and a little bit of cottage cheese. The fuul is meant to be eaten like a dip, so it comes with a basket of the fluffiest, warmest, most delicious basket of wheat bread. (At first, I skipped the dipping in favor of shoveling the bread straight into my mouth. It really is that good.) The hanid was a giant plate of rice topped with tender (but kind of gamy) pieces of goat meat and a mild meat sauce (in the foreground of the picture). There was a little bowl of spicy green sauce on the side for dipping. It was very good and super filling. Even with two of us, we wound up with a to-go box. I'll definitely be back - Derae has picked up where my once-beloved Abyssinia left off, albeit a little differently. The quality of the food was great, the service was very friendly, and the price - $21 for two of us (fuul, hanid and rice, two teas, two bottles of water) - was great. Derae Restaurant is open Tuesday - Sunday from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. They accept most credit cards (but not AmEx) and they're definitely vegetarian friendly.
(4)
Barbara H.
Absolutely, wonderful. My work team was celebrating my birthday and selected Derae for lunch. There were 10 of us with different taste and dietary needs. The food did not disappoint. Mohammed the owner gave us VIP accommodations. He was gracious and explained each selection in great detail. A few in the group had not experienced Ethiopian cuisine. The service was extremely fast and efficient, particularly expressive with a large group. His generosity was above and beyond what you'd even expect in a southern establishment. He offered to provide a sample of an appetizer for the entire group (awesome). In addition, I was shocked when he effectively announced a money back guarantee - I guess it's not a risk when the food is this good. The portion is immense. I had enough leftover to take to my family and share for dinner(14 y/o boy and husband). They both have made me promise to take them this weekend. The price is extremely affordable. It truly is one place you should eat in Memphis before you die. Congratulations to the entire staff at Derae's for their excellence in service and product.
(5)
Ken H.
I came here expecting a lot and I was not disappointed. I had the goat and rice and it was absolutely delicious. I look forward to experiencing the rest of the menu.
(5)
Trivedi A.
This is East African-Mediterranean style restaurant and NOT ONLY Ethiopian restaurant. The host/owner/waiter of the restaurant is a very friendly person and will go through the menu. The options are really very very different. I tried Fuul special (comes with eggs) with bread. It was a very different experience trying this dish. My friends had goat/lamb with rice and they were super impressed. I would recommend this restaurant to everyone who likes to explore different cuisines and tastes. It is a MUST try.
(4)
Andee W.
The owner, Muhammad, is your tour guide as you eat your way through many African flavors.....The Fuul was everything it was cracked up to be. I liked it best with an egg. The chicken and rice was tasty and flavorful. In fact, everything I tried was excellent. Muhammad makes it an experience by lending a hand when its time to order. Listen to him!!!! I will be back. If fact, I can't believe that this is 10 minutes from my house and I've not been before!!
(5)
Ian C.
We came to Memphis for a couple of days and were curious about this Ethiopian restaurant we saw on yelp. We were indeed pleasantly surprised, we let the owner choose for us and sat for a wonderful meal. Talk about authentic, it rivals our Ethiopian Restaurant in California
(4)
ASM Iftekhar A.
We tried the Fuul and Hanid with rice. Those are some of the best foods you can find around. Muhammed is very cordial and hospitable. So if you are nearby don't forget to check it out.
(5)
Coco J.
I went to Derae once to pick up dinner and the food was very good! I'm a vegetarian and I like this place especially because they are very vegetarian friendly. The employee was very friendly and I plan on going back often. They close at 6 pm which is the only down side for me.
(5)
JoAnna H.
Yesterday I had lunch at Derae Ethiopian Restaurant on Park and Highland with a friend. The owner, Mohammad, was so warm and friendly. He treated us like family. He ordered for us the Ethiopian goat and rice dish and Mediterranean fuul. He brought us soup and an Ethiopian spiced tea as complimentary items for us to try. Everything was delicious. I just wanted to recommend this amazing little family owned restaurant to anyone in the area.
(5)
Latrice P.
very nice owner. aimed to please. food was tasty and prepared to your liking in terms of spice. good location for starving u of memphis students, staff, and faculty.
(3)
Frank Y.
I've eaten at this restaurant multiple times now, so this review should represent my consistent experience with their food. Rating system: 5 stars - Must try. You're really missing out if you don't. I'm a regular here 4 stars - Highly recommended, but may have minor things that keep me from being a regular 3 stars - Good most of the time but not great. Will only eat here if I have a particular craving, or am unable to eat at my 4 or 5 star choices 2 stars - Do not really like it but will only eat here if I have to (e.g. forced by friends) 1 star - Avoid. Save your money, time, and stomach Cross-posted and updated from my review on Urbanspoon last year in early 2013: My girlfriend and I decided to try this restaurant out after reading some of the positive reviews on Urbanspoon and on Yelp. We were greeted by one of the owners, who was extremely friendly and was very pleased when he found out that we had come because of the online reviews. He suggested for us to try the Fuul and the Hanid with rice, as well as some chai tea, as the previous reviewers wrote about. The Fuul is a dip/soup made with fava beans served with wheat french bread. The beans were delicious. It was mild in heat. The beans were cooked until almost refried bean-like in consistency but with more liquid (actually tastes similar to refried beans because of the onion and cumin), topped with olive oil, onions, jalapenos, black olives, and berbere (spicy African seasoning mix). This is going to be something we plan to order everytime we return [edit. since our first visit, every time we have eaten here, we have ordered the fuul without fail]. The Hanid and rice is roasted goat meat with spices, seasoned rice pilaf, and what appeared to be a beef gravy. It was also served with a green dipping sauce (tangy with cilantro, garlic, and jalapenos) that you can pour on your meat or rice. The dipping sauce had a medium heat. The meat and the rice were very flavorful. I have to point out though, some may not like goat because it has somewhat of a gamey taste (more than lamb but less than deer). I personally enjoyed it, but I know that many have not been exposed to it before. Nevertheless, it was delicious and the portions were plentiful. We were full with just that one entree and the appetizer. The chai tea was also tasty. For those that have not had chai before, it is a tea made with spices (you can usually find it in Indian restaurants). You can drink it with milk or without. We preferred it without milk. Also, you will want to add a little bit of sugar (about 1 teaspoon or so, to taste) as well. Review of other items: Derae Soup - I'm not sure if this was on the menu or not, but the owner let us try a bowl of this soup on the house and it was very tasty. It is more like a broth with a little bit of vegetables and herbs/spices (parsley, cumin seed, possibly some ground coriander seed and turmeric but hard to taste all the spices distinctly). Savory and flavorful with a nice tang (from lime juice). It reminds me of a Middle-Eastern lentil soup I used to make, but without the lentils. Maqli (sp?) - Beef sauce with seasoned basmati rice. This is actually the same beef sauce and rice that comes with the Hanid and Rice, but it is a larger portion of rice and meat sauce. A great alternative if they are either out of goat, or if you aren't in the mood for goat. Hulbat Marakh - This is a fenugreek stew. Large chunks of beef, a potato, and gravy made from fenugreek seeds and tomatoes, served on injera bread. The injera bread is the spongy, somewhat acidic, flat bread that you see in typical Ethiopian cuisine with spoonfuls of meats and vegetables on it. In this dish, however, you don't even see the bread. It is buried beneath the stew. The stew is very flavorful but I must warn you that it is a bit bitter. Fenugreek seeds have a bitter taste to them. Some say it has medicinal uses. So if you don't mind the bitter taste, then you may like this stew. Personally, I love fenugreek. But this is a dish I'd recommend with caution because it may not be to everyone's taste. This stew would be good with the seasoned basmati rice instead of the injera. I think I may request that next time I go. Chicken and Rice - Chicken breast sauteed with onions, chile peppers, and peppercorns, on top of their seasoned basmati rice. The chicken was properly cooked, ie, not too dry, and as with all of their dishes, was full of flavor. It was a bit spicy (medium in heat) and despite the flavors, I couldn't get over the fact that there were so many peppercorns in it! Every bite of food had peppercorns and so I kept having to spit them out, which took away from eating experience. The only time I had the chicken and rice was in early 2013, so it may have changed, because a more recent picture I saw of this dish did not show peppercorns.
(5)
Alice G.
I have not had much ethiopian food, but this restaurant made me very interested in exploring more ethiopian cuisine. We went there for a late lunch, and the owner was very friendly at explaining the menu to us noobies. We ordered whatever he recommended, which was the soup, vegetable platter, and the lamb and rice dish (the first one on the menu). I am in love with spices, and these dishes did not hold back. I also enjoyed the fact that I could adjust the heat with the lamb and rice dish with the chutney sauce. Wonderful customer service, yummy food, and great company made this a fantastic visit. I will be back soon!
(5)
Mocca T.
This is a great little place, nothing fancy, but solid simple inexpensive food, close to U of M. We had Fuul and Fatira. Fuul is something like an East African upgrade to an Italian stew of fava beans with a little olive oil, Ethiopian spices, olives, plain yoghurt (lightly tart contrast) and nicely toasted bread. Dipping it into this hearty rich stew works great both for taste and texture. Get the Fuul with a runny egg. Fatira is slightly spicier but by no means hot. Basically thin fried dough with green onions and eggs, cut into slices.
(5)
Jim E.
Derae Restaurant is an absolute gem if you are looking for good old authentic food. As soon as I walked in I was greeted by Mohammed, he is a super friendly guy and eger to please. I started with a vegetable soup that was out of this world. Next I moved on to the sambusa/samosas. I was a little disappointed here but only because they did not have any beef ones only vegetable but still very good. They were a little smaller than I am used to having them but perfect for an appetizer. Mohammed even threw in a couple Bajiya which were pretty good also but I prefer the sambusa. For my main course I had to go with the hanid and rice. Figured if the could pull that off everything must be amazing. Well turns out it to exceed my expectations. The meat was super tender and truly melted in your mouth. The rice and spicy sauce added to the entire experience. I will definitely be making this a regular lunch spot.
(5)
p a.
Fuul me everyday and I will be happy. Wonderful favors, great service and great tea - Mohamed and his wife have created a true culinary gem. I thought Memphis was known for its ribs, but this is the place I will remember. Thank you!
(5)
Lil B.
If you want to eat really great food with your hands, then you need to eat here. The owner is really sweet, he will come out and explain the menu and recommend foods to you. I ordered this beef stew that comes out on this very unique looking bread, i forgot the name of the bread. The bread looks like a huge gray crepe, and has s rubbery feel to it, it doesn't really have a taste to it, you use it to pick up your food with, which i loved doing. The owner explained how its made and what its made from, very interesting. My dish was really good, but what the restaurant was written up in the paper for was this stew call fuul. My sister ordered it, and let me just say, i crave that stuff all the time. Its amazing how good lentils and yogurt can taste together. It comes with this amazing bread that you eat it with. The food is so good, so yes come and eat and enjoy the food here.
(5)
Eric C.
The best Ethiopian food in Memphis only gets better. There are even more vegetarian offerings if you ask the owner. The vegetable soup is really good. Super friendly service & genuine enthusiasm to explain the food. Ask them to tone down the spices if you bring kids.
(5)
Karen H.
My sister and I went to Derae for the first time today. The gentleman who owns the restaurant was very friendly and attentive. He explained the food, made menu suggestions, and brought us samples. The food was excellent. I had the goat and rice. My sister had the chicken and rice. Everything was so flavorful that we just wanted to keep eating. There was no way we could have finished all of it though because the portion sizes were pretty big. The restaurant isn't very big, but it was such a happy place. Everyone was eating and happily chatting. We will definitely go back.
(5)
Kristin Y.
This is easily the best Ethiopian/East African food anywhere near Memphis. I am a massive snob when it comes to this particular ethnic cuisine and Derae hits the standard set for me by spots in Oakland, CA and DC. Besides that, the owners are friendly and accommodating and it never fails that I have a fascinating conversation with someone else waiting for their food. Today it was Abdul, a long-time Memphian by way of Somalia. Peace, Abdul. Check out Derae immediately. WARNING: Prepare to get extremely full!
(5)
Shauna M.
Amazing, flavorful food with great service! The husband runs the place and is the nicest guy you'll meet-he loves his customers and his enthusiasm shows it. His wife cooks, and boy can she cook! I came on a Saturday evening. There were 9 of us, so we got to sample a lot of the menu. We had Fuul, Hanid, Tibs, the chicken, the veggie combo and sambusas (both meat and the veggie ones). All were delicious. All the meats were cooked perfectly (I haven't had luck with chicken at Ethiopian/E. African places but theirs was perfectly tender) and the flavors were amazing. Even the rice was flavorful! The portions are a good size (we had leftovers to take home) and I was surprised at how small the check was! I will definitely be back!
(5)
John D.
Best Ethiopian food I've had in Memphis. I always ask "what's the best thing on the menu?" and I am frequently ragged on by friends and family for asking the same question everywhere. Walking into Derae for the first time, I didn't ask that question (for the first time in a long time). I didn't need to- the owner immediately sat down and told us his favorite items on the menu. Get the Sambusa, Fuul and veggie dishes. You'll blow $22 after tax for an amount of excellent food that could feed 3 - 4 people or fully stuff 2 people. Will be back next weekend
(5)
Andrea P.
Tasty food. Super friendly owner waited on us and made great recommendations.
(5)
Kim E.
Awesome... the host is wonderful... the food is great! I loved my experience there!
(5)
Chris B.
Very nice! Fresh ingredients and excellent injera bread. Customer service is a breath of fresh air. Enjoyed fuul and vegetarian combination platter. Got dessert for complimentary tasting and it was delicious, albeit a bit heavy for me.
(5)
Lon A.
Amazing, just amazing!! We had the Fuul, chicken & rice, the veggie platter, and sambusa & bajiya - I couldn't decide which I loved more! We'll be back!!
(5)
Bridget P.
Delicious food coupled with excellent service? Derae has got it going on! We tried the fuul with egg, sambusas, and bajiya, all of which I would highly recommend. The kind man working here was very helpful and accommodating, and was excited to treat us to this flavorful cuisine. Definitely grab a cup of the homemade tea, which is the perfect accompaniment, especially for breakfast. All together (with our 10% off check in coupon) the two of us made it out for under $15, fat and happy.
(5)
Deanna W.
There's a reason why this place has 5 stars! Like Joelle said, don't let its location psyche you out. This place is a hidden gem! The owner could not be any sweeter and love giving us recommendations. The appetizer was amazing. And then the rice came out. Incredible. It's was just the right amount of spice and flavor! You can tell they really love what they do! Definitely will be back :))!!
(5)
Joelle P.
Yesssss oh my gosh YES! I was a little hesitant due to the part of town...but as soon as I walked in the door, all of my worries fell to the side. The owner is so nice and I let him order for me because I'm not an expert with Ethiopian food by any means (even though I love it every time I have it)...best decision ever by the way...and I highly recommend you do the same. He just kept bringing food left and right for me to try...and it is so reasonably priced, my bill was still teensy tinsy. Bottom line: this place is legit.
(5)
Srishti S.
I have been coming here regularly. And the quality and passion is just the same. My favorite still is the Bhajiya and fuul with the awesome hot tea. They sometimes are out of Bhajiya, so I always call and confirm in advance. I have eaten Ethiopian food in Boston, NY, DC, NOLA and so many other places. But no other place has such flavorful fuul. This is truly a hidden gem of Memphis.
(5)
Chris C.
Best Ethiopian-style food in Memphis? Quite possibly. The lamb tibs (essentially, strips of spiced meat) are probably my favorite, but the fuul is excellent as well. I also saw at least one carnivore nearly convert to vegetarianism after trying the veggie combo. In short, pretty much all the topics we tried were great. On my most recent trip last week, I discovered the meat samosas which were phenomenal. Normally, samosas often either have the meat get kind of mushy within the crust, but these tasted fresh and delicious with a unique set of spices. For $2, I would order 5 servings of them for lunch in the future. Owner was extremely helpful as others have mentioned and even poured the normally hot tea over ice. Can't believe there was nobody else there at lunchtime--it's definitely worth it, if only for a bowl of fuul and samosas if you need a snack. One tip: the AC works nicely (unlike some other restaurants I've found) and even on one of the hottest days in awhile, the interior was cool.
(5)
Steve K.
If you are looking for something truly authentic then this is the place. I had the Hanid and Rice. Great meal. I received great service. I travel all the time around this country. Memphis has got this great little treasure in a quite unexpected place.
(5)
Andres C.
Great service. Food is delicious. Fast and easily to find location with accessible parking space.
(5)
Nader K.
Flavorful food at very reasonable prices. Owner was very helpful. Definitely coming back.
(4)
Bailey P.
This food is sooooooo good. This was the first time I had Ethiopian food, so I didn't really know what to expect. The owner was sooooooo friendly. He gave us amazing suggestions, and he even showed me how to eat it! We loved every bite. Good appetizers, the veggie plate was delicious, and the tea was fantastic. So glad we tried this place, we will certainly be back!
(5)
Shu J.
We went to this small family operation for lunch, and so glad we did! We had the Soup, Sambosa, Bhajiya (similar to Indian pakora), Fuul, and Vegetarian meal with spongy Injira bread. Everything was absolutely delicious. The warm spiciness & richness of the food kept me satiated all day long. I can't wait to go back and order large quantities of yummy lentils. The best part of the experience was meeting Muhammad. What a stellar guy! He was wonderful to talk to, very genuine, and very eager to help you understand Ethiopian cuisine. He made several recommendations to us, and we were happy with all the options. This place is such a hidden gem! If you love ethnic food, put this on your restaurant itinerary stat.
(5)
Kishan G.
Magnificent!!! No words to describe this experience. Got off work for lunch. Your average 100 degree day. We walk in and the host was very friendly. I know my way around the cuisine and got a vegetable platter. The veggie dishes were served on a huge injera bread. Very tasty. It was like eating at someone's home. Will return soon.
(5)
Samad F.
Hungry for some fulfilling Friday lunch, I decided to check out Derae Restaurant after stalking it on Yelp for quite some time. Unlike Instagram stalking someone's page and accidentally liking someones picture from 53 weeks deep, I did not regret this decision. When my wife and I pulled up to the establishment, we definitely had our doubts about the place. But, as I have learned about a lot of joints in Memphis, you cannot judge a restaurant by ANY of its physical features. we decided to pursue the restaurant and hopped on inside. We were greeted by the owner, Mohammed, who has a very colorful personality. He was able to walk us through the entire menu and asked up about our eating habits and formulated a meal plan for us based on what were used to eating. We went with his suggestion of Hanid and Rice, which is a type of goat and rice dish, and the lamb stew on Injera, which is a heaping pile of beef stew on a bed of gluten-free bread made of teff. Teff is native to Ethiopia and had a consistency that i was not used to at all. nonetheless, we enjoyed every bite of it. There was plenty of food so we even had enough to take home for dinner. Derae was a great experience and if you are in the market for some authentic Ethiopian food, come and check out this wonderful establisement!
(5)
Onederful P.
The owner was very friendly and the food was the best I've had in Memphis...I'm from NYC btw. If you love quality food that's inexpensive then you can't go wrong with the Derae restaurant.
(5)
Samantha B.
I needed to find somewhere Vegetarian friendly and this place popped up on my Yelp app as being that as well as being right around the corner from my friend's house that we were at at the time. She had always meant to give this place a shot so she was excited to go here. Four of us went, two vegetarians and two omnivores. We ended up sitting on opposite sides of the table, which worked best for sharing our respective dishes anyway. The owner greeted us the moment we walked in and helped us pick out things to try. He told us he would bring out appetizers and if we didn't like them we didn't have to pay for them. Not only did he do that, but he made it so there were two meat appetizers and four vegetarian ones so we omnivores could try everything as well. We thought that was a nice touch and we loved the appetizers as well. The owner actually picked out our meals for us- which at first unsettled each of us until we realized he was just trying to help. Also, he picked out things we wanted to try anyway, so it was fine with us. He picked the Veggie Combination, Hanid and Rice, and Fuul (which is on the Memphis' list of 100 things you have to eat before you die). Ok, one thing you gotta get right about Ethiopian food is that it's meant to be shared. You aren't really supposed to get one meal per person but rather one for two or three people. In fact, none of use finished our food and we only ordered two main courses!! But that's also likely thanks to the side dish and appetizers we ate as well. I didn't really like the Hanid and Rice because I don't really like goat. But on that same note, it tasted delicious for goat meat, so that's a really big plus in their favor. I will definitely get lamb or chicken (if available) next time because I know I will enjoy that more. I've eaten at other places and got meals that came with all the vegetables my friend's Veggie Combination came with. I sorely missed them and definitely hope there's a meat meal here that comes with them as well. This place is amazing because not only did we basically order two dishes, a side, and some appetizers, but they were crazy affordable. After using our 10% off check-in bonus and splitting the bill 4 ways, our food only cost $8.25 per person. Freaking amazing. Loved: - Cabbage - Kale - Lentils - Samubusa - Shatni Sauce - Veggie Combination Ok: - Bajiya - Fuul Nah: - Hanid and Rice - Potato mixture
(5)
Andy M.
SENSATIONAL. I walked out fuller than I've been in months because I couldn't bring myself to stop. The quality of the food was matched by the delightful company of the restaurant's owner, Mohammed Omer, whose presence was a delightful addition to the meal. He made excellent recommendations to a newcomer like myself without overwhelming me. He owns and runs the restaurant with his wife, Zenub Abdurahman, whose cooking could rival anyone alive. It's no wonder their dishes were included in the Commercial Appeal as #6 on the "101 Memphis Dishes You Should Eat Before You Die." GO HUNGRY! YOU'LL NEED THE ROOM!
(5)
Samantha B.
I needed to find somewhere Vegetarian friendly and this place popped up on my Yelp app as being that as well as being right around the corner from my friend's house that we were at at the time. She had always meant to give this place a shot so she was excited to go here. Four of us went, two vegetarians and two omnivores. We ended up sitting on opposite sides of the table, which worked best for sharing our respective dishes anyway. The owner greeted us the moment we walked in and helped us pick out things to try. He told us he would bring out appetizers and if we didn't like them we didn't have to pay for them. Not only did he do that, but he made it so there were two meat appetizers and four vegetarian ones so we omnivores could try everything as well. We thought that was a nice touch and we loved the appetizers as well. The owner actually picked out our meals for us- which at first unsettled each of us until we realized he was just trying to help. Also, he picked out things we wanted to try anyway, so it was fine with us. He picked the Veggie Combination, Hanid and Rice, and Fuul (which is on the Memphis' list of 100 things you have to eat before you die). Ok, one thing you gotta get right about Ethiopian food is that it's meant to be shared. You aren't really supposed to get one meal per person but rather one for two or three people. In fact, none of use finished our food and we only ordered two main courses!! But that's also likely thanks to the side dish and appetizers we ate as well. I didn't really like the Hanid and Rice because I don't really like goat. But on that same note, it tasted delicious for goat meat, so that's a really big plus in their favor. I will definitely get lamb or chicken (if available) next time because I know I will enjoy that more. I've eaten at other places and got meals that came with all the vegetables my friend's Veggie Combination came with. I sorely missed them and definitely hope there's a meat meal here that comes with them as well. This place is amazing because not only did we basically order two dishes, a side, and some appetizers, but they were crazy affordable. After using our 10% off check-in bonus and splitting the bill 4 ways, our food only cost $8.25 per person. Freaking amazing. Loved: - Cabbage - Kale - Lentils - Samubusa - Shatni Sauce - Veggie Combination Ok: - Bajiya - Fuul Nah: - Hanid and Rice - Potato mixture
(5)
Joelle P.
Yesssss oh my gosh YES! I was a little hesitant due to the part of town...but as soon as I walked in the door, all of my worries fell to the side. The owner is so nice and I let him order for me because I'm not an expert with Ethiopian food by any means (even though I love it every time I have it)...best decision ever by the way...and I highly recommend you do the same. He just kept bringing food left and right for me to try...and it is so reasonably priced, my bill was still teensy tinsy. Bottom line: this place is legit.
(5)
Margaret H.
The food was delicious with ample servings there was some left to snack on the next day. That was only half of it, the service was spectacular ! I really enjoyed my time chatting with the owner who really made sure I was satisfied and had a good mix of everything he offered. Will do again.
(5)
Randy S.
A hidden gem. Great food accompanied with even better service! If you're looking for an alternative ethnic dining experience, then you have to stop into this place.
(5)
p a.
Fuul me everyday and I will be happy. Wonderful favors, great service and great tea - Mohamed and his wife have created a true culinary gem. I thought Memphis was known for its ribs, but this is the place I will remember. Thank you!
(5)
Lil B.
If you want to eat really great food with your hands, then you need to eat here. The owner is really sweet, he will come out and explain the menu and recommend foods to you. I ordered this beef stew that comes out on this very unique looking bread, i forgot the name of the bread. The bread looks like a huge gray crepe, and has s rubbery feel to it, it doesn't really have a taste to it, you use it to pick up your food with, which i loved doing. The owner explained how its made and what its made from, very interesting. My dish was really good, but what the restaurant was written up in the paper for was this stew call fuul. My sister ordered it, and let me just say, i crave that stuff all the time. Its amazing how good lentils and yogurt can taste together. It comes with this amazing bread that you eat it with. The food is so good, so yes come and eat and enjoy the food here.
(5)
Khalid Z.
The service here is amazing. I've been to my fair share of Ethiopian restaurants in Atlanta, but none like this. We ordered fatirah, a mix of chopped Ethiopian flatbread, eggs, meat, spices, and vegetables. It really reminded me of some Greek spinach and feta cheese puff pastries I used to eat in California. The chef is very personable and is willing to go out of his way to please any customer. He forgot the milk for our coffee, found out he ran out, went next door to get some more and came back to serve it in less than a minute. Needless to say, I was very impressed by this experience
(5)
Andee W.
The owner, Muhammad, is your tour guide as you eat your way through many African flavors.....The Fuul was everything it was cracked up to be. I liked it best with an egg. The chicken and rice was tasty and flavorful. In fact, everything I tried was excellent. Muhammad makes it an experience by lending a hand when its time to order. Listen to him!!!! I will be back. If fact, I can't believe that this is 10 minutes from my house and I've not been before!!
(5)
Mocca T.
This is a great little place, nothing fancy, but solid simple inexpensive food, close to U of M. We had Fuul and Fatira. Fuul is something like an East African upgrade to an Italian stew of fava beans with a little olive oil, Ethiopian spices, olives, plain yoghurt (lightly tart contrast) and nicely toasted bread. Dipping it into this hearty rich stew works great both for taste and texture. Get the Fuul with a runny egg. Fatira is slightly spicier but by no means hot. Basically thin fried dough with green onions and eggs, cut into slices.
(5)
Ian C.
We came to Memphis for a couple of days and were curious about this Ethiopian restaurant we saw on yelp. We were indeed pleasantly surprised, we let the owner choose for us and sat for a wonderful meal. Talk about authentic, it rivals our Ethiopian Restaurant in California
(4)
Kristin Y.
This is easily the best Ethiopian/East African food anywhere near Memphis. I am a massive snob when it comes to this particular ethnic cuisine and Derae hits the standard set for me by spots in Oakland, CA and DC. Besides that, the owners are friendly and accommodating and it never fails that I have a fascinating conversation with someone else waiting for their food. Today it was Abdul, a long-time Memphian by way of Somalia. Peace, Abdul. Check out Derae immediately. WARNING: Prepare to get extremely full!
(5)
Shauna M.
Amazing, flavorful food with great service! The husband runs the place and is the nicest guy you'll meet-he loves his customers and his enthusiasm shows it. His wife cooks, and boy can she cook! I came on a Saturday evening. There were 9 of us, so we got to sample a lot of the menu. We had Fuul, Hanid, Tibs, the chicken, the veggie combo and sambusas (both meat and the veggie ones). All were delicious. All the meats were cooked perfectly (I haven't had luck with chicken at Ethiopian/E. African places but theirs was perfectly tender) and the flavors were amazing. Even the rice was flavorful! The portions are a good size (we had leftovers to take home) and I was surprised at how small the check was! I will definitely be back!
(5)
John D.
Best Ethiopian food I've had in Memphis. I always ask "what's the best thing on the menu?" and I am frequently ragged on by friends and family for asking the same question everywhere. Walking into Derae for the first time, I didn't ask that question (for the first time in a long time). I didn't need to- the owner immediately sat down and told us his favorite items on the menu. Get the Sambusa, Fuul and veggie dishes. You'll blow $22 after tax for an amount of excellent food that could feed 3 - 4 people or fully stuff 2 people. Will be back next weekend
(5)
Andrea P.
Tasty food. Super friendly owner waited on us and made great recommendations.
(5)
Kim E.
Awesome... the host is wonderful... the food is great! I loved my experience there!
(5)
Chris B.
Very nice! Fresh ingredients and excellent injera bread. Customer service is a breath of fresh air. Enjoyed fuul and vegetarian combination platter. Got dessert for complimentary tasting and it was delicious, albeit a bit heavy for me.
(5)
Lon A.
Amazing, just amazing!! We had the Fuul, chicken & rice, the veggie platter, and sambusa & bajiya - I couldn't decide which I loved more! We'll be back!!
(5)
Samad F.
Hungry for some fulfilling Friday lunch, I decided to check out Derae Restaurant after stalking it on Yelp for quite some time. Unlike Instagram stalking someone's page and accidentally liking someones picture from 53 weeks deep, I did not regret this decision. When my wife and I pulled up to the establishment, we definitely had our doubts about the place. But, as I have learned about a lot of joints in Memphis, you cannot judge a restaurant by ANY of its physical features. we decided to pursue the restaurant and hopped on inside. We were greeted by the owner, Mohammed, who has a very colorful personality. He was able to walk us through the entire menu and asked up about our eating habits and formulated a meal plan for us based on what were used to eating. We went with his suggestion of Hanid and Rice, which is a type of goat and rice dish, and the lamb stew on Injera, which is a heaping pile of beef stew on a bed of gluten-free bread made of teff. Teff is native to Ethiopia and had a consistency that i was not used to at all. nonetheless, we enjoyed every bite of it. There was plenty of food so we even had enough to take home for dinner. Derae was a great experience and if you are in the market for some authentic Ethiopian food, come and check out this wonderful establisement!
(5)
Onederful P.
The owner was very friendly and the food was the best I've had in Memphis...I'm from NYC btw. If you love quality food that's inexpensive then you can't go wrong with the Derae restaurant.
(5)
Bridget P.
Delicious food coupled with excellent service? Derae has got it going on! We tried the fuul with egg, sambusas, and bajiya, all of which I would highly recommend. The kind man working here was very helpful and accommodating, and was excited to treat us to this flavorful cuisine. Definitely grab a cup of the homemade tea, which is the perfect accompaniment, especially for breakfast. All together (with our 10% off check in coupon) the two of us made it out for under $15, fat and happy.
(5)
Deanna W.
There's a reason why this place has 5 stars! Like Joelle said, don't let its location psyche you out. This place is a hidden gem! The owner could not be any sweeter and love giving us recommendations. The appetizer was amazing. And then the rice came out. Incredible. It's was just the right amount of spice and flavor! You can tell they really love what they do! Definitely will be back :))!!
(5)
Maria B.
I just had lunch at Derae. I ordered the Hanid, and it was to die for. This dish of goat meat with basmati rice came with a salad of fresh mixed greens as well as a small serving of their clear vegetable soup with a splash of lime, which was on the house. All of it was delicious, fresh, and seemed to be prepared with great care. The service was also fast and attentive. I'm hesitant to compare this place to Abyssinia, another local Ethiopian restaurant that I love. I will say that while many of the popular lunchtime spots in Midtown and the University of Memphis area might serve food that is "just good", Derae is setting a higher bar for excellence.
(5)
Florestela G.
I have been craving something different and this place really hit the spot. The owner and his wife are very friendly. Being that it was my first time here, the owner was kind enough to help me choose what to order. I had the vegetarian sambusa and bajiya for appetizers. Both blew my mind with the extra hot green salsa it comes with. The Hanid and Rice made me realize how I've missed goat meat. I took a lot of food to go, since the portions are very generous. Also ask them what kind of desserts they have, it's not on the menu. I chose the tiramisu to go and his wife told him not to charge me for it. Overall I liked how chill this place is, the owners are awesome, and the food is great, plus very low price.
(5)
Justin A.
I've been to Derae twice and the food was great both times. Very great for breakfast and dinner (I haven't been there for lunch but I'm sure that would be just as amazing). You must try the fatira! And the tea is excellent as well!
(5)
Jack B.
Delicious food, wonderful owner. If you're new to Ethiopian food or are not familiar with the menu, Mohammad will recommend two fantastic dishes that are sure to fill at least 2 people up nicely. I hope Mohammad brings this restaurant closer to downtown soon so I can enjoy it more often!
(5)
Chelsea R.
This place is awesome. We took everyone's advice and had Muhammad order for us. He came and explained the menu to us, as well as what he would be ordering for us. He started us out with the veggie Sambusa's that came out with a spicy green chutney. It was spicy but in the sense that it had a good kick and flavor and it wasn't unbearable. Then he brought out this soup that he said was on the house, which was perfect for the rainy day that we had come. Then he got us the Hanid (goat) and rice and the Fuul. The Fuul was my favorite. He brought it out with this really good bread and showed us how to eat it. Another honorable mention was the tea, it pairs well with the Fuul (per a tip from Muhammad). He and his wife run the restaurant, he laughed and said the tea was the only thing he made and his wife prepares the rest of the food.
(5)
Casey B.
I can't speak highly enough of this place. I lived in Ethiopia for a bit, and this is the best Ethiopian food I've had in the states. The owner is extremely friendly. The atmosphere is fun. Very reasonably priced. Don't hesitate. Go! :)
(5)
Stacie F.
Awesome meal with Mohammed and Zanub! The food was amazing and the service was perfect. Highly recommend!!!
(5)
Nancy K.
Super sad because we have been craving Ethiopian for a while and maybe, just maybe, my hopes were a little too high for this place. We ordered the veggie sampler and doro wat and I think my main disappointments were that 1. the injera is kinda thick, 2. the veggie sampler wasn't amazing by any means and seemed tailored to more "americanized" tastes. Less importantly, 3. we were charged for two bottles of water ($1 each) when we asked for water and then also charged for an appetizer ($2) that we didn't order and thought was a complimentary item that was just placed on our table. Not really a big deal but it's a big pet peeve of mine to be charged for things unknowingly not matter how cheap the cost. Still a good place to try if you've never had Ethiopian food and there's lots of livingsocial/groupons available right now for it.
(3)
Sean M.
I never write reviews of anyplace, but this place is awesome, just go - you definitely won't be disappointed.
(5)
JoAnna H.
Yesterday I had lunch at Derae Ethiopian Restaurant on Park and Highland with a friend. The owner, Mohammad, was so warm and friendly. He treated us like family. He ordered for us the Ethiopian goat and rice dish and Mediterranean fuul. He brought us soup and an Ethiopian spiced tea as complimentary items for us to try. Everything was delicious. I just wanted to recommend this amazing little family owned restaurant to anyone in the area.
(5)
Latrice P.
very nice owner. aimed to please. food was tasty and prepared to your liking in terms of spice. good location for starving u of memphis students, staff, and faculty.
(3)
Frank Y.
I've eaten at this restaurant multiple times now, so this review should represent my consistent experience with their food. Rating system: 5 stars - Must try. You're really missing out if you don't. I'm a regular here 4 stars - Highly recommended, but may have minor things that keep me from being a regular 3 stars - Good most of the time but not great. Will only eat here if I have a particular craving, or am unable to eat at my 4 or 5 star choices 2 stars - Do not really like it but will only eat here if I have to (e.g. forced by friends) 1 star - Avoid. Save your money, time, and stomach Cross-posted and updated from my review on Urbanspoon last year in early 2013: My girlfriend and I decided to try this restaurant out after reading some of the positive reviews on Urbanspoon and on Yelp. We were greeted by one of the owners, who was extremely friendly and was very pleased when he found out that we had come because of the online reviews. He suggested for us to try the Fuul and the Hanid with rice, as well as some chai tea, as the previous reviewers wrote about. The Fuul is a dip/soup made with fava beans served with wheat french bread. The beans were delicious. It was mild in heat. The beans were cooked until almost refried bean-like in consistency but with more liquid (actually tastes similar to refried beans because of the onion and cumin), topped with olive oil, onions, jalapenos, black olives, and berbere (spicy African seasoning mix). This is going to be something we plan to order everytime we return [edit. since our first visit, every time we have eaten here, we have ordered the fuul without fail]. The Hanid and rice is roasted goat meat with spices, seasoned rice pilaf, and what appeared to be a beef gravy. It was also served with a green dipping sauce (tangy with cilantro, garlic, and jalapenos) that you can pour on your meat or rice. The dipping sauce had a medium heat. The meat and the rice were very flavorful. I have to point out though, some may not like goat because it has somewhat of a gamey taste (more than lamb but less than deer). I personally enjoyed it, but I know that many have not been exposed to it before. Nevertheless, it was delicious and the portions were plentiful. We were full with just that one entree and the appetizer. The chai tea was also tasty. For those that have not had chai before, it is a tea made with spices (you can usually find it in Indian restaurants). You can drink it with milk or without. We preferred it without milk. Also, you will want to add a little bit of sugar (about 1 teaspoon or so, to taste) as well. Review of other items: Derae Soup - I'm not sure if this was on the menu or not, but the owner let us try a bowl of this soup on the house and it was very tasty. It is more like a broth with a little bit of vegetables and herbs/spices (parsley, cumin seed, possibly some ground coriander seed and turmeric but hard to taste all the spices distinctly). Savory and flavorful with a nice tang (from lime juice). It reminds me of a Middle-Eastern lentil soup I used to make, but without the lentils. Maqli (sp?) - Beef sauce with seasoned basmati rice. This is actually the same beef sauce and rice that comes with the Hanid and Rice, but it is a larger portion of rice and meat sauce. A great alternative if they are either out of goat, or if you aren't in the mood for goat. Hulbat Marakh - This is a fenugreek stew. Large chunks of beef, a potato, and gravy made from fenugreek seeds and tomatoes, served on injera bread. The injera bread is the spongy, somewhat acidic, flat bread that you see in typical Ethiopian cuisine with spoonfuls of meats and vegetables on it. In this dish, however, you don't even see the bread. It is buried beneath the stew. The stew is very flavorful but I must warn you that it is a bit bitter. Fenugreek seeds have a bitter taste to them. Some say it has medicinal uses. So if you don't mind the bitter taste, then you may like this stew. Personally, I love fenugreek. But this is a dish I'd recommend with caution because it may not be to everyone's taste. This stew would be good with the seasoned basmati rice instead of the injera. I think I may request that next time I go. Chicken and Rice - Chicken breast sauteed with onions, chile peppers, and peppercorns, on top of their seasoned basmati rice. The chicken was properly cooked, ie, not too dry, and as with all of their dishes, was full of flavor. It was a bit spicy (medium in heat) and despite the flavors, I couldn't get over the fact that there were so many peppercorns in it! Every bite of food had peppercorns and so I kept having to spit them out, which took away from eating experience. The only time I had the chicken and rice was in early 2013, so it may have changed, because a more recent picture I saw of this dish did not show peppercorns.
(5)
Kerry C.
As much as I used to love Abyssinia, it's kind of taken a dive lately. The food is still pretty good, it's just not as amazing as it used to be. That's why I'm glad I saw Bianca mention Derae on her blog a few days ago. It's a new-ish Ethiopian and Middle Eastern restaurant on Highland, just a little bit south of Park. I was all excited about going yesterday, until I realized that they're closed on Mondays. When I went for lunch today, my friend John and I were the only people in the restaurant. It's a nice, bright space and it's very clean. The server / owner / cook (at least, I think he was all three) gave us menus and made a few recommendations. Since I trusted his knowledge of the food more than mine, we ordered what he told us to get: fuul, hanid and rice and the special hot tea. The tea was served with milk, and it tasted a little bit citrusy. The server brought over sugar, which I skipped, but adding it makes the tea taste a lot like really good Chai. The fuul, which is on the breakfast menu, came out first. Fuul, Derae, Memphis, Tenn. It's a medium spicy stew-like dish made from fava beans, olive oil, onions, jalepenos, paprika and a little bit of cottage cheese. The fuul is meant to be eaten like a dip, so it comes with a basket of the fluffiest, warmest, most delicious basket of wheat bread. (At first, I skipped the dipping in favor of shoveling the bread straight into my mouth. It really is that good.) The hanid was a giant plate of rice topped with tender (but kind of gamy) pieces of goat meat and a mild meat sauce (in the foreground of the picture). There was a little bowl of spicy green sauce on the side for dipping. It was very good and super filling. Even with two of us, we wound up with a to-go box. I'll definitely be back - Derae has picked up where my once-beloved Abyssinia left off, albeit a little differently. The quality of the food was great, the service was very friendly, and the price - $21 for two of us (fuul, hanid and rice, two teas, two bottles of water) - was great. Derae Restaurant is open Tuesday - Sunday from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. They accept most credit cards (but not AmEx) and they're definitely vegetarian friendly.
(4)
Trivedi A.
This is East African-Mediterranean style restaurant and NOT ONLY Ethiopian restaurant. The host/owner/waiter of the restaurant is a very friendly person and will go through the menu. The options are really very very different. I tried Fuul special (comes with eggs) with bread. It was a very different experience trying this dish. My friends had goat/lamb with rice and they were super impressed. I would recommend this restaurant to everyone who likes to explore different cuisines and tastes. It is a MUST try.
(4)
ASM Iftekhar A.
We tried the Fuul and Hanid with rice. Those are some of the best foods you can find around. Muhammed is very cordial and hospitable. So if you are nearby don't forget to check it out.
(5)
Coco J.
I went to Derae once to pick up dinner and the food was very good! I'm a vegetarian and I like this place especially because they are very vegetarian friendly. The employee was very friendly and I plan on going back often. They close at 6 pm which is the only down side for me.
(5)
Chris C.
Best Ethiopian-style food in Memphis? Quite possibly. The lamb tibs (essentially, strips of spiced meat) are probably my favorite, but the fuul is excellent as well. I also saw at least one carnivore nearly convert to vegetarianism after trying the veggie combo. In short, pretty much all the topics we tried were great. On my most recent trip last week, I discovered the meat samosas which were phenomenal. Normally, samosas often either have the meat get kind of mushy within the crust, but these tasted fresh and delicious with a unique set of spices. For $2, I would order 5 servings of them for lunch in the future. Owner was extremely helpful as others have mentioned and even poured the normally hot tea over ice. Can't believe there was nobody else there at lunchtime--it's definitely worth it, if only for a bowl of fuul and samosas if you need a snack. One tip: the AC works nicely (unlike some other restaurants I've found) and even on one of the hottest days in awhile, the interior was cool.
(5)
Steve K.
If you are looking for something truly authentic then this is the place. I had the Hanid and Rice. Great meal. I received great service. I travel all the time around this country. Memphis has got this great little treasure in a quite unexpected place.
(5)
Bailey P.
This food is sooooooo good. This was the first time I had Ethiopian food, so I didn't really know what to expect. The owner was sooooooo friendly. He gave us amazing suggestions, and he even showed me how to eat it! We loved every bite. Good appetizers, the veggie plate was delicious, and the tea was fantastic. So glad we tried this place, we will certainly be back!
(5)
Shu J.
We went to this small family operation for lunch, and so glad we did! We had the Soup, Sambosa, Bhajiya (similar to Indian pakora), Fuul, and Vegetarian meal with spongy Injira bread. Everything was absolutely delicious. The warm spiciness & richness of the food kept me satiated all day long. I can't wait to go back and order large quantities of yummy lentils. The best part of the experience was meeting Muhammad. What a stellar guy! He was wonderful to talk to, very genuine, and very eager to help you understand Ethiopian cuisine. He made several recommendations to us, and we were happy with all the options. This place is such a hidden gem! If you love ethnic food, put this on your restaurant itinerary stat.
(5)
Kishan G.
Magnificent!!! No words to describe this experience. Got off work for lunch. Your average 100 degree day. We walk in and the host was very friendly. I know my way around the cuisine and got a vegetable platter. The veggie dishes were served on a huge injera bread. Very tasty. It was like eating at someone's home. Will return soon.
(5)
Srishti S.
I have been coming here regularly. And the quality and passion is just the same. My favorite still is the Bhajiya and fuul with the awesome hot tea. They sometimes are out of Bhajiya, so I always call and confirm in advance. I have eaten Ethiopian food in Boston, NY, DC, NOLA and so many other places. But no other place has such flavorful fuul. This is truly a hidden gem of Memphis.
(5)
Russell W.
Five star restaurants on Yelp with more than few reviews are rare. Combine that with me only having had exceptional Ethiopian food in DC, I felt I may get let down. Luckily for me, that was not the case! I don't know what I ate, I just told the gentleman Muhammad to pick for me. I wanted to go back to try another dish he was equally proud of, but sadly I didn't have enough time. But the food is great. I went at an off time and Muhammad even sat down with me at the table talking about Ethiopia and his background. Whenever I'm back in Memphis, I will be back to try that other dish he is proud of.
(5)
Alison H.
The fuul is amazing, and the vegetable platter is really good! The man who works here is always so warm, welcoming, and inviting. Can't recommend this place enough! We hope to make it a weekly lunching place for our co-workers.
(5)
Colin B.
This is our new spot. Anytime either of us asks the other what they're in the mood for, the answer is Derae. Muhammad and his family are very welcoming and friendly. He's excited to share his food with everyone. If you're new to African cuisine, don't even worry, he'll walk you through. It honestly feels like you're sitting in someones home, eating a meal with them. Much of this has to do with the hospitality, but the main reason is the food. It feels like a family dinner, because it is. Muhammad's wife is cook, and a fine one at that. I'm pretty sure we could live off the Fuul and bread. For ~6 bucks, it might be the best deal in Memphis. I was lucky enough to be there on a weekend when they prepare Hulbat. It's a red sauce that's kind of tangy, made from fenugreek and other spices, ladled over the top of injera bread with a huge potato and several large pieces of stewed roast beef. It was enough food for 3 meals. Think African Chilaquiles. Get the coffee at the end of the meal. If his wife's made desert, you'd hate yourself if you didn't get it. This place is everything a mom and pop restaurant should be. You better go before you can't get a seat!
(5)
Eric C.
The best Ethiopian food in Memphis only gets better. There are even more vegetarian offerings if you ask the owner. The vegetable soup is really good. Super friendly service & genuine enthusiasm to explain the food. Ask them to tone down the spices if you bring kids.
(5)
Sean M.
My wife and I passed through here on the way to Atlanta based in other yelp reviews. We were not disappointed. The food and service were excellent. If you are unfamiliar with Ethiopian fare, just ask Muhammed. Friendly, fast and delicious!
(5)
Michael E.
This place is great! I was in town for a conference and when I heard about this place I knew I just had to try it. When we arrived the owner met us at the door. We asked him to give us whatever he recommended. He brought out several of his most popular dishes. Everything was full of flavor and prepared with care. Even though I was only in town for about nine days, I manged to come here three times. I cannot recommend this place enough. I recommend not using the menu and letting the owner take care of you. It also works best when you come with a group, as many of the dishes are perfect for sharing.
(5)
Karen H.
My sister and I went to Derae for the first time today. The gentleman who owns the restaurant was very friendly and attentive. He explained the food, made menu suggestions, and brought us samples. The food was excellent. I had the goat and rice. My sister had the chicken and rice. Everything was so flavorful that we just wanted to keep eating. There was no way we could have finished all of it though because the portion sizes were pretty big. The restaurant isn't very big, but it was such a happy place. Everyone was eating and happily chatting. We will definitely go back.
(5)
Jim E.
Derae Restaurant is an absolute gem if you are looking for good old authentic food. As soon as I walked in I was greeted by Mohammed, he is a super friendly guy and eger to please. I started with a vegetable soup that was out of this world. Next I moved on to the sambusa/samosas. I was a little disappointed here but only because they did not have any beef ones only vegetable but still very good. They were a little smaller than I am used to having them but perfect for an appetizer. Mohammed even threw in a couple Bajiya which were pretty good also but I prefer the sambusa. For my main course I had to go with the hanid and rice. Figured if the could pull that off everything must be amazing. Well turns out it to exceed my expectations. The meat was super tender and truly melted in your mouth. The rice and spicy sauce added to the entire experience. I will definitely be making this a regular lunch spot.
(5)
Casey B.
Found this place on groupon and decided to give it a try. I am very glad I did. When we came, the owner, Mohammad, greeted us and sat us. He was very friendly and welcoming. He is passionate about their food and we learned his wife is the chef there. I'll tell ya now, she can cook! He told us he is confident anything she makes will be good, which got me excited out the upcoming food. He also told us "she only cooks for money though, and not for me" hahaha. We decided to let him choose our dishes for us. We started with the Sambusa. These were delicious little pastry pockets of seasoned meat. Next we had Bajiya and this too was excellent. For the main course we got goat and rice and also the veggie combination. Once again, everything we were served was full of great flavor and very scrumptious. To top of this great meal Muhammad brought us out some fresh made Baklava and wow! I am not really a dessert person and hardly ever order it, but I would order this again and again. It must have been right out of the oven because it was hot in the middle which made it soooooo good. Literally melt in your mouth good. I will be back here for sure. Everyone needs to come try this place to have a memorable meal and support a local Memphis business.
(5)
Alice G.
I have not had much ethiopian food, but this restaurant made me very interested in exploring more ethiopian cuisine. We went there for a late lunch, and the owner was very friendly at explaining the menu to us noobies. We ordered whatever he recommended, which was the soup, vegetable platter, and the lamb and rice dish (the first one on the menu). I am in love with spices, and these dishes did not hold back. I also enjoyed the fact that I could adjust the heat with the lamb and rice dish with the chutney sauce. Wonderful customer service, yummy food, and great company made this a fantastic visit. I will be back soon!
(5)
D D.
Derae is a nice surprise in the area. It offers a great menu selection that is all very delicious and it also comes with great service. There are great vegetarian options and there are options for people that like to eat meat. I suggest that you try both. It can be a little expensive for a casual meal but it is worth supporting good local businesses like this one. The seating is limited and the parking is even more limited. This shouldn't discourage you from giving it a shot!
(5)
Andrew S.
The owner and his staff are very hospitable and friendly. Derae serves several delicious and authentic Ethiopian dishes, that are exotic and a must try for the adventurous eater. The Hulbat is an exceptional dish that reminded me of my time in Africa. I believe it can only be ordered on Friday and Saturday (I remember the menu said something about it only being served during a limited time frame); but it is defiantly worth trying.
(5)
Cherry B.
This place is walking distance from my house and I have been missing out. My partner and I went and order chicken and rice not knowing what Hanin was, another miss out. The chicken and rice was excellent, enough said. My co-workers asked me about it so I took them and we had the goat meat, excellent again. Please go it is a great experience and Mohammad was a excellent host.
(4)
Barbara H.
Absolutely, wonderful. My work team was celebrating my birthday and selected Derae for lunch. There were 10 of us with different taste and dietary needs. The food did not disappoint. Mohammed the owner gave us VIP accommodations. He was gracious and explained each selection in great detail. A few in the group had not experienced Ethiopian cuisine. The service was extremely fast and efficient, particularly expressive with a large group. His generosity was above and beyond what you'd even expect in a southern establishment. He offered to provide a sample of an appetizer for the entire group (awesome). In addition, I was shocked when he effectively announced a money back guarantee - I guess it's not a risk when the food is this good. The portion is immense. I had enough leftover to take to my family and share for dinner(14 y/o boy and husband). They both have made me promise to take them this weekend. The price is extremely affordable. It truly is one place you should eat in Memphis before you die. Congratulations to the entire staff at Derae's for their excellence in service and product.
(5)
Ken H.
I came here expecting a lot and I was not disappointed. I had the goat and rice and it was absolutely delicious. I look forward to experiencing the rest of the menu.
(5)
Neha B.
A real gem! A must visit! The humble atmosphere is appropriate given that the food itself is so spectacular. Authentic East African and Mediterranean food cooked by a lovely couple from Ethiopia. The hospitality is so gracious I actually let them choose my dish for me, and they did not disappoint: Vegetable injera (perfectly balanced cabbage, kale, lentils, and peas!), spicy chicken and lamb with rice (mouth-watering), and hot tea (the cloves warmed my throat). I didn't know this til I got there and saw the plaque, but Derae apparently made the Top 100 Restaurants in Memphis to Try Before You Die list in the Commercial Appeal this year! And from my experience, it was very well deserved. Will definitely be going back.
(5)
Y. C.
Friendly staff and delicious home style meal.
(3)
Nadia C.
In Memphis on business trip, found this place on yelp after reading the reviews. Amazing food, great service, home style kind of feel. I tried 2 of the breakfast items, and it's yummy. Highly recommended.
(5)
David M.
Excellent injera, tibs and vegetables. The spicy tibs had the perfect amount of kick. FYI they charge for water (bottled), but the clove spice hot tea is superb -- same price as the water. Friendly staff and excellent food, I'll be back.
(5)
Mia H.
Delicious food and incredible service. I will bring and recommend to others for sure.
(5)
Vishal C.
There is a reason this restaurant has 5stars..awesome food..friendly owner..homely treatment...there is nothing that can go wrong..
(5)
Teddy C.
Decent food, tiresome and overbearing owner. He spent a lot of time mansplaining the menu even though we were pretty familiar with Ethiopian food, having lived in Africa and the two most populous US cities (Ethiopian expatriates) in DC and Atlanta.
(3)
Bridges K.
This place has been on my bucket list for a while. I finally made it. I ordered some food to go, and had chai while I was waiting. It was so quiet and peaceful. There were other customers but the peace! The gentleman was personable & polite. I hated that I got my food to go. I'll go back and sit a spell next time.
(5)
Bussy G.
Amazing food and wonderful friendly service! Owner Mohammad will tell you what to order. I'm a vegetarian and the plate he brought me was AMAZING! I highly recommend for an affordable, delicious, "out of the box" dining experience in Memphis.
(4)
Zeydi A.
Delicious ! The owner suggested food since it was our first time eating Ethiopian :) great service and yummy food!
(5)
Jenn B.
Found our way here after reading reviews as many do honestly one of the best meal experiences I've ever enjoyed. Try everything, ask Muhammad for suggestions, he enjoys sharing the unique tastes his restaurant offers.
(5)
Shane S.
Amazing food! The best lamb I've ever had. The owners are friendly and very helpful; we really didn't have to order. He simply served us delicious food. Not just one of the best Ethiopian restaurants but one of the best places to eat in the city.
(5)
Tanya H.
Soup - AMAZING!!!! FUUL is OUTSTANDING!!!! The owner helped me make my selection and recommended the FUUL! Service is great! Food is great!!! I will be back!!!!
(5)
Elisabeth R.
amazing food. good prices. vegetarian friendly. clean. everyone must check this little gem out!
(5)
Nisha N.
Amazing food.. Loved the tibs and injera, fish and rice.. Perfect blend of spices and flavor. The spice tea was also wonderful. The best Ethiopian food in town.
(5)
Barrett R.
I saved this review after two years. I have been loyal to this restaurant for several reasons. The food is authentic, Mohammed is a great guy, and they deliver to my house. The Orange Mound should be proud of its gem. They close at 6, btw. It's best...for all parties.
(5)
Kevin L.
Really interesting and very tasty. I highly recommend. The owner Mohammed was very friendly and guided us towards some really delicious entrees. I'm coming back, you should check it out. The lamb and rice dish was amazing.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Quiet Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Dogs Allowed : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Bridges K.
This place has been on my bucket list for a while. I finally made it. I ordered some food to go, and had chai while I was waiting. It was so quiet and peaceful. There were other customers but the peace! The gentleman was personable & polite. I hated that I got my food to go. I'll go back and sit a spell next time.
(5)Bussy G.
Amazing food and wonderful friendly service! Owner Mohammad will tell you what to order. I'm a vegetarian and the plate he brought me was AMAZING! I highly recommend for an affordable, delicious, "out of the box" dining experience in Memphis.
(4)Zeydi A.
Delicious ! The owner suggested food since it was our first time eating Ethiopian :) great service and yummy food!
(5)Jenn B.
Found our way here after reading reviews as many do honestly one of the best meal experiences I've ever enjoyed. Try everything, ask Muhammad for suggestions, he enjoys sharing the unique tastes his restaurant offers.
(5)Tanya H.
Soup - AMAZING!!!! FUUL is OUTSTANDING!!!! The owner helped me make my selection and recommended the FUUL! Service is great! Food is great!!! I will be back!!!!
(5)Shane S.
Amazing food! The best lamb I've ever had. The owners are friendly and very helpful; we really didn't have to order. He simply served us delicious food. Not just one of the best Ethiopian restaurants but one of the best places to eat in the city.
(5)Elisabeth R.
amazing food. good prices. vegetarian friendly. clean. everyone must check this little gem out!
(5)Nisha N.
Amazing food.. Loved the tibs and injera, fish and rice.. Perfect blend of spices and flavor. The spice tea was also wonderful. The best Ethiopian food in town.
(5)Barrett R.
I saved this review after two years. I have been loyal to this restaurant for several reasons. The food is authentic, Mohammed is a great guy, and they deliver to my house. The Orange Mound should be proud of its gem. They close at 6, btw. It's best...for all parties.
(5)Kevin L.
Really interesting and very tasty. I highly recommend. The owner Mohammed was very friendly and guided us towards some really delicious entrees. I'm coming back, you should check it out. The lamb and rice dish was amazing.
(5)Y. C.
Friendly staff and delicious home style meal.
(3)Colin B.
This is our new spot. Anytime either of us asks the other what they're in the mood for, the answer is Derae. Muhammad and his family are very welcoming and friendly. He's excited to share his food with everyone. If you're new to African cuisine, don't even worry, he'll walk you through. It honestly feels like you're sitting in someones home, eating a meal with them. Much of this has to do with the hospitality, but the main reason is the food. It feels like a family dinner, because it is. Muhammad's wife is cook, and a fine one at that. I'm pretty sure we could live off the Fuul and bread. For ~6 bucks, it might be the best deal in Memphis. I was lucky enough to be there on a weekend when they prepare Hulbat. It's a red sauce that's kind of tangy, made from fenugreek and other spices, ladled over the top of injera bread with a huge potato and several large pieces of stewed roast beef. It was enough food for 3 meals. Think African Chilaquiles. Get the coffee at the end of the meal. If his wife's made desert, you'd hate yourself if you didn't get it. This place is everything a mom and pop restaurant should be. You better go before you can't get a seat!
(5)Sean M.
My wife and I passed through here on the way to Atlanta based in other yelp reviews. We were not disappointed. The food and service were excellent. If you are unfamiliar with Ethiopian fare, just ask Muhammed. Friendly, fast and delicious!
(5)Michael E.
This place is great! I was in town for a conference and when I heard about this place I knew I just had to try it. When we arrived the owner met us at the door. We asked him to give us whatever he recommended. He brought out several of his most popular dishes. Everything was full of flavor and prepared with care. Even though I was only in town for about nine days, I manged to come here three times. I cannot recommend this place enough. I recommend not using the menu and letting the owner take care of you. It also works best when you come with a group, as many of the dishes are perfect for sharing.
(5)Casey B.
Found this place on groupon and decided to give it a try. I am very glad I did. When we came, the owner, Mohammad, greeted us and sat us. He was very friendly and welcoming. He is passionate about their food and we learned his wife is the chef there. I'll tell ya now, she can cook! He told us he is confident anything she makes will be good, which got me excited out the upcoming food. He also told us "she only cooks for money though, and not for me" hahaha. We decided to let him choose our dishes for us. We started with the Sambusa. These were delicious little pastry pockets of seasoned meat. Next we had Bajiya and this too was excellent. For the main course we got goat and rice and also the veggie combination. Once again, everything we were served was full of great flavor and very scrumptious. To top of this great meal Muhammad brought us out some fresh made Baklava and wow! I am not really a dessert person and hardly ever order it, but I would order this again and again. It must have been right out of the oven because it was hot in the middle which made it soooooo good. Literally melt in your mouth good. I will be back here for sure. Everyone needs to come try this place to have a memorable meal and support a local Memphis business.
(5)Khalid Z.
The service here is amazing. I've been to my fair share of Ethiopian restaurants in Atlanta, but none like this. We ordered fatirah, a mix of chopped Ethiopian flatbread, eggs, meat, spices, and vegetables. It really reminded me of some Greek spinach and feta cheese puff pastries I used to eat in California. The chef is very personable and is willing to go out of his way to please any customer. He forgot the milk for our coffee, found out he ran out, went next door to get some more and came back to serve it in less than a minute. Needless to say, I was very impressed by this experience
(5)Margaret H.
The food was delicious with ample servings there was some left to snack on the next day. That was only half of it, the service was spectacular ! I really enjoyed my time chatting with the owner who really made sure I was satisfied and had a good mix of everything he offered. Will do again.
(5)Maria B.
I just had lunch at Derae. I ordered the Hanid, and it was to die for. This dish of goat meat with basmati rice came with a salad of fresh mixed greens as well as a small serving of their clear vegetable soup with a splash of lime, which was on the house. All of it was delicious, fresh, and seemed to be prepared with great care. The service was also fast and attentive. I'm hesitant to compare this place to Abyssinia, another local Ethiopian restaurant that I love. I will say that while many of the popular lunchtime spots in Midtown and the University of Memphis area might serve food that is "just good", Derae is setting a higher bar for excellence.
(5)Russell W.
Five star restaurants on Yelp with more than few reviews are rare. Combine that with me only having had exceptional Ethiopian food in DC, I felt I may get let down. Luckily for me, that was not the case! I don't know what I ate, I just told the gentleman Muhammad to pick for me. I wanted to go back to try another dish he was equally proud of, but sadly I didn't have enough time. But the food is great. I went at an off time and Muhammad even sat down with me at the table talking about Ethiopia and his background. Whenever I'm back in Memphis, I will be back to try that other dish he is proud of.
(5)Alison H.
The fuul is amazing, and the vegetable platter is really good! The man who works here is always so warm, welcoming, and inviting. Can't recommend this place enough! We hope to make it a weekly lunching place for our co-workers.
(5)D D.
Derae is a nice surprise in the area. It offers a great menu selection that is all very delicious and it also comes with great service. There are great vegetarian options and there are options for people that like to eat meat. I suggest that you try both. It can be a little expensive for a casual meal but it is worth supporting good local businesses like this one. The seating is limited and the parking is even more limited. This shouldn't discourage you from giving it a shot!
(5)Vishal C.
There is a reason this restaurant has 5stars..awesome food..friendly owner..homely treatment...there is nothing that can go wrong..
(5)Teddy C.
Decent food, tiresome and overbearing owner. He spent a lot of time mansplaining the menu even though we were pretty familiar with Ethiopian food, having lived in Africa and the two most populous US cities (Ethiopian expatriates) in DC and Atlanta.
(3)Andrew S.
The owner and his staff are very hospitable and friendly. Derae serves several delicious and authentic Ethiopian dishes, that are exotic and a must try for the adventurous eater. The Hulbat is an exceptional dish that reminded me of my time in Africa. I believe it can only be ordered on Friday and Saturday (I remember the menu said something about it only being served during a limited time frame); but it is defiantly worth trying.
(5)David M.
Excellent injera, tibs and vegetables. The spicy tibs had the perfect amount of kick. FYI they charge for water (bottled), but the clove spice hot tea is superb -- same price as the water. Friendly staff and excellent food, I'll be back.
(5)Mia H.
Delicious food and incredible service. I will bring and recommend to others for sure.
(5)Neha B.
A real gem! A must visit! The humble atmosphere is appropriate given that the food itself is so spectacular. Authentic East African and Mediterranean food cooked by a lovely couple from Ethiopia. The hospitality is so gracious I actually let them choose my dish for me, and they did not disappoint: Vegetable injera (perfectly balanced cabbage, kale, lentils, and peas!), spicy chicken and lamb with rice (mouth-watering), and hot tea (the cloves warmed my throat). I didn't know this til I got there and saw the plaque, but Derae apparently made the Top 100 Restaurants in Memphis to Try Before You Die list in the Commercial Appeal this year! And from my experience, it was very well deserved. Will definitely be going back.
(5)Nadia C.
In Memphis on business trip, found this place on yelp after reading the reviews. Amazing food, great service, home style kind of feel. I tried 2 of the breakfast items, and it's yummy. Highly recommended.
(5)Randy S.
A hidden gem. Great food accompanied with even better service! If you're looking for an alternative ethnic dining experience, then you have to stop into this place.
(5)Andy M.
SENSATIONAL. I walked out fuller than I've been in months because I couldn't bring myself to stop. The quality of the food was matched by the delightful company of the restaurant's owner, Mohammed Omer, whose presence was a delightful addition to the meal. He made excellent recommendations to a newcomer like myself without overwhelming me. He owns and runs the restaurant with his wife, Zenub Abdurahman, whose cooking could rival anyone alive. It's no wonder their dishes were included in the Commercial Appeal as #6 on the "101 Memphis Dishes You Should Eat Before You Die." GO HUNGRY! YOU'LL NEED THE ROOM!
(5)Cherry B.
This place is walking distance from my house and I have been missing out. My partner and I went and order chicken and rice not knowing what Hanin was, another miss out. The chicken and rice was excellent, enough said. My co-workers asked me about it so I took them and we had the goat meat, excellent again. Please go it is a great experience and Mohammad was a excellent host.
(4)Florestela G.
I have been craving something different and this place really hit the spot. The owner and his wife are very friendly. Being that it was my first time here, the owner was kind enough to help me choose what to order. I had the vegetarian sambusa and bajiya for appetizers. Both blew my mind with the extra hot green salsa it comes with. The Hanid and Rice made me realize how I've missed goat meat. I took a lot of food to go, since the portions are very generous. Also ask them what kind of desserts they have, it's not on the menu. I chose the tiramisu to go and his wife told him not to charge me for it. Overall I liked how chill this place is, the owners are awesome, and the food is great, plus very low price.
(5)Justin A.
I've been to Derae twice and the food was great both times. Very great for breakfast and dinner (I haven't been there for lunch but I'm sure that would be just as amazing). You must try the fatira! And the tea is excellent as well!
(5)Jack B.
Delicious food, wonderful owner. If you're new to Ethiopian food or are not familiar with the menu, Mohammad will recommend two fantastic dishes that are sure to fill at least 2 people up nicely. I hope Mohammad brings this restaurant closer to downtown soon so I can enjoy it more often!
(5)Chelsea R.
This place is awesome. We took everyone's advice and had Muhammad order for us. He came and explained the menu to us, as well as what he would be ordering for us. He started us out with the veggie Sambusa's that came out with a spicy green chutney. It was spicy but in the sense that it had a good kick and flavor and it wasn't unbearable. Then he brought out this soup that he said was on the house, which was perfect for the rainy day that we had come. Then he got us the Hanid (goat) and rice and the Fuul. The Fuul was my favorite. He brought it out with this really good bread and showed us how to eat it. Another honorable mention was the tea, it pairs well with the Fuul (per a tip from Muhammad). He and his wife run the restaurant, he laughed and said the tea was the only thing he made and his wife prepares the rest of the food.
(5)Casey B.
I can't speak highly enough of this place. I lived in Ethiopia for a bit, and this is the best Ethiopian food I've had in the states. The owner is extremely friendly. The atmosphere is fun. Very reasonably priced. Don't hesitate. Go! :)
(5)Stacie F.
Awesome meal with Mohammed and Zanub! The food was amazing and the service was perfect. Highly recommend!!!
(5)Nancy K.
Super sad because we have been craving Ethiopian for a while and maybe, just maybe, my hopes were a little too high for this place. We ordered the veggie sampler and doro wat and I think my main disappointments were that 1. the injera is kinda thick, 2. the veggie sampler wasn't amazing by any means and seemed tailored to more "americanized" tastes. Less importantly, 3. we were charged for two bottles of water ($1 each) when we asked for water and then also charged for an appetizer ($2) that we didn't order and thought was a complimentary item that was just placed on our table. Not really a big deal but it's a big pet peeve of mine to be charged for things unknowingly not matter how cheap the cost. Still a good place to try if you've never had Ethiopian food and there's lots of livingsocial/groupons available right now for it.
(3)Sean M.
I never write reviews of anyplace, but this place is awesome, just go - you definitely won't be disappointed.
(5)Kerry C.
As much as I used to love Abyssinia, it's kind of taken a dive lately. The food is still pretty good, it's just not as amazing as it used to be. That's why I'm glad I saw Bianca mention Derae on her blog a few days ago. It's a new-ish Ethiopian and Middle Eastern restaurant on Highland, just a little bit south of Park. I was all excited about going yesterday, until I realized that they're closed on Mondays. When I went for lunch today, my friend John and I were the only people in the restaurant. It's a nice, bright space and it's very clean. The server / owner / cook (at least, I think he was all three) gave us menus and made a few recommendations. Since I trusted his knowledge of the food more than mine, we ordered what he told us to get: fuul, hanid and rice and the special hot tea. The tea was served with milk, and it tasted a little bit citrusy. The server brought over sugar, which I skipped, but adding it makes the tea taste a lot like really good Chai. The fuul, which is on the breakfast menu, came out first. Fuul, Derae, Memphis, Tenn. It's a medium spicy stew-like dish made from fava beans, olive oil, onions, jalepenos, paprika and a little bit of cottage cheese. The fuul is meant to be eaten like a dip, so it comes with a basket of the fluffiest, warmest, most delicious basket of wheat bread. (At first, I skipped the dipping in favor of shoveling the bread straight into my mouth. It really is that good.) The hanid was a giant plate of rice topped with tender (but kind of gamy) pieces of goat meat and a mild meat sauce (in the foreground of the picture). There was a little bowl of spicy green sauce on the side for dipping. It was very good and super filling. Even with two of us, we wound up with a to-go box. I'll definitely be back - Derae has picked up where my once-beloved Abyssinia left off, albeit a little differently. The quality of the food was great, the service was very friendly, and the price - $21 for two of us (fuul, hanid and rice, two teas, two bottles of water) - was great. Derae Restaurant is open Tuesday - Sunday from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. They accept most credit cards (but not AmEx) and they're definitely vegetarian friendly.
(4)Barbara H.
Absolutely, wonderful. My work team was celebrating my birthday and selected Derae for lunch. There were 10 of us with different taste and dietary needs. The food did not disappoint. Mohammed the owner gave us VIP accommodations. He was gracious and explained each selection in great detail. A few in the group had not experienced Ethiopian cuisine. The service was extremely fast and efficient, particularly expressive with a large group. His generosity was above and beyond what you'd even expect in a southern establishment. He offered to provide a sample of an appetizer for the entire group (awesome). In addition, I was shocked when he effectively announced a money back guarantee - I guess it's not a risk when the food is this good. The portion is immense. I had enough leftover to take to my family and share for dinner(14 y/o boy and husband). They both have made me promise to take them this weekend. The price is extremely affordable. It truly is one place you should eat in Memphis before you die. Congratulations to the entire staff at Derae's for their excellence in service and product.
(5)Ken H.
I came here expecting a lot and I was not disappointed. I had the goat and rice and it was absolutely delicious. I look forward to experiencing the rest of the menu.
(5)Trivedi A.
This is East African-Mediterranean style restaurant and NOT ONLY Ethiopian restaurant. The host/owner/waiter of the restaurant is a very friendly person and will go through the menu. The options are really very very different. I tried Fuul special (comes with eggs) with bread. It was a very different experience trying this dish. My friends had goat/lamb with rice and they were super impressed. I would recommend this restaurant to everyone who likes to explore different cuisines and tastes. It is a MUST try.
(4)Andee W.
The owner, Muhammad, is your tour guide as you eat your way through many African flavors.....The Fuul was everything it was cracked up to be. I liked it best with an egg. The chicken and rice was tasty and flavorful. In fact, everything I tried was excellent. Muhammad makes it an experience by lending a hand when its time to order. Listen to him!!!! I will be back. If fact, I can't believe that this is 10 minutes from my house and I've not been before!!
(5)Ian C.
We came to Memphis for a couple of days and were curious about this Ethiopian restaurant we saw on yelp. We were indeed pleasantly surprised, we let the owner choose for us and sat for a wonderful meal. Talk about authentic, it rivals our Ethiopian Restaurant in California
(4)ASM Iftekhar A.
We tried the Fuul and Hanid with rice. Those are some of the best foods you can find around. Muhammed is very cordial and hospitable. So if you are nearby don't forget to check it out.
(5)Coco J.
I went to Derae once to pick up dinner and the food was very good! I'm a vegetarian and I like this place especially because they are very vegetarian friendly. The employee was very friendly and I plan on going back often. They close at 6 pm which is the only down side for me.
(5)JoAnna H.
Yesterday I had lunch at Derae Ethiopian Restaurant on Park and Highland with a friend. The owner, Mohammad, was so warm and friendly. He treated us like family. He ordered for us the Ethiopian goat and rice dish and Mediterranean fuul. He brought us soup and an Ethiopian spiced tea as complimentary items for us to try. Everything was delicious. I just wanted to recommend this amazing little family owned restaurant to anyone in the area.
(5)Latrice P.
very nice owner. aimed to please. food was tasty and prepared to your liking in terms of spice. good location for starving u of memphis students, staff, and faculty.
(3)Frank Y.
I've eaten at this restaurant multiple times now, so this review should represent my consistent experience with their food. Rating system: 5 stars - Must try. You're really missing out if you don't. I'm a regular here 4 stars - Highly recommended, but may have minor things that keep me from being a regular 3 stars - Good most of the time but not great. Will only eat here if I have a particular craving, or am unable to eat at my 4 or 5 star choices 2 stars - Do not really like it but will only eat here if I have to (e.g. forced by friends) 1 star - Avoid. Save your money, time, and stomach Cross-posted and updated from my review on Urbanspoon last year in early 2013: My girlfriend and I decided to try this restaurant out after reading some of the positive reviews on Urbanspoon and on Yelp. We were greeted by one of the owners, who was extremely friendly and was very pleased when he found out that we had come because of the online reviews. He suggested for us to try the Fuul and the Hanid with rice, as well as some chai tea, as the previous reviewers wrote about. The Fuul is a dip/soup made with fava beans served with wheat french bread. The beans were delicious. It was mild in heat. The beans were cooked until almost refried bean-like in consistency but with more liquid (actually tastes similar to refried beans because of the onion and cumin), topped with olive oil, onions, jalapenos, black olives, and berbere (spicy African seasoning mix). This is going to be something we plan to order everytime we return [edit. since our first visit, every time we have eaten here, we have ordered the fuul without fail]. The Hanid and rice is roasted goat meat with spices, seasoned rice pilaf, and what appeared to be a beef gravy. It was also served with a green dipping sauce (tangy with cilantro, garlic, and jalapenos) that you can pour on your meat or rice. The dipping sauce had a medium heat. The meat and the rice were very flavorful. I have to point out though, some may not like goat because it has somewhat of a gamey taste (more than lamb but less than deer). I personally enjoyed it, but I know that many have not been exposed to it before. Nevertheless, it was delicious and the portions were plentiful. We were full with just that one entree and the appetizer. The chai tea was also tasty. For those that have not had chai before, it is a tea made with spices (you can usually find it in Indian restaurants). You can drink it with milk or without. We preferred it without milk. Also, you will want to add a little bit of sugar (about 1 teaspoon or so, to taste) as well. Review of other items: Derae Soup - I'm not sure if this was on the menu or not, but the owner let us try a bowl of this soup on the house and it was very tasty. It is more like a broth with a little bit of vegetables and herbs/spices (parsley, cumin seed, possibly some ground coriander seed and turmeric but hard to taste all the spices distinctly). Savory and flavorful with a nice tang (from lime juice). It reminds me of a Middle-Eastern lentil soup I used to make, but without the lentils. Maqli (sp?) - Beef sauce with seasoned basmati rice. This is actually the same beef sauce and rice that comes with the Hanid and Rice, but it is a larger portion of rice and meat sauce. A great alternative if they are either out of goat, or if you aren't in the mood for goat. Hulbat Marakh - This is a fenugreek stew. Large chunks of beef, a potato, and gravy made from fenugreek seeds and tomatoes, served on injera bread. The injera bread is the spongy, somewhat acidic, flat bread that you see in typical Ethiopian cuisine with spoonfuls of meats and vegetables on it. In this dish, however, you don't even see the bread. It is buried beneath the stew. The stew is very flavorful but I must warn you that it is a bit bitter. Fenugreek seeds have a bitter taste to them. Some say it has medicinal uses. So if you don't mind the bitter taste, then you may like this stew. Personally, I love fenugreek. But this is a dish I'd recommend with caution because it may not be to everyone's taste. This stew would be good with the seasoned basmati rice instead of the injera. I think I may request that next time I go. Chicken and Rice - Chicken breast sauteed with onions, chile peppers, and peppercorns, on top of their seasoned basmati rice. The chicken was properly cooked, ie, not too dry, and as with all of their dishes, was full of flavor. It was a bit spicy (medium in heat) and despite the flavors, I couldn't get over the fact that there were so many peppercorns in it! Every bite of food had peppercorns and so I kept having to spit them out, which took away from eating experience. The only time I had the chicken and rice was in early 2013, so it may have changed, because a more recent picture I saw of this dish did not show peppercorns.
(5)Alice G.
I have not had much ethiopian food, but this restaurant made me very interested in exploring more ethiopian cuisine. We went there for a late lunch, and the owner was very friendly at explaining the menu to us noobies. We ordered whatever he recommended, which was the soup, vegetable platter, and the lamb and rice dish (the first one on the menu). I am in love with spices, and these dishes did not hold back. I also enjoyed the fact that I could adjust the heat with the lamb and rice dish with the chutney sauce. Wonderful customer service, yummy food, and great company made this a fantastic visit. I will be back soon!
(5)Mocca T.
This is a great little place, nothing fancy, but solid simple inexpensive food, close to U of M. We had Fuul and Fatira. Fuul is something like an East African upgrade to an Italian stew of fava beans with a little olive oil, Ethiopian spices, olives, plain yoghurt (lightly tart contrast) and nicely toasted bread. Dipping it into this hearty rich stew works great both for taste and texture. Get the Fuul with a runny egg. Fatira is slightly spicier but by no means hot. Basically thin fried dough with green onions and eggs, cut into slices.
(5)Jim E.
Derae Restaurant is an absolute gem if you are looking for good old authentic food. As soon as I walked in I was greeted by Mohammed, he is a super friendly guy and eger to please. I started with a vegetable soup that was out of this world. Next I moved on to the sambusa/samosas. I was a little disappointed here but only because they did not have any beef ones only vegetable but still very good. They were a little smaller than I am used to having them but perfect for an appetizer. Mohammed even threw in a couple Bajiya which were pretty good also but I prefer the sambusa. For my main course I had to go with the hanid and rice. Figured if the could pull that off everything must be amazing. Well turns out it to exceed my expectations. The meat was super tender and truly melted in your mouth. The rice and spicy sauce added to the entire experience. I will definitely be making this a regular lunch spot.
(5)p a.
Fuul me everyday and I will be happy. Wonderful favors, great service and great tea - Mohamed and his wife have created a true culinary gem. I thought Memphis was known for its ribs, but this is the place I will remember. Thank you!
(5)Lil B.
If you want to eat really great food with your hands, then you need to eat here. The owner is really sweet, he will come out and explain the menu and recommend foods to you. I ordered this beef stew that comes out on this very unique looking bread, i forgot the name of the bread. The bread looks like a huge gray crepe, and has s rubbery feel to it, it doesn't really have a taste to it, you use it to pick up your food with, which i loved doing. The owner explained how its made and what its made from, very interesting. My dish was really good, but what the restaurant was written up in the paper for was this stew call fuul. My sister ordered it, and let me just say, i crave that stuff all the time. Its amazing how good lentils and yogurt can taste together. It comes with this amazing bread that you eat it with. The food is so good, so yes come and eat and enjoy the food here.
(5)Eric C.
The best Ethiopian food in Memphis only gets better. There are even more vegetarian offerings if you ask the owner. The vegetable soup is really good. Super friendly service & genuine enthusiasm to explain the food. Ask them to tone down the spices if you bring kids.
(5)Karen H.
My sister and I went to Derae for the first time today. The gentleman who owns the restaurant was very friendly and attentive. He explained the food, made menu suggestions, and brought us samples. The food was excellent. I had the goat and rice. My sister had the chicken and rice. Everything was so flavorful that we just wanted to keep eating. There was no way we could have finished all of it though because the portion sizes were pretty big. The restaurant isn't very big, but it was such a happy place. Everyone was eating and happily chatting. We will definitely go back.
(5)Kristin Y.
This is easily the best Ethiopian/East African food anywhere near Memphis. I am a massive snob when it comes to this particular ethnic cuisine and Derae hits the standard set for me by spots in Oakland, CA and DC. Besides that, the owners are friendly and accommodating and it never fails that I have a fascinating conversation with someone else waiting for their food. Today it was Abdul, a long-time Memphian by way of Somalia. Peace, Abdul. Check out Derae immediately. WARNING: Prepare to get extremely full!
(5)Shauna M.
Amazing, flavorful food with great service! The husband runs the place and is the nicest guy you'll meet-he loves his customers and his enthusiasm shows it. His wife cooks, and boy can she cook! I came on a Saturday evening. There were 9 of us, so we got to sample a lot of the menu. We had Fuul, Hanid, Tibs, the chicken, the veggie combo and sambusas (both meat and the veggie ones). All were delicious. All the meats were cooked perfectly (I haven't had luck with chicken at Ethiopian/E. African places but theirs was perfectly tender) and the flavors were amazing. Even the rice was flavorful! The portions are a good size (we had leftovers to take home) and I was surprised at how small the check was! I will definitely be back!
(5)John D.
Best Ethiopian food I've had in Memphis. I always ask "what's the best thing on the menu?" and I am frequently ragged on by friends and family for asking the same question everywhere. Walking into Derae for the first time, I didn't ask that question (for the first time in a long time). I didn't need to- the owner immediately sat down and told us his favorite items on the menu. Get the Sambusa, Fuul and veggie dishes. You'll blow $22 after tax for an amount of excellent food that could feed 3 - 4 people or fully stuff 2 people. Will be back next weekend
(5)Andrea P.
Tasty food. Super friendly owner waited on us and made great recommendations.
(5)Kim E.
Awesome... the host is wonderful... the food is great! I loved my experience there!
(5)Chris B.
Very nice! Fresh ingredients and excellent injera bread. Customer service is a breath of fresh air. Enjoyed fuul and vegetarian combination platter. Got dessert for complimentary tasting and it was delicious, albeit a bit heavy for me.
(5)Lon A.
Amazing, just amazing!! We had the Fuul, chicken & rice, the veggie platter, and sambusa & bajiya - I couldn't decide which I loved more! We'll be back!!
(5)Bridget P.
Delicious food coupled with excellent service? Derae has got it going on! We tried the fuul with egg, sambusas, and bajiya, all of which I would highly recommend. The kind man working here was very helpful and accommodating, and was excited to treat us to this flavorful cuisine. Definitely grab a cup of the homemade tea, which is the perfect accompaniment, especially for breakfast. All together (with our 10% off check in coupon) the two of us made it out for under $15, fat and happy.
(5)Deanna W.
There's a reason why this place has 5 stars! Like Joelle said, don't let its location psyche you out. This place is a hidden gem! The owner could not be any sweeter and love giving us recommendations. The appetizer was amazing. And then the rice came out. Incredible. It's was just the right amount of spice and flavor! You can tell they really love what they do! Definitely will be back :))!!
(5)Joelle P.
Yesssss oh my gosh YES! I was a little hesitant due to the part of town...but as soon as I walked in the door, all of my worries fell to the side. The owner is so nice and I let him order for me because I'm not an expert with Ethiopian food by any means (even though I love it every time I have it)...best decision ever by the way...and I highly recommend you do the same. He just kept bringing food left and right for me to try...and it is so reasonably priced, my bill was still teensy tinsy. Bottom line: this place is legit.
(5)Srishti S.
I have been coming here regularly. And the quality and passion is just the same. My favorite still is the Bhajiya and fuul with the awesome hot tea. They sometimes are out of Bhajiya, so I always call and confirm in advance. I have eaten Ethiopian food in Boston, NY, DC, NOLA and so many other places. But no other place has such flavorful fuul. This is truly a hidden gem of Memphis.
(5)Chris C.
Best Ethiopian-style food in Memphis? Quite possibly. The lamb tibs (essentially, strips of spiced meat) are probably my favorite, but the fuul is excellent as well. I also saw at least one carnivore nearly convert to vegetarianism after trying the veggie combo. In short, pretty much all the topics we tried were great. On my most recent trip last week, I discovered the meat samosas which were phenomenal. Normally, samosas often either have the meat get kind of mushy within the crust, but these tasted fresh and delicious with a unique set of spices. For $2, I would order 5 servings of them for lunch in the future. Owner was extremely helpful as others have mentioned and even poured the normally hot tea over ice. Can't believe there was nobody else there at lunchtime--it's definitely worth it, if only for a bowl of fuul and samosas if you need a snack. One tip: the AC works nicely (unlike some other restaurants I've found) and even on one of the hottest days in awhile, the interior was cool.
(5)Steve K.
If you are looking for something truly authentic then this is the place. I had the Hanid and Rice. Great meal. I received great service. I travel all the time around this country. Memphis has got this great little treasure in a quite unexpected place.
(5)Andres C.
Great service. Food is delicious. Fast and easily to find location with accessible parking space.
(5)Nader K.
Flavorful food at very reasonable prices. Owner was very helpful. Definitely coming back.
(4)Bailey P.
This food is sooooooo good. This was the first time I had Ethiopian food, so I didn't really know what to expect. The owner was sooooooo friendly. He gave us amazing suggestions, and he even showed me how to eat it! We loved every bite. Good appetizers, the veggie plate was delicious, and the tea was fantastic. So glad we tried this place, we will certainly be back!
(5)Shu J.
We went to this small family operation for lunch, and so glad we did! We had the Soup, Sambosa, Bhajiya (similar to Indian pakora), Fuul, and Vegetarian meal with spongy Injira bread. Everything was absolutely delicious. The warm spiciness & richness of the food kept me satiated all day long. I can't wait to go back and order large quantities of yummy lentils. The best part of the experience was meeting Muhammad. What a stellar guy! He was wonderful to talk to, very genuine, and very eager to help you understand Ethiopian cuisine. He made several recommendations to us, and we were happy with all the options. This place is such a hidden gem! If you love ethnic food, put this on your restaurant itinerary stat.
(5)Kishan G.
Magnificent!!! No words to describe this experience. Got off work for lunch. Your average 100 degree day. We walk in and the host was very friendly. I know my way around the cuisine and got a vegetable platter. The veggie dishes were served on a huge injera bread. Very tasty. It was like eating at someone's home. Will return soon.
(5)Samad F.
Hungry for some fulfilling Friday lunch, I decided to check out Derae Restaurant after stalking it on Yelp for quite some time. Unlike Instagram stalking someone's page and accidentally liking someones picture from 53 weeks deep, I did not regret this decision. When my wife and I pulled up to the establishment, we definitely had our doubts about the place. But, as I have learned about a lot of joints in Memphis, you cannot judge a restaurant by ANY of its physical features. we decided to pursue the restaurant and hopped on inside. We were greeted by the owner, Mohammed, who has a very colorful personality. He was able to walk us through the entire menu and asked up about our eating habits and formulated a meal plan for us based on what were used to eating. We went with his suggestion of Hanid and Rice, which is a type of goat and rice dish, and the lamb stew on Injera, which is a heaping pile of beef stew on a bed of gluten-free bread made of teff. Teff is native to Ethiopia and had a consistency that i was not used to at all. nonetheless, we enjoyed every bite of it. There was plenty of food so we even had enough to take home for dinner. Derae was a great experience and if you are in the market for some authentic Ethiopian food, come and check out this wonderful establisement!
(5)Onederful P.
The owner was very friendly and the food was the best I've had in Memphis...I'm from NYC btw. If you love quality food that's inexpensive then you can't go wrong with the Derae restaurant.
(5)Samantha B.
I needed to find somewhere Vegetarian friendly and this place popped up on my Yelp app as being that as well as being right around the corner from my friend's house that we were at at the time. She had always meant to give this place a shot so she was excited to go here. Four of us went, two vegetarians and two omnivores. We ended up sitting on opposite sides of the table, which worked best for sharing our respective dishes anyway. The owner greeted us the moment we walked in and helped us pick out things to try. He told us he would bring out appetizers and if we didn't like them we didn't have to pay for them. Not only did he do that, but he made it so there were two meat appetizers and four vegetarian ones so we omnivores could try everything as well. We thought that was a nice touch and we loved the appetizers as well. The owner actually picked out our meals for us- which at first unsettled each of us until we realized he was just trying to help. Also, he picked out things we wanted to try anyway, so it was fine with us. He picked the Veggie Combination, Hanid and Rice, and Fuul (which is on the Memphis' list of 100 things you have to eat before you die). Ok, one thing you gotta get right about Ethiopian food is that it's meant to be shared. You aren't really supposed to get one meal per person but rather one for two or three people. In fact, none of use finished our food and we only ordered two main courses!! But that's also likely thanks to the side dish and appetizers we ate as well. I didn't really like the Hanid and Rice because I don't really like goat. But on that same note, it tasted delicious for goat meat, so that's a really big plus in their favor. I will definitely get lamb or chicken (if available) next time because I know I will enjoy that more. I've eaten at other places and got meals that came with all the vegetables my friend's Veggie Combination came with. I sorely missed them and definitely hope there's a meat meal here that comes with them as well. This place is amazing because not only did we basically order two dishes, a side, and some appetizers, but they were crazy affordable. After using our 10% off check-in bonus and splitting the bill 4 ways, our food only cost $8.25 per person. Freaking amazing. Loved: - Cabbage - Kale - Lentils - Samubusa - Shatni Sauce - Veggie Combination Ok: - Bajiya - Fuul Nah: - Hanid and Rice - Potato mixture
(5)Andy M.
SENSATIONAL. I walked out fuller than I've been in months because I couldn't bring myself to stop. The quality of the food was matched by the delightful company of the restaurant's owner, Mohammed Omer, whose presence was a delightful addition to the meal. He made excellent recommendations to a newcomer like myself without overwhelming me. He owns and runs the restaurant with his wife, Zenub Abdurahman, whose cooking could rival anyone alive. It's no wonder their dishes were included in the Commercial Appeal as #6 on the "101 Memphis Dishes You Should Eat Before You Die." GO HUNGRY! YOU'LL NEED THE ROOM!
(5)Samantha B.
I needed to find somewhere Vegetarian friendly and this place popped up on my Yelp app as being that as well as being right around the corner from my friend's house that we were at at the time. She had always meant to give this place a shot so she was excited to go here. Four of us went, two vegetarians and two omnivores. We ended up sitting on opposite sides of the table, which worked best for sharing our respective dishes anyway. The owner greeted us the moment we walked in and helped us pick out things to try. He told us he would bring out appetizers and if we didn't like them we didn't have to pay for them. Not only did he do that, but he made it so there were two meat appetizers and four vegetarian ones so we omnivores could try everything as well. We thought that was a nice touch and we loved the appetizers as well. The owner actually picked out our meals for us- which at first unsettled each of us until we realized he was just trying to help. Also, he picked out things we wanted to try anyway, so it was fine with us. He picked the Veggie Combination, Hanid and Rice, and Fuul (which is on the Memphis' list of 100 things you have to eat before you die). Ok, one thing you gotta get right about Ethiopian food is that it's meant to be shared. You aren't really supposed to get one meal per person but rather one for two or three people. In fact, none of use finished our food and we only ordered two main courses!! But that's also likely thanks to the side dish and appetizers we ate as well. I didn't really like the Hanid and Rice because I don't really like goat. But on that same note, it tasted delicious for goat meat, so that's a really big plus in their favor. I will definitely get lamb or chicken (if available) next time because I know I will enjoy that more. I've eaten at other places and got meals that came with all the vegetables my friend's Veggie Combination came with. I sorely missed them and definitely hope there's a meat meal here that comes with them as well. This place is amazing because not only did we basically order two dishes, a side, and some appetizers, but they were crazy affordable. After using our 10% off check-in bonus and splitting the bill 4 ways, our food only cost $8.25 per person. Freaking amazing. Loved: - Cabbage - Kale - Lentils - Samubusa - Shatni Sauce - Veggie Combination Ok: - Bajiya - Fuul Nah: - Hanid and Rice - Potato mixture
(5)Joelle P.
Yesssss oh my gosh YES! I was a little hesitant due to the part of town...but as soon as I walked in the door, all of my worries fell to the side. The owner is so nice and I let him order for me because I'm not an expert with Ethiopian food by any means (even though I love it every time I have it)...best decision ever by the way...and I highly recommend you do the same. He just kept bringing food left and right for me to try...and it is so reasonably priced, my bill was still teensy tinsy. Bottom line: this place is legit.
(5)Margaret H.
The food was delicious with ample servings there was some left to snack on the next day. That was only half of it, the service was spectacular ! I really enjoyed my time chatting with the owner who really made sure I was satisfied and had a good mix of everything he offered. Will do again.
(5)Randy S.
A hidden gem. Great food accompanied with even better service! If you're looking for an alternative ethnic dining experience, then you have to stop into this place.
(5)p a.
Fuul me everyday and I will be happy. Wonderful favors, great service and great tea - Mohamed and his wife have created a true culinary gem. I thought Memphis was known for its ribs, but this is the place I will remember. Thank you!
(5)Lil B.
If you want to eat really great food with your hands, then you need to eat here. The owner is really sweet, he will come out and explain the menu and recommend foods to you. I ordered this beef stew that comes out on this very unique looking bread, i forgot the name of the bread. The bread looks like a huge gray crepe, and has s rubbery feel to it, it doesn't really have a taste to it, you use it to pick up your food with, which i loved doing. The owner explained how its made and what its made from, very interesting. My dish was really good, but what the restaurant was written up in the paper for was this stew call fuul. My sister ordered it, and let me just say, i crave that stuff all the time. Its amazing how good lentils and yogurt can taste together. It comes with this amazing bread that you eat it with. The food is so good, so yes come and eat and enjoy the food here.
(5)Khalid Z.
The service here is amazing. I've been to my fair share of Ethiopian restaurants in Atlanta, but none like this. We ordered fatirah, a mix of chopped Ethiopian flatbread, eggs, meat, spices, and vegetables. It really reminded me of some Greek spinach and feta cheese puff pastries I used to eat in California. The chef is very personable and is willing to go out of his way to please any customer. He forgot the milk for our coffee, found out he ran out, went next door to get some more and came back to serve it in less than a minute. Needless to say, I was very impressed by this experience
(5)Andee W.
The owner, Muhammad, is your tour guide as you eat your way through many African flavors.....The Fuul was everything it was cracked up to be. I liked it best with an egg. The chicken and rice was tasty and flavorful. In fact, everything I tried was excellent. Muhammad makes it an experience by lending a hand when its time to order. Listen to him!!!! I will be back. If fact, I can't believe that this is 10 minutes from my house and I've not been before!!
(5)Mocca T.
This is a great little place, nothing fancy, but solid simple inexpensive food, close to U of M. We had Fuul and Fatira. Fuul is something like an East African upgrade to an Italian stew of fava beans with a little olive oil, Ethiopian spices, olives, plain yoghurt (lightly tart contrast) and nicely toasted bread. Dipping it into this hearty rich stew works great both for taste and texture. Get the Fuul with a runny egg. Fatira is slightly spicier but by no means hot. Basically thin fried dough with green onions and eggs, cut into slices.
(5)Ian C.
We came to Memphis for a couple of days and were curious about this Ethiopian restaurant we saw on yelp. We were indeed pleasantly surprised, we let the owner choose for us and sat for a wonderful meal. Talk about authentic, it rivals our Ethiopian Restaurant in California
(4)Kristin Y.
This is easily the best Ethiopian/East African food anywhere near Memphis. I am a massive snob when it comes to this particular ethnic cuisine and Derae hits the standard set for me by spots in Oakland, CA and DC. Besides that, the owners are friendly and accommodating and it never fails that I have a fascinating conversation with someone else waiting for their food. Today it was Abdul, a long-time Memphian by way of Somalia. Peace, Abdul. Check out Derae immediately. WARNING: Prepare to get extremely full!
(5)Shauna M.
Amazing, flavorful food with great service! The husband runs the place and is the nicest guy you'll meet-he loves his customers and his enthusiasm shows it. His wife cooks, and boy can she cook! I came on a Saturday evening. There were 9 of us, so we got to sample a lot of the menu. We had Fuul, Hanid, Tibs, the chicken, the veggie combo and sambusas (both meat and the veggie ones). All were delicious. All the meats were cooked perfectly (I haven't had luck with chicken at Ethiopian/E. African places but theirs was perfectly tender) and the flavors were amazing. Even the rice was flavorful! The portions are a good size (we had leftovers to take home) and I was surprised at how small the check was! I will definitely be back!
(5)John D.
Best Ethiopian food I've had in Memphis. I always ask "what's the best thing on the menu?" and I am frequently ragged on by friends and family for asking the same question everywhere. Walking into Derae for the first time, I didn't ask that question (for the first time in a long time). I didn't need to- the owner immediately sat down and told us his favorite items on the menu. Get the Sambusa, Fuul and veggie dishes. You'll blow $22 after tax for an amount of excellent food that could feed 3 - 4 people or fully stuff 2 people. Will be back next weekend
(5)Andrea P.
Tasty food. Super friendly owner waited on us and made great recommendations.
(5)Kim E.
Awesome... the host is wonderful... the food is great! I loved my experience there!
(5)Chris B.
Very nice! Fresh ingredients and excellent injera bread. Customer service is a breath of fresh air. Enjoyed fuul and vegetarian combination platter. Got dessert for complimentary tasting and it was delicious, albeit a bit heavy for me.
(5)Lon A.
Amazing, just amazing!! We had the Fuul, chicken & rice, the veggie platter, and sambusa & bajiya - I couldn't decide which I loved more! We'll be back!!
(5)Samad F.
Hungry for some fulfilling Friday lunch, I decided to check out Derae Restaurant after stalking it on Yelp for quite some time. Unlike Instagram stalking someone's page and accidentally liking someones picture from 53 weeks deep, I did not regret this decision. When my wife and I pulled up to the establishment, we definitely had our doubts about the place. But, as I have learned about a lot of joints in Memphis, you cannot judge a restaurant by ANY of its physical features. we decided to pursue the restaurant and hopped on inside. We were greeted by the owner, Mohammed, who has a very colorful personality. He was able to walk us through the entire menu and asked up about our eating habits and formulated a meal plan for us based on what were used to eating. We went with his suggestion of Hanid and Rice, which is a type of goat and rice dish, and the lamb stew on Injera, which is a heaping pile of beef stew on a bed of gluten-free bread made of teff. Teff is native to Ethiopia and had a consistency that i was not used to at all. nonetheless, we enjoyed every bite of it. There was plenty of food so we even had enough to take home for dinner. Derae was a great experience and if you are in the market for some authentic Ethiopian food, come and check out this wonderful establisement!
(5)Onederful P.
The owner was very friendly and the food was the best I've had in Memphis...I'm from NYC btw. If you love quality food that's inexpensive then you can't go wrong with the Derae restaurant.
(5)Bridget P.
Delicious food coupled with excellent service? Derae has got it going on! We tried the fuul with egg, sambusas, and bajiya, all of which I would highly recommend. The kind man working here was very helpful and accommodating, and was excited to treat us to this flavorful cuisine. Definitely grab a cup of the homemade tea, which is the perfect accompaniment, especially for breakfast. All together (with our 10% off check in coupon) the two of us made it out for under $15, fat and happy.
(5)Deanna W.
There's a reason why this place has 5 stars! Like Joelle said, don't let its location psyche you out. This place is a hidden gem! The owner could not be any sweeter and love giving us recommendations. The appetizer was amazing. And then the rice came out. Incredible. It's was just the right amount of spice and flavor! You can tell they really love what they do! Definitely will be back :))!!
(5)Maria B.
I just had lunch at Derae. I ordered the Hanid, and it was to die for. This dish of goat meat with basmati rice came with a salad of fresh mixed greens as well as a small serving of their clear vegetable soup with a splash of lime, which was on the house. All of it was delicious, fresh, and seemed to be prepared with great care. The service was also fast and attentive. I'm hesitant to compare this place to Abyssinia, another local Ethiopian restaurant that I love. I will say that while many of the popular lunchtime spots in Midtown and the University of Memphis area might serve food that is "just good", Derae is setting a higher bar for excellence.
(5)Florestela G.
I have been craving something different and this place really hit the spot. The owner and his wife are very friendly. Being that it was my first time here, the owner was kind enough to help me choose what to order. I had the vegetarian sambusa and bajiya for appetizers. Both blew my mind with the extra hot green salsa it comes with. The Hanid and Rice made me realize how I've missed goat meat. I took a lot of food to go, since the portions are very generous. Also ask them what kind of desserts they have, it's not on the menu. I chose the tiramisu to go and his wife told him not to charge me for it. Overall I liked how chill this place is, the owners are awesome, and the food is great, plus very low price.
(5)Justin A.
I've been to Derae twice and the food was great both times. Very great for breakfast and dinner (I haven't been there for lunch but I'm sure that would be just as amazing). You must try the fatira! And the tea is excellent as well!
(5)Jack B.
Delicious food, wonderful owner. If you're new to Ethiopian food or are not familiar with the menu, Mohammad will recommend two fantastic dishes that are sure to fill at least 2 people up nicely. I hope Mohammad brings this restaurant closer to downtown soon so I can enjoy it more often!
(5)Chelsea R.
This place is awesome. We took everyone's advice and had Muhammad order for us. He came and explained the menu to us, as well as what he would be ordering for us. He started us out with the veggie Sambusa's that came out with a spicy green chutney. It was spicy but in the sense that it had a good kick and flavor and it wasn't unbearable. Then he brought out this soup that he said was on the house, which was perfect for the rainy day that we had come. Then he got us the Hanid (goat) and rice and the Fuul. The Fuul was my favorite. He brought it out with this really good bread and showed us how to eat it. Another honorable mention was the tea, it pairs well with the Fuul (per a tip from Muhammad). He and his wife run the restaurant, he laughed and said the tea was the only thing he made and his wife prepares the rest of the food.
(5)Casey B.
I can't speak highly enough of this place. I lived in Ethiopia for a bit, and this is the best Ethiopian food I've had in the states. The owner is extremely friendly. The atmosphere is fun. Very reasonably priced. Don't hesitate. Go! :)
(5)Stacie F.
Awesome meal with Mohammed and Zanub! The food was amazing and the service was perfect. Highly recommend!!!
(5)Nancy K.
Super sad because we have been craving Ethiopian for a while and maybe, just maybe, my hopes were a little too high for this place. We ordered the veggie sampler and doro wat and I think my main disappointments were that 1. the injera is kinda thick, 2. the veggie sampler wasn't amazing by any means and seemed tailored to more "americanized" tastes. Less importantly, 3. we were charged for two bottles of water ($1 each) when we asked for water and then also charged for an appetizer ($2) that we didn't order and thought was a complimentary item that was just placed on our table. Not really a big deal but it's a big pet peeve of mine to be charged for things unknowingly not matter how cheap the cost. Still a good place to try if you've never had Ethiopian food and there's lots of livingsocial/groupons available right now for it.
(3)Sean M.
I never write reviews of anyplace, but this place is awesome, just go - you definitely won't be disappointed.
(5)JoAnna H.
Yesterday I had lunch at Derae Ethiopian Restaurant on Park and Highland with a friend. The owner, Mohammad, was so warm and friendly. He treated us like family. He ordered for us the Ethiopian goat and rice dish and Mediterranean fuul. He brought us soup and an Ethiopian spiced tea as complimentary items for us to try. Everything was delicious. I just wanted to recommend this amazing little family owned restaurant to anyone in the area.
(5)Latrice P.
very nice owner. aimed to please. food was tasty and prepared to your liking in terms of spice. good location for starving u of memphis students, staff, and faculty.
(3)Frank Y.
I've eaten at this restaurant multiple times now, so this review should represent my consistent experience with their food. Rating system: 5 stars - Must try. You're really missing out if you don't. I'm a regular here 4 stars - Highly recommended, but may have minor things that keep me from being a regular 3 stars - Good most of the time but not great. Will only eat here if I have a particular craving, or am unable to eat at my 4 or 5 star choices 2 stars - Do not really like it but will only eat here if I have to (e.g. forced by friends) 1 star - Avoid. Save your money, time, and stomach Cross-posted and updated from my review on Urbanspoon last year in early 2013: My girlfriend and I decided to try this restaurant out after reading some of the positive reviews on Urbanspoon and on Yelp. We were greeted by one of the owners, who was extremely friendly and was very pleased when he found out that we had come because of the online reviews. He suggested for us to try the Fuul and the Hanid with rice, as well as some chai tea, as the previous reviewers wrote about. The Fuul is a dip/soup made with fava beans served with wheat french bread. The beans were delicious. It was mild in heat. The beans were cooked until almost refried bean-like in consistency but with more liquid (actually tastes similar to refried beans because of the onion and cumin), topped with olive oil, onions, jalapenos, black olives, and berbere (spicy African seasoning mix). This is going to be something we plan to order everytime we return [edit. since our first visit, every time we have eaten here, we have ordered the fuul without fail]. The Hanid and rice is roasted goat meat with spices, seasoned rice pilaf, and what appeared to be a beef gravy. It was also served with a green dipping sauce (tangy with cilantro, garlic, and jalapenos) that you can pour on your meat or rice. The dipping sauce had a medium heat. The meat and the rice were very flavorful. I have to point out though, some may not like goat because it has somewhat of a gamey taste (more than lamb but less than deer). I personally enjoyed it, but I know that many have not been exposed to it before. Nevertheless, it was delicious and the portions were plentiful. We were full with just that one entree and the appetizer. The chai tea was also tasty. For those that have not had chai before, it is a tea made with spices (you can usually find it in Indian restaurants). You can drink it with milk or without. We preferred it without milk. Also, you will want to add a little bit of sugar (about 1 teaspoon or so, to taste) as well. Review of other items: Derae Soup - I'm not sure if this was on the menu or not, but the owner let us try a bowl of this soup on the house and it was very tasty. It is more like a broth with a little bit of vegetables and herbs/spices (parsley, cumin seed, possibly some ground coriander seed and turmeric but hard to taste all the spices distinctly). Savory and flavorful with a nice tang (from lime juice). It reminds me of a Middle-Eastern lentil soup I used to make, but without the lentils. Maqli (sp?) - Beef sauce with seasoned basmati rice. This is actually the same beef sauce and rice that comes with the Hanid and Rice, but it is a larger portion of rice and meat sauce. A great alternative if they are either out of goat, or if you aren't in the mood for goat. Hulbat Marakh - This is a fenugreek stew. Large chunks of beef, a potato, and gravy made from fenugreek seeds and tomatoes, served on injera bread. The injera bread is the spongy, somewhat acidic, flat bread that you see in typical Ethiopian cuisine with spoonfuls of meats and vegetables on it. In this dish, however, you don't even see the bread. It is buried beneath the stew. The stew is very flavorful but I must warn you that it is a bit bitter. Fenugreek seeds have a bitter taste to them. Some say it has medicinal uses. So if you don't mind the bitter taste, then you may like this stew. Personally, I love fenugreek. But this is a dish I'd recommend with caution because it may not be to everyone's taste. This stew would be good with the seasoned basmati rice instead of the injera. I think I may request that next time I go. Chicken and Rice - Chicken breast sauteed with onions, chile peppers, and peppercorns, on top of their seasoned basmati rice. The chicken was properly cooked, ie, not too dry, and as with all of their dishes, was full of flavor. It was a bit spicy (medium in heat) and despite the flavors, I couldn't get over the fact that there were so many peppercorns in it! Every bite of food had peppercorns and so I kept having to spit them out, which took away from eating experience. The only time I had the chicken and rice was in early 2013, so it may have changed, because a more recent picture I saw of this dish did not show peppercorns.
(5)Kerry C.
As much as I used to love Abyssinia, it's kind of taken a dive lately. The food is still pretty good, it's just not as amazing as it used to be. That's why I'm glad I saw Bianca mention Derae on her blog a few days ago. It's a new-ish Ethiopian and Middle Eastern restaurant on Highland, just a little bit south of Park. I was all excited about going yesterday, until I realized that they're closed on Mondays. When I went for lunch today, my friend John and I were the only people in the restaurant. It's a nice, bright space and it's very clean. The server / owner / cook (at least, I think he was all three) gave us menus and made a few recommendations. Since I trusted his knowledge of the food more than mine, we ordered what he told us to get: fuul, hanid and rice and the special hot tea. The tea was served with milk, and it tasted a little bit citrusy. The server brought over sugar, which I skipped, but adding it makes the tea taste a lot like really good Chai. The fuul, which is on the breakfast menu, came out first. Fuul, Derae, Memphis, Tenn. It's a medium spicy stew-like dish made from fava beans, olive oil, onions, jalepenos, paprika and a little bit of cottage cheese. The fuul is meant to be eaten like a dip, so it comes with a basket of the fluffiest, warmest, most delicious basket of wheat bread. (At first, I skipped the dipping in favor of shoveling the bread straight into my mouth. It really is that good.) The hanid was a giant plate of rice topped with tender (but kind of gamy) pieces of goat meat and a mild meat sauce (in the foreground of the picture). There was a little bowl of spicy green sauce on the side for dipping. It was very good and super filling. Even with two of us, we wound up with a to-go box. I'll definitely be back - Derae has picked up where my once-beloved Abyssinia left off, albeit a little differently. The quality of the food was great, the service was very friendly, and the price - $21 for two of us (fuul, hanid and rice, two teas, two bottles of water) - was great. Derae Restaurant is open Tuesday - Sunday from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. They accept most credit cards (but not AmEx) and they're definitely vegetarian friendly.
(4)Trivedi A.
This is East African-Mediterranean style restaurant and NOT ONLY Ethiopian restaurant. The host/owner/waiter of the restaurant is a very friendly person and will go through the menu. The options are really very very different. I tried Fuul special (comes with eggs) with bread. It was a very different experience trying this dish. My friends had goat/lamb with rice and they were super impressed. I would recommend this restaurant to everyone who likes to explore different cuisines and tastes. It is a MUST try.
(4)ASM Iftekhar A.
We tried the Fuul and Hanid with rice. Those are some of the best foods you can find around. Muhammed is very cordial and hospitable. So if you are nearby don't forget to check it out.
(5)Coco J.
I went to Derae once to pick up dinner and the food was very good! I'm a vegetarian and I like this place especially because they are very vegetarian friendly. The employee was very friendly and I plan on going back often. They close at 6 pm which is the only down side for me.
(5)Chris C.
Best Ethiopian-style food in Memphis? Quite possibly. The lamb tibs (essentially, strips of spiced meat) are probably my favorite, but the fuul is excellent as well. I also saw at least one carnivore nearly convert to vegetarianism after trying the veggie combo. In short, pretty much all the topics we tried were great. On my most recent trip last week, I discovered the meat samosas which were phenomenal. Normally, samosas often either have the meat get kind of mushy within the crust, but these tasted fresh and delicious with a unique set of spices. For $2, I would order 5 servings of them for lunch in the future. Owner was extremely helpful as others have mentioned and even poured the normally hot tea over ice. Can't believe there was nobody else there at lunchtime--it's definitely worth it, if only for a bowl of fuul and samosas if you need a snack. One tip: the AC works nicely (unlike some other restaurants I've found) and even on one of the hottest days in awhile, the interior was cool.
(5)Steve K.
If you are looking for something truly authentic then this is the place. I had the Hanid and Rice. Great meal. I received great service. I travel all the time around this country. Memphis has got this great little treasure in a quite unexpected place.
(5)Bailey P.
This food is sooooooo good. This was the first time I had Ethiopian food, so I didn't really know what to expect. The owner was sooooooo friendly. He gave us amazing suggestions, and he even showed me how to eat it! We loved every bite. Good appetizers, the veggie plate was delicious, and the tea was fantastic. So glad we tried this place, we will certainly be back!
(5)Shu J.
We went to this small family operation for lunch, and so glad we did! We had the Soup, Sambosa, Bhajiya (similar to Indian pakora), Fuul, and Vegetarian meal with spongy Injira bread. Everything was absolutely delicious. The warm spiciness & richness of the food kept me satiated all day long. I can't wait to go back and order large quantities of yummy lentils. The best part of the experience was meeting Muhammad. What a stellar guy! He was wonderful to talk to, very genuine, and very eager to help you understand Ethiopian cuisine. He made several recommendations to us, and we were happy with all the options. This place is such a hidden gem! If you love ethnic food, put this on your restaurant itinerary stat.
(5)Kishan G.
Magnificent!!! No words to describe this experience. Got off work for lunch. Your average 100 degree day. We walk in and the host was very friendly. I know my way around the cuisine and got a vegetable platter. The veggie dishes were served on a huge injera bread. Very tasty. It was like eating at someone's home. Will return soon.
(5)Srishti S.
I have been coming here regularly. And the quality and passion is just the same. My favorite still is the Bhajiya and fuul with the awesome hot tea. They sometimes are out of Bhajiya, so I always call and confirm in advance. I have eaten Ethiopian food in Boston, NY, DC, NOLA and so many other places. But no other place has such flavorful fuul. This is truly a hidden gem of Memphis.
(5)Russell W.
Five star restaurants on Yelp with more than few reviews are rare. Combine that with me only having had exceptional Ethiopian food in DC, I felt I may get let down. Luckily for me, that was not the case! I don't know what I ate, I just told the gentleman Muhammad to pick for me. I wanted to go back to try another dish he was equally proud of, but sadly I didn't have enough time. But the food is great. I went at an off time and Muhammad even sat down with me at the table talking about Ethiopia and his background. Whenever I'm back in Memphis, I will be back to try that other dish he is proud of.
(5)Alison H.
The fuul is amazing, and the vegetable platter is really good! The man who works here is always so warm, welcoming, and inviting. Can't recommend this place enough! We hope to make it a weekly lunching place for our co-workers.
(5)Colin B.
This is our new spot. Anytime either of us asks the other what they're in the mood for, the answer is Derae. Muhammad and his family are very welcoming and friendly. He's excited to share his food with everyone. If you're new to African cuisine, don't even worry, he'll walk you through. It honestly feels like you're sitting in someones home, eating a meal with them. Much of this has to do with the hospitality, but the main reason is the food. It feels like a family dinner, because it is. Muhammad's wife is cook, and a fine one at that. I'm pretty sure we could live off the Fuul and bread. For ~6 bucks, it might be the best deal in Memphis. I was lucky enough to be there on a weekend when they prepare Hulbat. It's a red sauce that's kind of tangy, made from fenugreek and other spices, ladled over the top of injera bread with a huge potato and several large pieces of stewed roast beef. It was enough food for 3 meals. Think African Chilaquiles. Get the coffee at the end of the meal. If his wife's made desert, you'd hate yourself if you didn't get it. This place is everything a mom and pop restaurant should be. You better go before you can't get a seat!
(5)Eric C.
The best Ethiopian food in Memphis only gets better. There are even more vegetarian offerings if you ask the owner. The vegetable soup is really good. Super friendly service & genuine enthusiasm to explain the food. Ask them to tone down the spices if you bring kids.
(5)Sean M.
My wife and I passed through here on the way to Atlanta based in other yelp reviews. We were not disappointed. The food and service were excellent. If you are unfamiliar with Ethiopian fare, just ask Muhammed. Friendly, fast and delicious!
(5)Michael E.
This place is great! I was in town for a conference and when I heard about this place I knew I just had to try it. When we arrived the owner met us at the door. We asked him to give us whatever he recommended. He brought out several of his most popular dishes. Everything was full of flavor and prepared with care. Even though I was only in town for about nine days, I manged to come here three times. I cannot recommend this place enough. I recommend not using the menu and letting the owner take care of you. It also works best when you come with a group, as many of the dishes are perfect for sharing.
(5)Karen H.
My sister and I went to Derae for the first time today. The gentleman who owns the restaurant was very friendly and attentive. He explained the food, made menu suggestions, and brought us samples. The food was excellent. I had the goat and rice. My sister had the chicken and rice. Everything was so flavorful that we just wanted to keep eating. There was no way we could have finished all of it though because the portion sizes were pretty big. The restaurant isn't very big, but it was such a happy place. Everyone was eating and happily chatting. We will definitely go back.
(5)Jim E.
Derae Restaurant is an absolute gem if you are looking for good old authentic food. As soon as I walked in I was greeted by Mohammed, he is a super friendly guy and eger to please. I started with a vegetable soup that was out of this world. Next I moved on to the sambusa/samosas. I was a little disappointed here but only because they did not have any beef ones only vegetable but still very good. They were a little smaller than I am used to having them but perfect for an appetizer. Mohammed even threw in a couple Bajiya which were pretty good also but I prefer the sambusa. For my main course I had to go with the hanid and rice. Figured if the could pull that off everything must be amazing. Well turns out it to exceed my expectations. The meat was super tender and truly melted in your mouth. The rice and spicy sauce added to the entire experience. I will definitely be making this a regular lunch spot.
(5)Casey B.
Found this place on groupon and decided to give it a try. I am very glad I did. When we came, the owner, Mohammad, greeted us and sat us. He was very friendly and welcoming. He is passionate about their food and we learned his wife is the chef there. I'll tell ya now, she can cook! He told us he is confident anything she makes will be good, which got me excited out the upcoming food. He also told us "she only cooks for money though, and not for me" hahaha. We decided to let him choose our dishes for us. We started with the Sambusa. These were delicious little pastry pockets of seasoned meat. Next we had Bajiya and this too was excellent. For the main course we got goat and rice and also the veggie combination. Once again, everything we were served was full of great flavor and very scrumptious. To top of this great meal Muhammad brought us out some fresh made Baklava and wow! I am not really a dessert person and hardly ever order it, but I would order this again and again. It must have been right out of the oven because it was hot in the middle which made it soooooo good. Literally melt in your mouth good. I will be back here for sure. Everyone needs to come try this place to have a memorable meal and support a local Memphis business.
(5)Alice G.
I have not had much ethiopian food, but this restaurant made me very interested in exploring more ethiopian cuisine. We went there for a late lunch, and the owner was very friendly at explaining the menu to us noobies. We ordered whatever he recommended, which was the soup, vegetable platter, and the lamb and rice dish (the first one on the menu). I am in love with spices, and these dishes did not hold back. I also enjoyed the fact that I could adjust the heat with the lamb and rice dish with the chutney sauce. Wonderful customer service, yummy food, and great company made this a fantastic visit. I will be back soon!
(5)D D.
Derae is a nice surprise in the area. It offers a great menu selection that is all very delicious and it also comes with great service. There are great vegetarian options and there are options for people that like to eat meat. I suggest that you try both. It can be a little expensive for a casual meal but it is worth supporting good local businesses like this one. The seating is limited and the parking is even more limited. This shouldn't discourage you from giving it a shot!
(5)Andrew S.
The owner and his staff are very hospitable and friendly. Derae serves several delicious and authentic Ethiopian dishes, that are exotic and a must try for the adventurous eater. The Hulbat is an exceptional dish that reminded me of my time in Africa. I believe it can only be ordered on Friday and Saturday (I remember the menu said something about it only being served during a limited time frame); but it is defiantly worth trying.
(5)Cherry B.
This place is walking distance from my house and I have been missing out. My partner and I went and order chicken and rice not knowing what Hanin was, another miss out. The chicken and rice was excellent, enough said. My co-workers asked me about it so I took them and we had the goat meat, excellent again. Please go it is a great experience and Mohammad was a excellent host.
(4)Barbara H.
Absolutely, wonderful. My work team was celebrating my birthday and selected Derae for lunch. There were 10 of us with different taste and dietary needs. The food did not disappoint. Mohammed the owner gave us VIP accommodations. He was gracious and explained each selection in great detail. A few in the group had not experienced Ethiopian cuisine. The service was extremely fast and efficient, particularly expressive with a large group. His generosity was above and beyond what you'd even expect in a southern establishment. He offered to provide a sample of an appetizer for the entire group (awesome). In addition, I was shocked when he effectively announced a money back guarantee - I guess it's not a risk when the food is this good. The portion is immense. I had enough leftover to take to my family and share for dinner(14 y/o boy and husband). They both have made me promise to take them this weekend. The price is extremely affordable. It truly is one place you should eat in Memphis before you die. Congratulations to the entire staff at Derae's for their excellence in service and product.
(5)Ken H.
I came here expecting a lot and I was not disappointed. I had the goat and rice and it was absolutely delicious. I look forward to experiencing the rest of the menu.
(5)Neha B.
A real gem! A must visit! The humble atmosphere is appropriate given that the food itself is so spectacular. Authentic East African and Mediterranean food cooked by a lovely couple from Ethiopia. The hospitality is so gracious I actually let them choose my dish for me, and they did not disappoint: Vegetable injera (perfectly balanced cabbage, kale, lentils, and peas!), spicy chicken and lamb with rice (mouth-watering), and hot tea (the cloves warmed my throat). I didn't know this til I got there and saw the plaque, but Derae apparently made the Top 100 Restaurants in Memphis to Try Before You Die list in the Commercial Appeal this year! And from my experience, it was very well deserved. Will definitely be going back.
(5)Y. C.
Friendly staff and delicious home style meal.
(3)Nadia C.
In Memphis on business trip, found this place on yelp after reading the reviews. Amazing food, great service, home style kind of feel. I tried 2 of the breakfast items, and it's yummy. Highly recommended.
(5)David M.
Excellent injera, tibs and vegetables. The spicy tibs had the perfect amount of kick. FYI they charge for water (bottled), but the clove spice hot tea is superb -- same price as the water. Friendly staff and excellent food, I'll be back.
(5)Mia H.
Delicious food and incredible service. I will bring and recommend to others for sure.
(5)Vishal C.
There is a reason this restaurant has 5stars..awesome food..friendly owner..homely treatment...there is nothing that can go wrong..
(5)Teddy C.
Decent food, tiresome and overbearing owner. He spent a lot of time mansplaining the menu even though we were pretty familiar with Ethiopian food, having lived in Africa and the two most populous US cities (Ethiopian expatriates) in DC and Atlanta.
(3)Bridges K.
This place has been on my bucket list for a while. I finally made it. I ordered some food to go, and had chai while I was waiting. It was so quiet and peaceful. There were other customers but the peace! The gentleman was personable & polite. I hated that I got my food to go. I'll go back and sit a spell next time.
(5)Bussy G.
Amazing food and wonderful friendly service! Owner Mohammad will tell you what to order. I'm a vegetarian and the plate he brought me was AMAZING! I highly recommend for an affordable, delicious, "out of the box" dining experience in Memphis.
(4)Zeydi A.
Delicious ! The owner suggested food since it was our first time eating Ethiopian :) great service and yummy food!
(5)Jenn B.
Found our way here after reading reviews as many do honestly one of the best meal experiences I've ever enjoyed. Try everything, ask Muhammad for suggestions, he enjoys sharing the unique tastes his restaurant offers.
(5)Shane S.
Amazing food! The best lamb I've ever had. The owners are friendly and very helpful; we really didn't have to order. He simply served us delicious food. Not just one of the best Ethiopian restaurants but one of the best places to eat in the city.
(5)Tanya H.
Soup - AMAZING!!!! FUUL is OUTSTANDING!!!! The owner helped me make my selection and recommended the FUUL! Service is great! Food is great!!! I will be back!!!!
(5)Elisabeth R.
amazing food. good prices. vegetarian friendly. clean. everyone must check this little gem out!
(5)Nisha N.
Amazing food.. Loved the tibs and injera, fish and rice.. Perfect blend of spices and flavor. The spice tea was also wonderful. The best Ethiopian food in town.
(5)Barrett R.
I saved this review after two years. I have been loyal to this restaurant for several reasons. The food is authentic, Mohammed is a great guy, and they deliver to my house. The Orange Mound should be proud of its gem. They close at 6, btw. It's best...for all parties.
(5)Kevin L.
Really interesting and very tasty. I highly recommend. The owner Mohammed was very friendly and guided us towards some really delicious entrees. I'm coming back, you should check it out. The lamb and rice dish was amazing.
(5)