Carryout with an Ethiopian Twist at Doro Soul Food

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Shaw fast-casual Doro Soul Food is award-winning chef Elias Taddesse’s newest restaurant. Photo by Alexander M. Padro, Courtesy Shaw Main Streets.

“I wanted to bring some of my story and background and incorporate all of the techniques and training that I’ve learned over the years and introduce some Ethiopian flavors in a different way,” Elias Taddesse said of his newest creation, Doro Soul Food, 1819 Seventh St. NW.

A veteran of Michelin-starred kitchens in New York and named Eater DC’s Chef of the Year in 2021, Taddesse is best known locally for Mélange, a now closed Mount Vernon Triangle fast-casual restaurant that offered his take on burgers and chicken sandwiches. At Doro, which opened in 2022, he prepares classic American soul food dishes with a unique East African twist, using spices and flavors drawn from his Ethiopian heritage and French techniques.

A lover of Popeyes since age nine, he offers riffs on fried chicken, mac and cheese, cornbread, collard greens and more. There is even a vegan tender option.

“My ultimate goal is really to highlight Ethiopian food, not just in what we traditionally know like flat bread,” Taddesse said. “I’m trying to see how far I can push the flavor profiles.”

Doro Soul Food’s menu is only available for takeout and delivery.

For more about Doro Soul Food, visit dorosoulfood.com.

Sarah Payne is a reporter for Capital Community News. She can be reached at sarahp@hillrag.com.