SAVANNAH
A week ago I spotted this restaurant from a window of bus from the B'ham University to city centre, and I literally ran back to see what it was. What I found was this Eritrean, Ethiopian and East African cuisine restaurant, Savannah (or Savanna), it was called. "How exciting!" I thought and decided to come back at the earliest occasion. Then I checked the menu and made sure that D, who is still on Orthodox Lenten fasting, could find something to eat (this means it is vegetarian & vegan friendly).
We entered there at around 8:15, Thursday evening, and there was only a group of four black people eating there. As we did not see any staff, we went deep inside to search for somebody, to no avail. So we just sat down and waited. One of the other diners very kindly went to look for the waiter, and finally we were greeted and given the food menu and drink menu.
This is how it looks inside. I used Photoshop to brighten up the image, but it was pretty dark; I would prefer slightly brighter so that I can see better what I am eating. The interior was decorated with cloths embroidered with the Coptic crosses, Eritrean (or the like) instruments, utensils and music instruments. I don't think they have spent much money on redecoration, and the style very casual.
The menu consists in three parts: starters, main dishes - beef, chicken, lamb and veggie- , and side dishes. It is not very long, but there are enough choices. There is not pudding. They might have something, if we ask, but it is not on the menu and we were not given dessert menu. It is a licensed restaurant, and a glass of wine costs £3 (there are also other stuff, but I did not really read, as I don't drink). We ordered a can of coke and a small bottle of water (both £1).
As it was the first time for us to eat East African cuisine, we decided to go for the vegetarian platter for two (£12). I asked the waiter if it was enough for two, and he advised us to see it first, and then order more if necessary. It is very honest of him not to let us order too many dishes.
This is the vegetarian platter for two. The waiter explained us which was which on the menu. The orangey stuff at the middle is Asmera Shiro, spiced stew of ground chick peas. The green stuff on this side is Hamli, stewed spinach flavoured with spices. In clockwise from it, Timtimo - lentil stewed in zigni sauce-, then the red one is not one the menu, which looked and tasted like beetroot, but should be something else as beetroot needs cooler climate, on the other side are Alicha with vegetables, Timtimo again, and the black one is extra-spicy Timtimo (I am sorry if I am making mistakes). All of them are highly spiced (but not necessarily hot), and similar to Indian curries to a certain degree. Slightly unfortunate was that all except Asmera Shiro were lukewarm; I don't know if it is how it should be or it just cooled down while being prepared. Even so, all the foods had strong characters and very tasty. We liked also that they were not as oily as Indian curries.
The beige colour crepe under the 'curries' is called injera, Eritrean-Ethiopian national bread. We were given also another injera, rolled and cut this time.
The quantity of 'curries' was not large, but with all this bread, it was not difficult to fill our stomachs. On afterthought, however, I would be happier if I had a bowl of salad (which is between £2.95 and £3.75)
According to the menu, injera is pancake style sour bread made of a selection of grain and rice flours. Traditionally it is made of 'teff', but according to Wikipedia it is short supply even in their native land. The consistency is spongy, as you can imagine from this photo. It has distinct sour taste being naturally fermented. There is something in common with the South Indian dosa pancake.
I appreciated injera, but my stomach gets full quite easily with bread. I will probably order rice on next visit (ideally order also injera and have both). If we order injera as side dish, one costs £1, and rice costs £2 either plain or spiced.
While we were eating, the waiter kindly offered us also traditional cheese. It is something between cottage cheese and ricotta cheese, and becomes a very good accompaniment to the vegetable 'curries'.
We got stuffed leaving a small piece of injera untouched. We did not feel like moving right away, so we asked for two traditional teas. I remember that there was also 'Ethiopian coffee' on the menu, but Mr. waiter recommended tea saying it is more traditional. On the menu it is priced £1.50, but we were charged £1 a cup. The tea itself was normal teabag, but the hot water was flavoured with spices including cloves and cinnamon. It was quite pleasant with a small amount of sugar.
The total bill came to £16 (+£2 service). D and I were quite happy to be able to try something unusual and tasty as well. We would like to try also meat dishes next time.
Savannah
32 Bristol St. B5 7AA
Tel.: 0121 622 4343
Mobile: 07983 661 991
asmirchefa@yahoo.com
