Toukoul

A toukoul is a small house built by women from the Afar ethnic group of Ethiopia. It’s also the name of Brussels’ newest Ethiopian restaurant, built by the young, and male, Belgian-Ethiopian entrepreneur Haile Abebe.

Previously one of the partners behind Brussels’ only other Ethiopian restaurant, Kokob, he opened his latest venture at the end of January with an all-night party that was packed with revellers. Visiting the restauarant a couple of weeks later, the novelty still hadn’t worn off. Our Friday night visit to Toukoul was full – of diners as well as people who had come to enjoy the live music it puts on every weekend.

We started our meal with an amuse-bouche of couscous and fresh lime, coupled with some mojitos and fresh ginger juice. The service was a little sporadic, but very attentive when we did get it. The meal was preceded by a rather entertaining lesson on how to eat injera, the sourdough flatbread that forms the carbohydrate basis of Ethiopian cuisine, by our waiter. “You must share but at some point your survival instincts will take over,” he warned. The injera was topped with a dazzling array of wats (stews) and tibs (sauteed meat or vegetables): the zelzel ye-begh tibs, sauteed milk lamb with fresh ginger, pepper and lime, was particularly excellent. A great venue for dinner with friends – not just for the good food but also the great vibe. 

34 Rue de Laeken (corner with Rue des Marronniers), tel 02.223.73.77, www.toukoul.be