A Detroit restaurant is bringing Ethiopian New Year celebrations to the city with a cultural festival featuring traditional food, music, and dance. Konjo Me, located inside the Detroit Shipping Company at 474 Peterboro, will host the event from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. on September 12.
Chef Helina Melaku, who founded Konjo Me as a pop-up in 2020 before opening the permanent location in March, is organizing the Enkutatashe celebration. The family-friendly festival will showcase Ethiopian and other African music alongside the restaurant’s full menu. Melaku plans to prepare doro wot, a traditional y chicken stew, as a special addition to the regular offerings. All dishes will be available a la carte.
What makes Melaku’s approach special? She’s focused on reconnecting people with their ancestral palates through carefully prepared cuisine. The chef explained that Ethiopian cooking requires constant attention, with each step determined by smell, texture, and appearance rather than rigid timing. It’s a labor-intensive process that sets the food apart from simpler cooking ods.
Admission to the celebration is free. Reservations can be made through eventbrite.com for those wanting to guarantee their spot at the cultural gathering.
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