Chatters Cafe 30 Edsel Street, Henderson, Auckland 0612

"First time trying Ethiopian food. We wanted to order the meat dish platter but unfortunately they didn't have all of the 5 components available that were listed on the menu so we ended up having only 2 meat variety on the platter. The flavours of the meat and the flat bread went well together. It was very filling. The service was very friendly. Would try again if they have all the items available."

"Very disappointing, coffee was terrible, we were offered the 'mega breakfast' not on menu but wouldn't let us pay until after, I had to dig my way to find my steak and went to pay for two of these meals as well as 'creamy mushrooms' on top of the mega breakfast and it over $100. Two breakfast, a terrible coffee and a milkshake for that price. Never going back."

"Second time I came here for Ethiopian food. Please prepare to come early in advance, because everything is made fresh, and can take up to 30 to 40 mins to serve. Other than the wait time, the food is absolutely delicious. The first time my husband and I came here, we had a vegan platter with four different foods to go with their Ethiopian bread. A small platter for two is good for those that don't have a huge appetite, or do not wish to be full. Second time here, I bought my mother and father in law to try and they also enjoyed it. However this time, we were suggested to get the $75 large platter so it would be sufficient for the four of us to eat. We were told they don't have all the ingredients to make the exact same four foods as the first time, so they gave us three different foods at bigger portions. We don't feel full when we left, just not hungry. From this experience, I think it is super important to understand that this cuisine, in particular these guys do take this artform of cooking, preparing, serving and eating very seriously. Instead of the usual rush of western food places, they take their time to make sure that it tastes delicious. They make sure your hands are cleaned with their mobile water jug and bowl, and at the end of the meal the chef makes sure you enjoyed the process. It is a very respectable process, even to how you eat the food i.e. use your hands. My mother in law asked for a spoon and was told that is not the way to eat this food, but at the end still gave her a spoon and reemphasized it should be eaten by hand. I feel that the portion size of the food is on point, despite not feeling full - but I actually think that this is the point. Ethiopian isn't a developed country, and we make do with what we have and eat what is enough for us. The process of the mother preparing and cooking food for us is very special, and that appreciation is felt when it is done with time. There is no need to stuff ourselves or over-serve food, only to become unfinished waste. I wouldn't change anything, even if it is a hard custom to have others understand."

"Had my first experience of Ethiopian food here, and it was delicious! The wife and husband team let us know what was available and put together an excellent communal meal for six of us. Although it took a while to arrive (cooked from scratch!), it was well worth the wait and the portions were extremely generous. Highly recommend!"

"A newly established Ethiopian eatry is located inside a Henderson mall. I went there with my family and enjoyed the traditional Ethiopian food and coffee ceremony. A truely Ethiopian taste."