Eat This Now: Injera and all at Abol Ethiopian Restaurant

Doro Tibs and Vegetarian Combo at Abol Ethiopian Restaurant // Photo by Sarah Sipple

Abol Ethiopian Restaurant is nestled among gift shops, salons, boutiques, and the award-winning Overland Park Farmers’ Market. The lunch and dinner spot, formerly named Elsa’s, introduced an expanded menu and hours of operation early in 2024 under new management.

On a wintery lunch date with friends, I met at Abol to warm up with some hearty vegetables, starch, and spices. The Doro Tibs chicken entree ($17.99) and vegetarian combo ($20.99) was more than enough to feed three hungry individuals. We happily snagged a piece of light and tangy injera, using it to pick up bites of spicy misir wot, tikil gomen, dinich alicha, and more. 

The bite-sized chicken on the doro tibs plate was the most popular at our lunch. Bright flavors of peppers, garlic, and onion were great on a fork or pinched in some steamy injera. Stewed potatoes and carrots cooked with onion, garlic, and turmeric in the dinich alicha and the cabbage-based tikil gomen were the vegetarian plate favorites. Overall, the spice level was mild, but the thoughtfully seasoned foods warmed our souls. 

Abol Ethiopian Restaurant // Photo by Sarah Sipple

Compared to other Ethiopian spots, this injera shined. (Not that it’s a contest–we’re beyond lucky to have choices here in Kansas City.) The tang was just as welcome as the jiggly airiness, while still being the perfect vehicle for the variety of foods. Here at Abol, a gluten-free injera is also available. 

While one can certainly dine solo or pick up a to-go order (as many did over the course of our leisurely lunch) this food is best when served straight from the kitchen and shared with others. 

Abol Ethiopian Restaurant is located at 8016 Santa Fe Dr, Overland Park, KS 66204.