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To geography buffs, Dahlak is a region of northern Eritrea, bordered on the north by the Red Sea. Yet to West Philly locals and foodies across the city, Dahlak is a popular restaurant and bar at 47th and Baltimore Ave, known for bringing the flavor and attitude of East Africa to the city.

Walking into Dahlak is like entering another world. Small wicker tables and cloth stools line the interior; Eritrean and Ethiopian artwork and artifacts cover the walls. The menu is stocked with traditional favorites, like chicken, fish, beef or vegetable watt, a thick stew made with onions and berbere sauce, or fitfit, a rich, buttery meat dish.

My boyfriend Matt and I order yedoro, or chicken, watt, and tibs, or beef, fitfit. Both are served on a layer of injera, a spongy, pancake-like bread made out of teff flour.

Dining in Eritrea is about community and togetherness, and as such, all meals are served on a large communal platter. There are no utensils either, which means you’re expected to eat with your fingers. Generally, diners will break off pieces of injera to pick up the food, although messiness is ok too.

Our dishes are both expertly-prepared and tantalizing: the chicken is tender and falling off the bone, and the berbere tastes like a fiery tomato extravaganza. The beef fitfit is perfectly cooked and served with fresh jalepenos. For dessert, we order baklava and it takes just as it should “” light, flaky, sweet and delicious.

Dining at Dahlak is always a pleasure, and the prices can’t be beat. Check them out this weekend as part of University City’s Dining days, this Thursday through July 31.

Dahlak
4708 Baltimore Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19143
(215) 726-6464
www.dahlakrestaurant.com