Cafes / Ababo’s Cuisine
‘A culinary journey from Addis Ababa to Easton’
For Meriam, it has been a journey of passion and vision from Ethiopia to Easton.
Ababo’s Cuisine, located within Easton Community Centre and operated by Eastside Community Trust, has quickly become a gastronomic hotspot in the local area.
The Ethiopian cafe, founded in early 2024 by Meriam Ababo, serves authentic dishes crafted with love and a deep connection to her roots.
What began as Meriam’s passion for sharing the rich, vibrant flavours of Ethiopia has blossomed into a thriving business that not only offers delicious food but also a welcoming stop for those visiting.
Ababo’s Cuisine was founded in early 2024 in Easton
Before establishing her cafe, Meriam gained recognition at local events such as the Bristol Harbour Festival and the Bristol Refugee Festival.
The positive response from these events encouraged her to take the next step: bringing her vision of authentic Ethiopian cuisine to the heart of her community in Easton. This aligned with Eastside Community Trust’s mission to serve and uplift the local community.
ACH is one of the organisations that has supported Meriam in her entrepreneurial journey. Eloise Clemmings, lead business advisor for ACH, said: “From the time when Ababo’s Cuisine was just a dream until now, it has been a great pleasure for me to support Meriam and see her business blossom.”
For first-time visitors, the Misir Wot, a spiced lentil dish served on injera (a traditional Ethiopian pancake) comes highly recommended. It offers the perfect introduction to the complex and comforting flavours of Ethiopia, providing a true taste of the country’s culinary traditions.
Meriam, who grew up in Addis Ababa, said: “Our house in Addis Ababa was always full of people and delicious food, and the kitchen was the heart of our home.
“Now, I’m honoured to bring that same spirit of hospitality to Easton. Each dish is a piece of home, and I’m so happy I get to share these flavours with the community.”
“Each dish is a piece of home, and I’m so happy I get to share these flavours with the community,” said Meriam Ababo, founder of Ababo’s Cuisine
Ababo’s Cuisine serves a wide range of traditional Ethiopian dishes, many of which are naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, and vegan.
Meriam is also proud to offer halal options, ensuring the cafe is an inclusive destination for everyone in the community.
Stacy Yelland, chief executive of Eastside Community Trust, said: “We’ve been so pleased to see how Ababo’s Cuisine has become a cornerstone of the Easton community. It’s not just about food – it’s about creating a space where people can come together, connect, and enjoy each other’s company.”
Eastside Community Trust has fostered a family-friendly environment within the cafe, with a small play area for children, allowing families to enjoy their meals together in comfort.
Ababo’s Cuisine serves a wide range of traditional Ethiopian dishes, many of which are naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, and vegan
Beyond its regular cafe offerings, Ababo’s Cuisine is also available for private catering, making it a memorable choice for events and special gatherings.
To find out more about event spaces at Eastside Community Trust, visit www.eastsidecommunitytrust.org.uk
All photos: Evoke Pictures Lifestyle
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