Tigi's Ethiopian Restaurant and Market - Ellicott City, Maryland

BreeAnne C.

I didn't specifically rate the food, because it turns out I can't eat most of it and it doesn't seem fair to give them a low rating just because of my own sensitivities.

My date had a lamb dish that he said was "fine". Given that this was our first time trying Ethiopian food, he wasn't sure if he wasn't a huge fan of the specific cuisine or that specific dish. The vegan samosas were much spicier than anticipated, and the gluten free injera was extremely tangy compared to the regular injera (to the point that I really didn't like it but again that could be just me, but my date wasn't a fan either).

Service was good. Drinks were a bit slow to come out, but there was only one person working the customer side and she was serving restaurant customers as well as checking out grocery customers, so I think the slower service was due to her being stretched thin rather than inattention or lack of customer care.

The two of us probably won't be back, but only because this food is not really our thing. If you like Ethiopian food, it's probably a great place.

Lisa S.

This place in my view is an undiscovered culinary treasure. I ordered the vegan platter - and the dishes were flavorful, satisfying and fresh, not weighed down with heavy, processed ingredients. The atmosphere was relaxed and not rushed. The highlights were items I would never have imagined I'd like but did. Like the appetizer sardine salad (amazing!), which was not fishy at all but light, with a lemon and mild spice, and infused with onions, tomatoes, small-diced peppers. The highlights were the vegan dishes (some spiced with berbere spice) and then the coffee, a whole experience of its own. The chef came out and showed us the coffee roasting, then returned with a big plate of coffee and an incense burner, part of a traditional coffee ceremony. The meal ranks as one of my favorites in the area, I love this place.

Matt W.

The first time I had their food it was perfect. Tender meat, great seasoning, great portions.

Idk what happened but this time the meat was really dry. The flavor was still there but it was just too hard for my toddler to chew.

The attached photo is some pieces of meat from the Zilzil tibs. Very tough, very dry.

I’ll give them another go another time but this was disappointing.

Jung P.

I'm not an adventurous guy but I love exploring new things. I know it is the greatest dichotomy of my life. One of the people I admired the most was Anthony Bourdain. He was a gifted storyteller. But what kept me glued to the tv when he was on was how he shared the humanity in all of us. He went to areas of this world where we were terrified of venturing into. And then we learn that these people that we fear are just like us. They are us. And I loved that about him. Instead of keeping people out, he brought them in and vice versa.
It was one of those episodes I watched on TV that had stayed with me. It was about Ethiopia with chef Marcus Samuelsson. After that episode, I immediately looked up Ethiopian restaurant in the area. Tigi's was the closest I found. I said to myself, I am going to try it out. That was more than 6 years ago. Life gets busy and you put things off. I couldn't believe that much time had passed. I saw something yesterday that reminded me-what I I said to myselfI back then. No excuses. I am not leaving this planet until I try this. And the timing was right because the wife asked me to pick up dinner. And of course I felt some trepidation about the unknown. I am willing but is she? So I did what every normal person does. I ordered Chinese as well as the Ethiopian. Always have a backup plan. I studied the menu and not knowing what to order, I order the meat combo 3 which covers a lot of their offering. The place was empty at 5pm with some carry outs. And I talked with the owner for a bit. Very friendly and personable. I looked around the market. Reminded me of the small tiny Korean grocery store you would find back in the old days. Forgive the ramblings of an old man but let's go on to the food.
Remember what I said about not being adventurous, and my wife even far less than I am. Well, the first thing I noticed was the scent in the car when I stepped in. It was not pleasant and I said oh no. I made a mistake. I drove home and that smell dissipated somewhat but I was still skeptical. When I got it in the house, there was no smell. I opened it up inside and I have to warn you, it is not for some people. The injera, which is a very very spongy textured type of bread is like nothing I have ever seen or felt before. I mean seriously, it looked exactly like the stomach lining of an animal. If you seen one, you know what I mean. So that aesthetic threw me off immediately. But damn it, I am going to give it a go. Wife was even more taken a back by the appearance. She asked what that was. I explained, as I had studied some videos before ordering. We broke the injera and used our hands as is customary and you know what? It was an incredible journey of flavor and texture. I loved the spices and everything about the meal. I am ordering everything dark next time because the darker items have the extra spices that I loved. And to my pleasant surprise, my wife loved it as much as I did. Yes, this is going in our regular rotation from now on. Keep your mind open to new people and things because you never know what you have been missing or needed.

Samson W.

Again, this app needs a 1/2 star. As it was better than 4 but not quite 5.

I'd go back again as it was solid.

The sauce that comes with the sambusas, magnificent. Smokey, spices and the little spoon is perfect for dooling it onto your plate and sambusa.

j T.

Second time trying Ethiopian food and Tigi's did not disappoint. The food was fresh, tasty, delicious, and filling. Two of us splot a combo and we had plenty of food. We ordered coffee and were pleasantly surprised with the elaborate presentation. The host showed us the roasting coffee beans and it was a great cup. Google says they open at 11AM, but that might just he market opening time. For the kitchen, i would wait till after 11:30 or even noon. The service was excellent!

Cory C.

With all the good reviews on here I had to check them out. However, I was pretty disappointed with my meal. The beef was really tough. I had to chew the beef a lot before I could swallow it. The flavor of the beef was mediocre too. The collards were very bitter and not seasoned well. The cabbage however was very good. Something weird happen too. They took back the original injera they brought to my table, but I had already started eating it. The chef came out and said it wasn't cooked right lol. So did I eat something that was old or something that fell on floor or something lol? I still don't know. That has never happen to me before at an Ethiopian restaurant. The staff was really nice though. I personally won't go back because I think Tabor in Baltimore is way better, but maybe I caught them on an off day.

Jason M.

This spot is run by probably two people? There is a lady at the front who also helps the kitchen or cooks by herself in the back. I am unsure. The restaurant is also part of a convenience store and you order/pay at that cashier.

We ordered #32 with #6, #7, & #11 as the vegan side dishes. The meat for the chicken and beef were overcooked because they were very tough. Ignoring the meats toughness, the flavor and sauce were great. The spicy lamb though was amazing. Same with the 3 side dishes. Injera bread was delicious too and I can see myself munching on many of these. I will definitely come back for this food when I crave Ethiopian food again.