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Zoma, an upscale Harlem Ethiopian restaurant that opened in 2005 and closed during the pandemic, is planning to make its Upper West Side debut the week of August 4 with a new grab-and-go concept: Zoma Express.
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The business will open at 973 Columbus Avenue, between West 107th and 108th Streets. We spoke with co-owner Henock Kejela during a visit to the space on Friday, July 25. Thank you to Dave Cook of Eating In Translation for the tip.
“I think we wanted to stay closer to the previous Zoma, and we already have a following and clientele,” said Kejela, explaining the decision to open at 973 Columbus. “We just figured it’s the best location to maintain that continuity.” Zoma closed in March 2020, but Kejela referred to the time off as “a hiatus,” during which they re-evaluated how to best position the brand in a post-pandemic world.
Kejela told us they pared down the previous menu from when it was a sit-down restaurant on Eighth Avenue and Frederick Douglass Boulevard near West 113th Street. Now, they’re primarily focusing on vegan Ethiopian food. The menu will also emphasize gluten-free options, including their injera—the classic sour fermented pancake-like flatbread with a slightly spongy texture, traditionally made from teff flour. “We’re just leaning more into the idea of offering fresh, healthy options,” he said with a smile.
c/o Zoma
When asked about his favorite selections from the soon-to-be-implemented menu, Kejela called out the shiro ($15.99), a ground chickpea stew braised with garlic, ginger, and onion, seasoned with berbere—a beloved Ethiopian comfort food. He also noted the Zoma Tibs ($21.59) as a top seller at their previous location. Cubed filet mignon is sautéed with onions, tomatoes, and garlic in savory tej (honey wine) and a spice blend. There’s also Doro Tibs ($19.79), made with cubed chicken breast marinated in tej and spices, sautéed with onions, tomatoes, and garlic. They didn’t forget fish fans either, with Zoma Assa ($19.79), which includes a tilapia filet seasoned with herbs and spices and pan-fried. It’s served with a fresh house salad.
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Zoma Express sides are well priced, including Sinig Karya ($4.59), featuring jalapeño peppers filled with a savory blend of vegetables, aromatic spices, and a hint of tomato and onion; Ayib ($4.59), a mild Ethiopian cottage cheese that cools and balances spicy dishes; and Injera ($2.00), Ethiopian flatbread made from fermented teff. Ayib is vegetarian and gluten-free. Injera is a staple in meals and naturally gluten-free. A variety of soft drinks ($2.59) and water varieties ($2.59-$3.79) will be available to take on the go with you too.
Zoma Express will focus on making their food 100% from scratch, gluten-free, and vegan-friendly, available for pickup. We look forward to checking them out again, this time at their new home on the UWS. Learn more at zomaexp.com.
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So is it all vegan food or will it also include the meat , chicken and fish dishes mentioned?
The food sounds delicious but some prices seem high for a grab and go concept.
Good luck with that. $16 for red lentil stew “grab and go” somehow, or string beans and carrots. Doesn’t even include the cold soggy bread.
Why would they be right next to the Ethiopian restaurant Awash?! Are they connected or are they going to reduce business for Awash! 🙁
I’m excited to see how this place differentiates itself! One great thing I notice right off is that they default to gluten-free injera, which is a big upcharge at most nearby competitors. But the menu on their site seems very typical otherwise (and def not any more vegan-leaning than at any competitor – not sure whether that was a misinterpretation, or whether they plan to introduce more vegan options than are currently in their menu). More Ethiopian is very welcome!