Was going to eat lunch there today but when I arrived the waitress had her mask down under her chin. She proceeded to walk through the dining room past customers without pulling up her mask so I declined the table and went elsewhere. If they aren't willing to follow the most basic Covid protocols I do not feel safe eating there. read more

I'd actually been to Harambe once before, but it was long before my yelpin' days... I was bored and hungry this weekend and ended up in here. The service was alright, there was hardly anyone there because it was about 3:30 so they took their time. I ordered the veggie combo for 1 person. Ahhhh it was SO good! Just as I remembered it. I liked all but one of the different varieties of lentils and veggie stews. My favourites were definitely the mixed veggie one, the cabbage, and the spicy reddish-brown lentils. The bread is amazing! It's a good value too, because I was so hungry when I walked in that I would have punched someone in the face and stolen their food, and I couldn't even finish this meal. I think it was about $11 or $12. Try a bite of each, and eat your favourites first! I'll be back soon! I'm busy trying to convince everyone I know to come with me. read more

Harambe Restaurant - Delicious honey wine in a berele! - Ethiopian Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

I went to this spot with a really large group one Saturday evening with reservations prepared. I was a bit worried about them being able to serve such a large group of us, and unfortunately the serving time took pretty long. It's fair because of how large of a group we had, but it was unpleasant nonetheless. The inside is pretty unique with some painting styles I had never seen before. A subgroup of 4 of us ordered the Chef's Choice Combination platter for 4, which was served with an assortment of beans, chicken, lamb, cabbage, spinach, tomato, and beef. The dish was amazing as I got to try a bit of many different flavours for a reasonable price. I was very full afterwards as well which may have been due to the large amount of injera bread they serve with the dish. I haven't had much African food, so I don't know how it stands to other places, but I'd say it's the best African dish I've had in Vancouver after living here for half a year. The owner even came out and talked about what went into each dish and brought some of us out complementary Ethiopian coffee. I'd definitely come back to this place for the shared platter experience. There were very unique tastes that you don't see at many other restaurants. I feel if I went here alone or as a small group, the long wait time would have upset me a bit, so I'd recommend coming to this place as a group to have company frustrated together. After all this complaining though, I'm stuffed and the food was amazing. read more

Harambe Restaurant - Chef's Combination for 4 ($16 each) - Ethiopian Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

The service may not be super fast but you're getting a home cooked style, authentically DELICIOUS. Had the chefs platter for 4 and we will be back for personal favourites off of it sometime soon! read more

Harambe Restaurant - Chefs platter for 4 with meat and veg! - Ethiopian Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

ETHIOPIAN dishes pride of african cuisine....decors are lovely the blending of colors and other african displayade it so nice...im lovin the chair and table for kids they are solid wood and so smooth...4 of us came here to try the foods....serving very generous...the bread warm and doup soury taste when dip to your main dish sauce was so awesome....quite place that serves alcohol beverages,syreet parking,family/group/kids friendly...i just love the place.... read more

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Had an amazing meal at Harambe on the weekend. It was our first time so we tried the Awaze Tibs and Veggie Lovers Combo (based on another Yelp review). Both dishes had great flavours and portion sizes were generous. We did takeout (because of COVID) so can only really comment on the food but it was super delicious. Harambe will now be a go-to for us in the neighbourhood. Highly recommend! read more

Harambe Ethiopian Cuisine revealed itself to me on Commercial Drive near 5th. Ethiopian cuisine: the ultimate comfort food. Their crepe-like bread, injera, is spongy, thick and moist as a compliment to their saucy dishes. I love the veggie combo: plots of spicy red and yellow lentils, moist spinach, slow-cooked cabbage and mixed veg. The crepe has a slight tang and can be used instead of cutlery; it does a better job than Bounty of soaking in the juices, plus they up the authenticity points for bringing spices in right from the source on trips home to Ethiopia. After my meal the room filled with an intense incense with minty, woodsy, bark-like notes; I enjoyed a few minutes of post-feast relaxation as the scent washed away my worries. They have been at the location for 10 years! Tej, Ethiopian Honey Wine, is made from only two ingredients: honey and hops. It is very light in flavour, but delicious and calming. read more

Harambe Restaurant - Ethiopian Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

UPDATE: The last couple of times I've visited, the portions have been cut significantly. The food quality is still good, but the meagre portions mean I'm less likely to visit here. Go to Cafe d'Afrique on Main St., or Addis Cafe just down the street. read more

Loved Harambe! Their food was amazing! We had 'Doro Tibs'(chicken dish) and a bunch of veggie things- Misir Wot, Tekil Gomen, Yatekilt Alitcha. Everything was great! Loved everything especially our chicken and the Yatekilt! Yum yum yum! Service was pretty slow but the food was worth the wait for sure! read more

Harambe is, in my opinion, the best Ethiopian restaurant in the city. There are loads of vegetarian options - I had the split red lentil wot. It had just the right amount of spice and went really well with a glass of honey wine. The service was also terrific, friendly and knowledgeable. read more

I have been here twice already and cannot wait to go back! The food is amazing, I am so glad a friend of mine brought me here. I just moved to Vancouver less then a year ago and had never even tried Ethiopian. I had no idea it would be so flavourful! I crave it all of the time now. I have had the lamb dish (on both occasions! it is sooo good!) ,the combination meat platter and have tried the vegetarian combination platter. both were equally yummy. The bread is delicious too! The atmosphere is very nice as well. The restaurant has a soothing red wall colour and beautiful African art work on the walls. I like it here and if I move from Vancouver I will miss it! read more

Harambe Restaurant - Lamb and comination vegetable meat platter for one (we shared and it was super delicious and filling) - Ethiopian Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

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This is a great Ethiopian food place to go to. My husband and I go there often, for the food, and for the convenience of the location (it's so close to commercial broadway station). Recommend! read more

This was the first time I had Ethiopian food and it was amazing! I had no idea what to expect but I'm am SO glad I gave it a go. I ordered the vegetarian platter and everything was super delicious! The lentil one is a little spicy but all others are absolutely fantastic. I also tried the honey wine which is typical from Ethiopia as well and loved it! Service was great and the restaurant has an awesome atmosphere. Loved everything about it, plus the prices are super reasonable. Would definitely recommend and will be going back for sure! read more

Harambe Restaurant - Vegetarian platter (bottom) and Chef's platter (top) - Ethiopian Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

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Didn't know what to expect coming in having never eaten Ethiopian food before, and it turned out to be amazing. Food is spicy and flavourful. Was particularly fond of the tej honey wine. Using the injera bread to eat the food was interesting. Definitely eat here. read more

The 3 vegetarian item combo is definitely great value, and the Tej is a unique and delicious way to get drunk. The servers are very nice, but you should expect to wait a while to be served. Also, you should expect to eat without utensils, as all the food is served on a spongy bread. It's a great restaurant, I've been coming here for years. A good way to introduce people to the wonderful foods of Ethiopia. read more

Cozy place , nice ambient and good food. The food came late and the overall service was below average. read more

Harambe Restaurant - Interior View - Ethiopian Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

I. Love. Harambe. Simple as that. This comfortable and inviting restaurant is my family's favourite place to go in the city. Danny is so welcoming and great with our daughters who are now 8 & 11. We always order the vegetarian platter and love every bite! We seem to have a mild addiction to injera, and can't get enough of the spicy lentils. My daughters also recommend the big yellow lentils (looks like corn) and of course the mango lassi. Go! (But make sure you have ample time, it's not fast food...). read more

Good food, bad service. My friend and I came here before a concert at the Rio Theater, and when we went in around 6 on a Friday night, it was pretty empty. Only a couple other parties were there. We were seated swiftly, but after that, it kind of went down hill. After placing our orders (we both got the veggie combo platter), not once did a waitress come by to ask us how our food was, if we had ever tried Ethiopian food before (but there is a page in the menu describing how you're supposed to eat the food), if we needed anything, nothing. We were in a bit of a hurry so when the place got a bit busier and we finally saw a waitress come out of the shadows to help someone else, I was able to finally flag someone to get the check. Aside from that, the different vegetable dishes were all served on a large piece of injera, which is a slightly sour bread/pancake that you use as your utensil to pick up food and wrap to eat. I quite enjoyed a lot of the dishes, and it has quite unique spices to flavor them. Don't be fooled by the affordable cost-- the combo platter is large and because you need the injera for each bite, it quickly fills your stomach. read more

I'm gonna be honest, the only reason I had considered coming here in the first place was For The Memes And Also So That I Could Take A Cool Instagram Photo but I have to say I was completely blown away by the food. I went at about 4 in the afternoon by myself, and there was one other patron. I was pointed towards a table and eventually the waiter meandered over with a menu. It definitely seemed like you shouldn't come here if you were looking for a quick meal, but that's just the vibe. I ordered the chicken doro tibs which was served on a bed of injera with an extra basket of injera (it's the plate and the utensils, essentially). I asked for the spicy version and while it wasn't especially spicy, there were a couple peppers and it was extremely flavourful. I had also forgotten how much I LOVED injera - flattened, spongey sourdough? sign me up!!! The chicken had a great texture, the sauce and onions and spices complemented the injera fantastically. Overall a great meal and I will definitely consider coming back! read more

So my friends and I thought we'd check this place out after looking at other reviews and looking at photos but must say we were all disappointed:( One waitress for the entire restaurant and she was taking her sweet time and could care less if we waited forever. Not a damn care in the world. Now I'm not one to bring race into ANY of my yelp reviews ever but myself and my guests couldn't all help but notice ... every person at my table commented the second the waitress came over they felt the waitress must not have liked me because I was white and blonde? It was just odd. Even when she brought everyone's drinks, she never brought mine. When I asked her why she didn't bring mine she responded by saying, "oh you want your drink now?" Well why would I want it at a different time as the other 4 people? Just very odd treatment... Just dropping the food on the table and walking away. Bringing the plates of food we ordered that were servings for 4 but bringing us no individual plates to put the food on etc. We were honestly wondering if it was because we were white lol it was just weird the way we were being treated in this place. Just totally being ignored. Food was so so but in all honesty we've all noticed the treatment was very odd and uncomfortable just weird vibes. All of us were the only white people there and were honestly wondering if that was why.... it was just so weird read more

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Holy smokes! Amazing food, one of the most authentic restaurants in Vancouver, Ana fantastic service! Highly recommended and thankfully they're on door dash! read more

I came home for a visit and had cravings for doro wat. Took a leap of faith and made plans to eat here. Yes. Yes to this restaurant. It was solid. From the sweet spiced tea. To the doro wat and lentils. Deep satisfying flavors. Go to here. read more

* Decent Ethiopian * I had been hearing this was the place to go for Ethiopian/Eritrean food in town. I kept meaning to check it out and finally got to have lunch there. I took the Chef's Choice sampler which included a variety of meats and veggie dishes. Here are the highlights: - Yebeg Wot was the best of the bunch. The lamb was tender, the spicing was spot on. - Doro Wot was very good. The chicken was fall off the bone tender, and the spicing was nice. - Alitcha wot was not good at all. The meat was extremely tough, and the spicing did not come together well. - Goment was definitely the best of the veggies. The spinach was not overcooked, and had a nice strong natural flavour with a hint of garlic. - Tekil goment had cabbage which was at just the right level of doneness, and a very mild sauce. - Misir wot had not stewed long enough. The lentils were a bit too crunchy. The spices also had not melded yet. - Shero wot was nicely flavoured, with the typical berbere spicing. - The salad was an afterthought that could have been dropped from the plate and not missed. It was just typical supermarket greens with no noticeable dressing. - The injera was room temperature, and the right consistency. But it was not as sour as I would expect. Service was very friendly and the food came out quickly. Overall it was a decent meal. But I much prefer the offerings at Ziada: http://www.yelp.ca/biz/ziada-restaurant-new-westminster#hrid:ILaNgOQNtFNU6GDKeJwplg For those who care: 1) They are on the Rewards Network (http://www.yelp.ca/list/rewards-network-joy-vancouver), so you get frequent flyer points with your meal 2) Free wifi read more

Always consistently delicious! The veggie combo gives me life ! The staff is very sweet with consistent customer service - however food takes a LONG time, don't go if you are starving or you'll be waiting forever with a grumbly tummy- they seem to never have enough staff on the floor. That being said - excellent meal every time ! read more

My boyfriend and i were going for dinner and drinks with a friend of mine under the flimsy pretense of having a business meeting, and knowing she's a vegetarian, i said she could go ahead and pick the place. I am so glad she did because she chose Harambe! At first i was surprised she chose the place, because looking at their menu, it seemed like mostly meat dishes. Once i tried the food i understood that you don't need twenty options to choose from when the food you're eating is so damn tasty! I'd never been for Ethiopian food and didn't know what to expect... The meal was actually preceded by us joking that there would be a food shortage at the restaurant until someone from the Red Cross showed up, but our meal would be ruined by a missionary preaching at us as we ate. Yea, we make classy jokes like that. Turns out Ethiopian food is right up my alley! Eating with your hands? Check! Spicy food? Check! Lots of veggies? Check!! We actually loved the meal so much that my boyfriend and me went back the very next day for dinner to try their meat platter! I can't say which dish i liked the most since they were all so damn good! In all cases, i really noticed that the spices used in the dishes perfectly complimented the flavor of the veggies or meats they were cooked with. It weirds me out when you get a dish and all you taste is sauce, but everything we ate seemed to be a perfect balance of spices and whatever the main ingredient was. I was also pleasantly surprised when we came back for the meat platter because although there was meat on it, it wasn't a big, heavy, carnivorous pig-out. You had some meats, but most of the dishes were vegetables. I really liked that since when i left the restaurant, even though i was full i didn't feel like i was about to go into a food coma. I hear it's supposed to rain for the next two weeks, and something tells me that once the weather gets miserable i'll be back here for some comfort food! read more

I think I've been to Harambe now more times than I can remember, mostly due to my wife's constant cravings (for a while there I was fearing this to be a sign of pregnancy). I have to say that I've grown accustom to the slow, mediocre service and would rate the place higher if it wasn't for getting short-changed the other week. Our takeout bill came to $13.43, we gave the waitress a $20 and she gave us $6 back, no explanation. I asked where the rest of the change was, she just said "I'm out of change." No apology. I'm more of a raver, but this deserves a serious rant. You do not do this to any customer no matter the circumstance. I'm sorry, but if you don't have any change then you give back MORE money, not less. I really don't even care about the money - hell, I might have even tipped her a dollar had she done the right thing - it's the principle. Your customers come to you with certain expectations, and if you can't meet them the minimal effort requires an apology, which we didn't even get. I've never experienced anything this bad before, and it might have warranted not going back had it been the employer and not the employee, but rest assured I'll be letting the boss know. Am I alone in this? Can I get a witness? read more

Ethiopian food is an event. I love it. My dining date and I shared the veggie platter, and we both decided it to be very tasty. The spicy lentil mountain made me very happy. The platter came with just the right about of 'utensils' and as always, it was super fun to eat. The service was good, except slightly slow when it came to nailing down the bill. Just a random side note for the Christmas season, they have an adorable tree and a faux fire. I don't know if there are any other peeps out there like me with a soft spot for a faux fire...... read more

Gives new meaning to the term "finger food" OK, I should have done some research. I should have read the Yelp reviews BEFORE arriving. It was an impulse lunch stop as I was working in the neighborhood and Harambe looked interesting. I was a true virgin - no idea what to expect. I left with a huge smile on my face and a strong desire to do it again - soon. When I try a cuisine I'm not familiar with I appreciate a server who recognizes that and takes time to explain your options. After a brief discussion I deceded on the "Chefs Choice Combination". I had never heard of a single thing on the platter (except for the salad which was a no-brainer). I love trying new foods, so eagerly waited. Shortly afterwards, my platter arrived. A large platter with a variety of intriguing options that looked and smelled delicious. The server hadn't brought cuttlery. I reminded her of that. The diners at the other tables became silent and watched as the server screwed up a mischevious smile, put her hands scoldingly on her hips, and said "What's the matter? Your mother never taught you how to eat?" She then explained how they use the Injera to hand feed. I had a good laugh and dug in. A few minutes later she arrived with cuttlery (to the amazement of the people at the next table who were regulars and said they didn't know the restaurant even HAD cuttlery). I didn't use it. I loved the unique and delicious flavours of the different foods. The Injera bread had a consistency and flavour that was a wonderful addition to the meal. Everything about the restaurant was great! I'm definitely a fan. read more

What finger licking pleasure@ The vegetarian platter was the perfect way to talk, to share and to get to know my dining partner. I had forgotten how much I love eating with my hands. My tastebuds agree: the lentils and the corn were "swish" (copyright Jenni O) FTW! There's something about these simple, flavourful mountains of deliciousness that makes me feel wholesomely nourished! Going back for dinner... is tonight too soon? read more

For my BF and I it was our first Ethiopian experience and we fell in love. It was so good. We took the platter to try everything and what a surprise. Delicious !! The meat is tender, the bread great tasting and so unique. As I am Gluten Intolerant they replace the bread with rice which made my dinner enjoyable. I got some honey wine which wasn't very good but for my taste but my BF got a great tasty tea. The decor is fantastic, you cannot believe that you are in Vancouver. And the waitress was so sweet and friendly. Will go back and want to try the coffee ceremony. Ethiopian....tres bonne idee !! read more

Harambe is not my favourite Ethiopian place in town, but it's definitely the prettiest one I've been to. The decor and atmosphere here are better than most eastside Ethiopian places, so if you're on a date and want to share Ethiopian, maybe go to Harambe. Food-wise - the veggie platter here is plentiful and the injera good, but every time I go I specify that I don't eat dairy and every time they give me an "extra" stew that is made with butter. Okay, so I've only been twice, but twice this happened to me. read more

This is a review for their vegetarian food :) I came here last night for the first time with my girlfriend (her first Ethiopian food outing, how fun!) We got the vegetarian platter dealy-bob. I found the legume dishes to not be as up to par as I am used to. At least two of the larger legumes (maybe split peas?), were a little under done, and the Mesir Wat, typically my favorite dish at Ethiopian places was not up to par. It had too much nutmeg (I think?) for me, I was disappointed that it wasn't better. That said, the vegetable portions of the meal were freaking delicious. They had a super yummy cabbage dish that I will order on its own, and their gomen was the best I have had. Super yum. I will probably come back here just for the gomen. Overall the atmosphere was nice, and the service was relaxed. Will repeat. read more

Food was generous and delicious, service left a lot to be desired. My friend ordered some lamb stew thing which she really disliked (it had a lot of the sour bread, so was too sour). I ordered the veggie combo for one and it was delicious. Three of our friends ordered the meat combo for 3 and it was HUGE! Despite the fact the resto was fairly busy, our food came out in a timely manner. However, our waitress was very bad at communicating with us when our checks came. She also rarely checked in on us. When we got only one bill, we all put down our credit cards. She came over and we started to talk to her about how to split it (it was pretty simple). She kinda looked at the credit cards and walked away. We thought she was going to bring us separate bills. No. She just walked away. The owner was very busy and involved in the restaurant and he took a few looks at our bill with the credit cards sitting on it. But he never actually came over to ask us if we were being taken care of. My advice is: Come here if you have time to wait and are tolerant of poor customer service. read more

Food is good, though a little blander than expected (though that may be me - I like spicy). It took 45 min for our order to arrive, even though it didn't appear busy. We ordered 2 single vegetarian injera platters. Quantity was good - you won't walk away hungry. Note that street parking is metered, and you have to feed the meter 7 days a week. read more

Harambe Restaurant - Two single vegetarian injera platters. - Ethiopian Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

Each time we go there I am delighted, truly amazed at this place. Food is delicious. I remember once hearing something about there being some enzymes contained in our fingers which assist in the initial breakdown of food, rather like saliva. This was offered as explanation as to why food eaten with ones fingers seems always to be particularly enjoyable. I'm not sure that absolutely covers it. There is something very raw about eating with ones own hands but the presentation and ease in which it is done makes you feel so natural. Must arouse some primal instincts within. I am comforted, enriched, nourished and excited each time I dine here. Vegetarian is a great option, as is anything containing meat. Feel free to ask the waitresses questions if you are unsure. They will answer with a giant smile. And if you feel like imbibing, try the Tej (honey wine). read more

Harambe Restaurant - Harambe! Together! - Ethiopian Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

Yeezy yeezy what's good? It's your boy Max B , what's going on? Just checking in on you Appreciate the love and support The wave is here You a wavey dude anyway, so you already know Ain't no problem, man, the game ... You already know how this game thing goes Do your wave nigga You got the official wave ©© man Just, just doing you... Doing you , doing your wave And keep it loopy , I know you're going to keep it loopy man Shoutout, just shout you out Hollering at you man, it's all love I appreciate the... the energy And we here , hit the town , we do something big We gonna make a big tsunami up in the joint You already know what it is, ahh Silver Surfer Silver Surfer in the flesh Silver surfer in the flesh Max B shoutout to Yeezy What's good , I see you It's love appreciate it It's honor , appreciate it Ugh, wavey, baby, yeah Harambe died for our sins read more

I would eat pretty much anything served to me on Injera bread, so maybe my review is biased, but I LOVE the veggie platter here at Harambe. Fllavourful veggie and bean curries with exotic flavours and textures come served in dollops on a bed of the spongy, springy moist bread (made from fermented teffe). The platter for four left us absolutely stuffed, and when I asked to take the leftover curries home they packed it in with some extra rolls of the bread! (It made a great lunch the next day, and my Tanzanian co-worker was really jealous of the delicious smell wafting through the office!) Sure, the service is a bit slow - but every single Ethiopian restaurant I have ever been to takes their time preparing the food - these are flavours that have to sit! Budget an hour at least for your meal from start to finish. Prices are extremely affordable and the share platters really make this a great social eating experience. I will be back! Again, and again, and again.... :) read more

Very tasty dishes! We shared a 6 person platter with 10 people and it was still very very filling! Only thing is the service is quite slow. There was only one server and he forgot one of orders for our table altogether, and it took a while to get him to come by to begin with and to get additional drinks. Decor is plain and nothing special. But if you've never had Ethiopian food, this is a great place, but be ready to use your hands for everything! read more

Tired from resorting to binging on sushi this week, I wanted to try something 100% new to me. The only thing that came to mind was something African. So I hopped on Yelp and Harambe immediately popped up. After walking the trails of Lynn Valley all afternoon, I was starving. The three of us arrived and was greeted by a buzzing place with an intoxicating smell. While waiting for a table at the bar, we decided to order their special platter for 3 which had beef, lamb, and two different chicken as well as assorted vegetable 'helpings'. The food arrived in a huge platter with more sponge-bread on the side. Presentation wise, it was just just freaking cool because it was so different. No plates, no cutlery, just your (hopefully freshly washed) hands and napkins. If you don't like getting your hands dirty, you have issues. Eating with your hands as a group was really fun. I'd have to say my favorite was the lamb and chicken. There were other stars but I honestly don't remember what was what. We were all stuffed and cleaned the platter. Moral of this review? Stop being a creature of habit and try Harambe. read more

Mildly spiced and neatly presented, this cuisine is very well suited to people who enjoy new flavours, but aren't necessarily looking to set their mouths on fire every time. I stick to a mostly vegetarian diet, but have not found that to limit the choices when I've been here. The staff is inviting, and are happy to accommodate requests. One of the best in Vancouver! read more