Selam Ethiopian & Eritrean Cuisine

Ordered through DoorDash since I was at a convention. This was not my first time having Ethiopian as there are some great Ethiopian restaurants back in my home state, but it was the first time trying it here in Orlando. I think my rating hints at this a bit, but I did not enjoy it as much as I’ve enjoyed previous Ethiopian restaurants.

For starters, the food was COLD. I only noticed after taking a few bites that there was a sticker on the food bag that said, “use first,” which makes me think they package things quite a bit in advance in anticipation of orders, but it really should be made/served fresh and warm. The convention is not far at all from the restaurant, thus I do not believe that distance is the culprit.

Second, I did not taste ANY spice in my food and was not given a “spice level” option to choose from when ordering. Thus, I assumed it was like my previous experiences had been where it naturally came with some heat. This was not the case AT ALL. It had NO spice whatsoever, and I am still unaware if “spice level” is something that needs to be explicitly specified.

Third, the collard greens are definitely frozen and as opposed to fresh, which is a huge disappointment especially given the price point. Sure, it’s not THAT expensive, but neither are the ingredients used to make it aside from the teff flour, of course.

All in all, Selam was decent and I will not be ordering again from them during my one week stay (which I totally would have if it was good).

Food: 3

Very disappointed, really wanted to like this place. After visiting the Horn of Africa, we thought this would bring back some of the best memories we had.
We called ahead regarding a seed oil allergy that one member of our party has. We were assured that we would be ok as they use olive oil, butter, ghee, etc. The server informed us that everything we ordered had seed oil. Lost for words. Why did you tell a potential customer that you ate seed oil free only to find out that this is not the case?

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

We had the samosa trio (lentil, beef, and chicken) for appetizers, and they were all delicious—crispy on the outside and perfectly seasoned inside. For our main course, we ordered the meat combination, and every single bite was full of flavor. The staff was extremely friendly and helpful, especially since it was our first time dining at an Ethiopian restaurant. They took the time to explain the dishes and how to enjoy them. We also tried their iced tea, which was so refreshing and flavorful that we ordered extra to take home. We’re so happy we found this place while on vacation, and we can’t wait to come back the next time we visit. Everything about our experience was amazing—great food, wonderful service, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Highly recommend!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

We had such an incredible experience dining at Selam! The food was so fresh and delicious and the wait staff couldn’t have been more friendly or helpful. We will definitely be back!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Cozy Ethiopian spot where injera, stews, and hospitality steal the show.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

This was our first experience with Ethiopian food. The food is very good, and I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it. The food was milder than I expected. The different items ranged from no spice to slightly spicy. We had the meat and veggie combination special, a house salad with chicken tenders, and a piece of warm baklava for dessert. I tried two Ethiopian beers, St. George and Harar. I liked the slightly malted flavor of the Harar beer better.
We had the traditional coffee ceremony which was also very good. It is similar to an espresso with a slight hint of cinnamon. The ceremony comes with burning incense which makes the restaurant slightly smoky when you first enter, which may be a little surprising at first but makes for a pleasant experience.
The wait staff was very attentive, very friendly and gladly explained the Ethiopian cuisine. I also felt that the food was reasonably priced. I would eat here again.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

One of the best tasting and authentic Ethiopian restaurants I have visited in Florida. The food was great, the service was friendly, the atmosphere was relaxing and inviting. A must try, again and again.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Doro Wot, TIBS, Selam Veggie Special, Shiro

I am ecstatic about finding this restaurant. Hidden gem. Beautiful and clean- both the restaurant and the food. Rarely do I leave a restaurant feeling both full, satisfied but not 'too full'.
We enjoyed a great vegetarian platter the bread is great, try it and ask how to use it!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Authentic taste met with fingerlicking meals.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Lentil Samosa, Salad, Ye Beg Lamb TIBS, Meat Combination

The server who served us was a clear indication that the food would not be nice. And as we guessed the food was awful for us. Besides, what surprised us was that they charged us a fee called “LGP 20%” . The party was my wife and with my kids . I didn’t know how a group of one family ordered four food menus in one table served unsatisfactorily was supposed to be charged 20% GP plus more tip?
A very bad experience that I have ever seen in Habesha restaurant in the USA

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 1

Service: 1

This food was absolutely delicious!!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Good food. Good injera, authentic flavors. Zizil tibs, and shiro both delicious. Hood portions.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Always perfect. The food is amazing. Abraham’s service as well as the entire restaurant is outstanding. I’ll always comeback.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

10 out of 10, I recommend. I ordered the veggie special for 2, and the food was impeccable. The staff was hospitable, and the flavors of the food were top-notch. I have my new go-to spot.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Have you ever craved something you’ve never had before? Because that’s how I felt about Ethiopian food for the longest time. Glad I finally got to check out Selam Cuisine last night for my birthday! Their meat + veggie combo and baklava has been one of the best meals I’ve had in a while. Such a fun dining experience and amazing staff

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Baklava, Lentil Samosa, Selam Meat and Veggie Combination