Finger food that isn't crabs

Mt. Vernon has long been considered (by me at least, but I am sure other people agree) the ethnic food epicenter of Baltimore. Within three blocks there is Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Afgahni, Italian, American fusion, and a number of other different cuisines. While this may be normal for DC, it is very exciting for Baltimoreans, members of a city more known for its drug and homicide rates rather then its food.

Dukem, an Ethiopian restaurant on 1100 Maryland Ave. is an impossibly crowded place that will definitely give the other ethnic restaurants competition. Ethiopian cuisine largely consists of interesting stews served on fluffy, pancake-like bread called injera. Generally the injera acts as the plate, and also as the method by which the food is conveyed to the mouth. One picks up some injera, scoops up some tasty lentils or lamb or beef stews, and pops the entire thing in the mouth.

At Dukem, the best option is to get the vegetarian or meat combination platters which give a little taste of everything. Particularly delicious are the lamb wot and beef tibs among the meats, and the spicy split lentil and shiro among the veggies. The food is spicy, though the degree tends to depend more on chance then anything. However, it is delicious, authentic, and the Kenyan beer, Tusker, is also not to be missed.

Dukem
1100 Maryland Ave
Baltimore, MD
410-385-0318