Seemor
Merkamo VeganA-Worth Trying
42 Hanbury St, London E1 5JL
· Vegan restaurant
· 4.8/5 Google (194 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout
Vibrant vegan Ethiopian spot near Brick Lane delivering flavorful shareable platters, warm hospitality, and good value, with a few reports of auto-gratuity surprises and occasional seasoning inconsistency.
Why it gets an A- for overall quality
Merkamo Vegan delivers exceptional food quality and warm, attentive service that exemplifies what makes East London's vegan dining scene compelling. Occasional seasoning variance and payment clarity issues prevent grade A territory, but the welcoming atmosphere, flavorful platters, and patient guidance for first-timers make this a confident neighborhood favorite worth seeking out.
Restaurant Summary
Right off Brick Lane, Merkamo Vegan feels warm and welcoming from the moment you step in. Staff gently explain how to eat with injera, tea arrives fragrant with spice, and platters land like colorful centerpieces. A diner summed it up: "It felt like being welcomed into a friendly home." The room’s cultural touches and soft arches create a cozy, homely glow. However, a handful of guests were surprised by a reported auto service charge, so expect transparent questions at payment to avoid confusion. The cooking leans classic Ethiopian stews and vegetables with a few playful touches (think coconut flour dumplings) rather than high-wire fusion. The culinary approach leans elevated traditional: comforting, balanced, and customizable heat via house chilli pastes. Most praise the Merkamo Special and sharing platters for rich flavors and value, while a minority found seasoning milder than expected or injera a touch too tangy. If you like hearty plant-based food with gentle spice and variety, you will be very happy here. Families are welcome and kids often enjoy eating with hands. For cautious eaters, mild options like yellow split peas, cabbage, and rice keep things accessible, while chilli pastes let adventurous diners dial it up. There is no kids’ menu, but platter sizes scale easily, and the team is patient and helpful with first-timers.
At a Glance
- Flavorful vegan Ethiopian platters with soft injera and adjustable spice
- Warm, patient service that explains dishes and traditions
- Good value for groups; portions scale with party size
- Several reports of auto service charge not clearly communicated
- Occasional inconsistency on seasoning or texture (e.g., lentils, sourness)
What Sets It Apart
- all-vegan_ethiopian_menu
- shareable_platter_format
- spice_tea_and_cultural_guidance
- spitalfields_stall_plus_restaurant
What People Love
- Being guided through Ethiopian dining with kindness
- Balanced platters where every bite feels different
- Fragrant cinnamon and cardamom tea
- A homey room that feels cozy and cared for
- Leaving satisfied without overspending
Points of Concern
- Auto service charge around 20% reported by multiple diners; ask upfront to avoid surprises
- A minority found seasoning mild or injera too sour; spice pastes help but not for every palate
- Payment can be slow at the till during busy periods
- Review patterns show signs of potential manipulation (small cluster of staff-name praise on same day), but broader signals support authenticity
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost£22-32 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Value route for two: Medium Platter (£23) + Samosa (£5) + 1 dessert (£4.5) to share.
- Comfort route: Add Shuro Wot (Small £4/Large £6) for a creamy chickpea balance.
- Gluten-friendly: Ask for rice instead of injera and confirm GF injera availability.
Perfect For
- Sharing a relaxed group dinner with flavorful vegan food
- Introducing friends to Ethiopian cuisine in a friendly setting
- Casual date night near Brick Lane
- Refueling after exploring Spitalfields Market
Location Insights
Area: Creative, youthful pocket of East London with street art, vintage shops, and weekend bustle; attracts locals and visitors.
Safety: Generally busy and well-trafficked; typical central London urban awareness advised at night, but area is lively and monitored.
Nearby: Steps from Brick Lane and Spitalfields Market; near bars, vintage stores, and offices; strong footfall for casual dining.
SpitalfieldsA historically significant neighborhood known for its eclectic mix of Victorian architecture, street art, and cutting-edge culinary and design scenes. The area blends historic market culture with contemporary urban lifestyle.
Brick Lane AreaA dynamic sub-district famous for its street art, vintage shops, curry houses, and alternative cultural scene, representing London's multicultural urban identity.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday16:00–22:00
Tuesday16:00–22:00
Wednesday16:00–22:00
Thursday16:00–22:00
Friday16:00–22:00
Saturday12:00–22:00
Sunday12:00–22:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout
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