A wall of scents hit me as I opened the door to the Ethiopian Diamond (6120 N. Broadway St., Chicago). Black tea, cloves, spiced meat and more poured out the door into the street, and the restaurant quickly amused all of the other senses. A live entertainer in the corner played traditional Ethiopian music, the wait staff was friendly and prompt and the walls were plastered with traditional Ethiopian artwork, depicting churches and beautiful landscapes. The atmosphere was perfect—everything just fit together.

If it is your first time getting Ethiopian food, ask for help ordering and eating. The dishes all have strange names, and the food is served the same way as it would be in Addis Ababa. Silverware is nonexistent; instead, food comes served to everyone, and you can pick up pieces with the traditional thin sourdough flatbread called injera. Patrons eat with their hands, which may be a little off-putting at first, but makes the meal fun.

We asked for recommendations and let the server order for us. For an appetizer, we tried Sambusa ($7.00 for four), which is a thin pastry shell filled with deliciously spiced meat or vegetables.

For the entree, we tried a spiced chicken dish and beef with wilted spinach (about $15 each). Both were amazing, with large portions. They came with sides of both yellow split pea and lentil dishes. Everything was eaten with the injera, which tasted like a mix between a tortilla and sourdough bread. The mix between the spiced meats and the softer injera was almost heavenly.

Finally, the dessert came. We ordered Destaye (translating to “My Happiness, ” $5.25), which was the same dough shells as the appetizers, but filled with shredded coconut, crushed nuts and raisins. The shells were delicious, but the highlight of the dessert—and the entire meal—came with the drinks.

Remember, Ethiopia is the birthplace of coffee. In fact, the drink is named after the region Kaffa in southern Ethiopia. The brew ($10 for a pot, worth every penny) came in a traditional clay pot, and was brewed almost as strong as the best expresso. It was the best coffee I had ever had. The black tea ($2.50) was also very refreshing, spiced almost like a chai, but was overshadowed by the coffee.

Bottom line: Although it may be somewhat pricy and a little far from home, the Ethiopian Diamond delivers a substantial quantity of high-quality food and an amazing experience.