Utensils not required

Places in San Jose to get Ethiopian food

A plate of Ethiopian curries and sauces atop injera bread, on a decorative plate.

We’re loving this colorful spread from LeYou. | Photo via @sjfoodies

Look deep into San Jose’s diverse culinary scene and you’ll find the exquisite harmony of flavors + aromatic dishes of Ethiopian cuisine.

Whether it comes as a surprise or not, the great 408 boasts plenty of Ethiopian restaurants — with one of them being a San Jose staple for 20+ years.

If you’re unfamiliar with the fare, expect lots of spices, stews, and curries. These are traditionally served atop a large, spongy bread called injera — which is meant to be torn off and dipped. Ready to dig in? Let’s go.

A plate of curries and vegetables atop injera bread. — Wouldn’t you like to dig into this generous plate from Zeni?

🥘 Zeni, 1320 Saratoga Ave.
This establishment is one of the oldest Ethiopian restaurants in San Jose, and was opened by a married couple who emigrated from Ethiopia in the 1990s. Owner Zeni prepares a specialty dish from her hometown in central Ethiopia — kitfo (Ethiopian beef steak tartar) with mitmita (a hot spice blend).

🥘 Gojo, 1261 W. San Carlos St.
Enjoy generous portions — and fresh sambusas (fried pockets of meat or lentils) — at this family-owned eatery. If you have any dietary restrictions, don’t worry, you can request gluten-free injera bread and find comfort in the fact that most of its vegetable entrees are vegan.

Someone dips the injera into the curry. — Don’t be afraid to use your hands.

🥘 LeYou, 1100 N. First St.
Incorporating new Ethiopian cooking styles, LeYou offers a modern spin on the traditional. Most notably, you can order a pescetarian version of kitfo with tuna — which is one of its most popular dishes. The staff is extremely helpful to newcomers, so don’t be intimidated as they’ll be happy to explain their menu in detail.

🥘 Mudai, 503 W. San Carlos St.
Step into Mudai and prepare to be instantly transported with large-scale murals of Ethiopia + Eritrea that decorate its walls. We suggest ordering the honey wine, honey tea, or an Ethiopian beer to accompany the restaurant’s delicious veggie or meat combos.

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Wednesday, Jan. 18

San Jose Sharks vs. Dallas Stars | Wednesday, Jan. 18 | 7:30 p.m. | SAP Center, 525 W. Santa Clara St., San Jose | $34+ | This is Sharks territory.
REO Speedwagon | Wednesday, Jan. 18 | 8 p.m. | San Jose Civic, 135 W. San Carlos St., San Jose | $51.50+ | The band, fronted by iconic vocalist Kevin Cronin, will bring their timeless hits and rock radio staples.
Jessie Johnson | Wednesday, Jan. 18 | 8 p.m. | San Jose Improv, 62 S. Second St., San Jose | $20-$75 | Laugh with the music school drop-out and trumpet player-turned-standup comedian from Phoenix.

Thursday, Jan. 19

Nursery Weeding/Mulching Workday | Thursday, Jan. 19 | 8:30-11:30 a.m. | Our City Forest Nursery, 1000 Spring St., San Jose | Free | Volunteer and learn about native plants and stewardship of native, drought-tolerant plants.
Subtronics: ANTIFRACTAL Tour 2023 | Thursday, Jan. 19-Saturday, Jan. 21 | 7 p.m. | San Jose Civic, 135 W. San Carlos St., San Jose | $49.50 | Get ready to dance with this iconic dubstep DJ.
Thursday Night Bingo & Mini Night Market | Thursday, Jan. 19 | 7-10 p.m. | The Branham Lounge, 1116 Branham Lane, San Jose | Free | Shop from local South Bay vendors, and stay for a couple rounds of Bingo.

Friday, Jan. 20

San Jose Barracuda vs. San Diego Gulls | Friday, Jan. 20 | 7 p.m. | Tech CU Arena, 1500 S. 10th St., San Jose | $13-$50 | Take it to the ice.
When She Became Me (staged reading) | Friday, Jan. 20 | 7-9 p.m. | Urban Sanctuary, 80 S. Fifth St., San Jose | Free | The updated documentary play, written by Elizabeth Horab, will help raise funds for Oakland nonprofit Access Reproductive Justice.
Drew Lynch | Friday, Jan. 20-Sunday, Jan. 22 | Times vary | San Jose Improv, 62 S. Second St., San Jose | $25+ | Catch the comedian who has appeared on IFC’s “Maron” and “CONAN,” and amassed over 2 million subscribers on Youtube.
Dale Watson, Matt Hillyer | Friday, Jan. 20 | 8 p.m. | The Ritz, 400 S. First St., San Jose | $22+ | Get ready for some Texan country tunes.

We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

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Amid its expansion, the Good Samaritan Hospital is planning to increase its bed-count to accommodate 419 beds, and evaluate expanding its diagnostic + treatment functions. The future complex will go from 450,700 sqft to ~1.37 million sqft — construction on the first phase should be complete by 2029. 🏥 (The Mercury News)

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On Friday, Feb. 24, the Sharks will host their 2023 Sharks Legends Game at the Tech CU Arena, and will feature Patrick Marleau, who will have his number retired at the SAP Center the following night. Tickets for the general public will be on sale this Friday, Jan. 20. 🏒

Ranked

In a recent study, San Jose was found to be the No. 8 happiest city in the US. Our city ranked in the top 10 — with high scores in categories like well-being and quality of life. Also, shoutout to our neighbors in Sunnyvale for being named the No. 1 happiest city. (Smart Asset)

Read

Queer Silicon Valley recently published new profiles of prominent judges in Santa Clara + San Mateo counties who identify as LGBTQ. Learn about our county’s first out lesbian judge, Judge Shawna Schwarz, and the late San Jose-born Judge Randy Rice. 🏳️‍🌈

Plan Ahead

We’ve got even more ways for you to celebrate Lunar New Year. This Sunday, Jan. 22, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., several Japantown establishments will feature multi-cultural new year celebrations. Enjoy mochi-making workshops, surprise retail bags, artisan craft vendors, and more. 🏮

Sports

If you’re into (or even sort of into) sports: The GIST is a must-subscribe newsletter that provides a refreshing female voice and perspective on sports four times a week. Read: If ‘do the thing and score the points’ is your baseline understanding, you might enjoy this to uplevel your knowledge. ⚽ *

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Choo choo through Camden Avenue

The history behind Camden Avenue

An old photograph of the Southern Pacific Coast Railroad at a depot circa 1910.

The Southern Pacific Coast Railroad once shared tracks with the Peninsular Railway. | Photo via History San José

Did you know that Camden Avenue is actually an acronym for “from Campbell to New Almaden Mine?” 👀

The road, which runs down through South San Jose, was once called “Railroad Avenue.” Back in the late 1800s, the South Pacific Coast Railroad brought timber from the Santa Cruz Mountains to the New Almaden quicksilver mine through the Camden Branch. 🚂

The branch was also used to transport quicksilver from the mines to Alviso, where it would be shipped to a smelter. ⛏️

However, by 1922, the railroad service dwindled down to a single train once a week, and by 1934, many branches were abandoned when the mines shut down during the Great Depression.

The Southern Pacific Coast Railroad then deeded the Camden Branch to Santa Clara County, where it became what is now known as Camden Avenue. 🛣️

What other historic San Jose placenames should we explore next?

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Alyson.

Editor’s pick: If you enjoyed our Ethiopian eatery roundup, thank our reader Lita K. She suggested that we dive deeper into the scene here in San Jose, and I was introduced to many restaurants I hadn’t explored before — and that’s my favorite part about being a foodie. Thanks, Lita. 🙌

Missed the last newsletter? We gave you some volunteer opportunities around San Jose.

Connect with us.

Editorial: Alyson Chuyang, Britt Thorson, Emily Shea, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Dayten Rose, Sarah Leonhardt, Katie Smith | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

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