Uchenna Ethiopia Restaurant, located only ten minutes from campus in Old Colorado City, is well worth the visit for several reasons. The food is incredible, offering one of the only true Ethiopian restaurant experiences in Colorado Springs. But it’s the owner, staff and caring energy that they emulate that really sets this place apart.
The first time I tried to eat at this restaurant, I was told that coming in at 7:30 p.m. — a time they are open according to their website — wouldn’t work because the owner and staff were visiting a customer who was in the hospital, showing the care and aspect of community this restaurant emulates. The next day, however, I was able to secure a dinner reservation and was in no way disappointed.
When you walk into Uchenna Ethiopian Restaurant, you’ll most likely be greeted by one of the sweetest, fun and easy-to-talk-to owners: Maya Hetman.
According to their website, Hetman has run this restaurant for fourteen years. The website explains the backstory, which only adds to the sense of community.
“From humble beginnings, Hetman, the mother behind this amazing restaurant, would offer friends, family and even passing strangers the food she prepared every day with love and tradition,” the website shares. “After much praise and gentle nudging, the family finally decided to walk a path towards sharing our unique and traditional flavors with the greater regional area.”
The restaurant walls are covered by the works of different artists, artifacts and drawings, as well as different texts, one of which is the First Amendment of the United States.
Eating here also comes with a free celebrity comparison, as the five friends I dined with quickly found out. One of my friends was told he looked like Boris Johnson, a comparison that, to be fair, is not far off. I was told I resembled a Turkish actor. I’ll take it.
Hetman’s generosity was again highlighted with her eagerness to take a photo of all of us dining, underlining the sense of community this establishment creates. She joked around with us as we ate, while making sure our water glasses were never more than halfway empty
While the wonderful staff, owner and overall vibe of Uchenna make this restaurant well worth a visit, the food also sets this establishment apart. With a wide range of classic Ethiopian dishes and Mediterranean options, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Not to mention perfect for vegetarian and vegan diners too. The vegetarian plate, which included a combination of Misser Alecha, Misser Wat, Shiro Wat and atakilt, as well as more warm, comforting (and gut-healthy, so I was told) injera bread than my stomach could ever desire, hit harder than waking up and chugging a glass of ice-cold water in the middle of the night.
My carnivorous friends ordered the family meat combo platter, which was gobbled down quicker than a CC student takes down a midnight Rastall’s donut. The platter included a mix of lamb, chicken, beef tibs and other classic Ethiopian dishes.
“I thought the food was incredible,” said Sam Carr ‘26, who joined me in this adventure. “It’s hard to find diverse food in the Springs, and this place was incredible.”
The bottom line is clear: with a reasonable price, incredible food and an owner who is one of the most caring people I have met, Uchenna Ethiopian Restaurant should be at the top of your list for your next dinner outing.