Semhar

Injera, spiced stews and family warmth on the Jordaan's western edge, for pocket change.

On the Marnixstraat edge of the Jordaan, Semhar has been feeding the neighborhood Eritrean and Ethiopian food for decades at prices that feel like a clerical error. Everything arrives on injera, the sour, spongy flatbread that doubles as plate and cutlery: tear, scoop, repeat. The vegetarian mix platter is the move, lentils, greens and spiced vegetables in a dozen shades of red and gold, though the slow-stewed meats hold their own. Portions are communal by design, service is family-warm, and the room does zero interior-design posturing, which after the tenth exposed-brick wine bar is its own kind of relief. Come with a group, order too much, eat with your hands, and walk out having spent less than a round of Nine Streets cocktails. Vegans: one of the easiest great meals in the city.

Get the vegetarian combination platter on injera and eat it with your hands, as intended.