SELECTED RESTAURANT
Chicago, United States
Delightful starters to awaken your palate
Begin your culinary journey at Demera with a vibrant selection of sambussas, each bursting with unique flavors. Try the minced prime beef, tender chicken breast, fresh tuna, or nutrient-rich lentil and spinach fillings, all wrapped in Demera’s signature spiced mix. For a taste sampler, the Sambussa Sampler offers a delightful combination of these options. Complement these with Ambasha, a mildly sweet skillet-baked bread served alongside spiced butter and collard greens, or the Appetizer Messob, an inviting platter featuring both sambussa sampler and ambasha. Fresh salads like Timatim Selata, with zesty tomatoes and jalapenos, and the protein-rich Demera Selata topped with pan-seared chicken or tilapia, add a refreshing balance.
Hearty mains showcasing authentic Ethiopian flavors
The mains at Demera offer a rich tapestry of traditional Ethiopian dishes designed to satisfy every appetite. Dive into the Messob platters, where you can choose from Vegetarian Messob with four flavorful vegetarian dishes, Meat Messob featuring four savory meat options, or a mix of both for a balanced experience. Experience classic stews like Ye-Misir Wot, a spiced split red lentil dish, or Ye-Shimbra Assa made with ground chickpeas in berbere sauce. Vegetable lovers will appreciate Kik Alicha’s turmeric-seasoned yellow split peas and the fresh, ginger-infused Gomen collard greens.
For meat aficionados, offerings include tender lamb specialties such as Ye-beg Wot simmered with Demera’s signature spicy sauce, Lega Tibs grilled with rosemary and awazé spices, and succulent lamb ribs in Goden Tibs. Chicken dishes range from the spicy Doro Wot with hardboiled egg and ayib cheese to the milder Doro Alicha seasoned with rosemary and jalapeños. Beef and seafood options are equally impressive, featuring dishes like Ye-Siga Wot in berbere sauce, the sizzling Ye-Kwanta Firfir with beef jerky and injera, and Ye-Shrimp Tibs glazed with honey wine and fragrant rosemary.
Sweet endings and refreshing drinks
Complete your meal with an array of delightful desserts. The Missionary's Delight blends vanilla ice cream with chocolate sauce and mango juice for a tropical twist, while the Basil Lime Sorbet refreshes with bright herbal notes. Indulge in Sambussa Turnovers filled with almonds, walnuts, cardamom, and rose water, or savor the flaky layers of Baklava drizzled with honey and studded with pistachios. For a unique fusion, the Ethiopian Style Tiramisu combines organic coffee, brandy, and mascarpone cheese, and the Hibist Volcano offers an exotic mix of vanilla ice cream infused with hibiscus and warm spices.
Specials that elevate your dining experience
Demera’s menu also features standout specials like the Kitfo, an Ethiopian-style steak tartar served with herbed butter sauce and ayib cheese, available in several variations including the Special Kitfo mixed with gomen and the Togamino Kitfo served sizzling with jalapenos. The Demera Kitfo offers a spicy combination of kitfo with onion and jalapenos, all embraced by traditional flavors. These dishes are perfect for those seeking an authentic and vibrant taste of Ethiopian cuisine.
Closed - Opens 11:30 AM
Monday
16:00–21:00
Tuesday
16:00–21:00
Wednesday
16:00–21:00
Thursday
16:00–21:00
Friday
11:30–22:00
Saturday
11:30–22:00
Sunday
11:30–21:00
Aggregated Ratings 4.5
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