High Street Ledger · the vegan ledger
The Vegan Ledger

Merkamo Vegan

42 Hanbury St, London E1 5JL, UK★ 4.8 (266 reviews)07432 600625websitemap

The all-vegan Ethiopian sister restaurant on Hanbury Street, serving injera platters, coconut dumplings and spiced tea that reviewers describe as 'presented as a work of art' — a cosy sit-down room (plus downstairs space) with warm service and prices consistently called great value.

Why it's listed: Merkamo Vegan on Hanbury St (E1) is the fully vegan sister site of the same small local Ethiopian brand, a distinct branch at a distinct address.

Profile last updated 11 July 2026.

Merkamo Vegan — photo
Photo: Merkamo Vegan · Google
voice 1

The business claims it

Structured facts from the listing and website.

Cuisine style
All-vegan Ethiopian — injera platters of lentil, split-pea and chickpea stews, coconut dumplings and spiced teas
“I ordered the Injera Small Platter... The lentils and split peas were cooked to perfection... the ground chickpea was incredibly tasty” — reviews
Kitchen-wide dietary regime
vegan
“Delicious, value for money, all vegan Ethiopian restaurant” — reviews
Service modes offered
dine in
“the restaurant itself is cozy, clean, and welcoming... The downstairs space is a cozy, charming oasis” — reviews

We're holding 1 question for the owner — bring your own bottle — and will publish the answers here once confirmed.

voice 2

Customers reveal it

Recurring signal mined from real reviews — with receipts.

Occasions customers use it for
sit-down vegan dinners (evening-focused hours) · introducing newcomers to Ethiopian food · cosy small-group meals in the downstairs room · impressing sceptics that plant-based food isn't boring
“This was my first time trying injera, and I absolutely loved it... these guys are masters proving that plant-based food is anything but boring” — reviews
Dishes customers name repeatedly
Injera platters (small and medium) · Coconut dumplings · Lentil and split-pea stews · Ground chickpea (shiro) · Spiced tea (cinnamon, cardamom, clove) · Chilli dipping sauces
“Ordered the medium platter (serves 1-2) and coconut dumplings... have a cup of tea too, the cinnamon, cardamon and clove is especially good... loved the chilli dipping sauces” — reviews
Service character as customers describe it
Exceptional, warm service delivered 'with big smiles' — staff repeatedly described as kind, friendly and welcoming
“They serve up exceptional service with big smiles... The staff were very kind” — reviews
Value for money as customers see it
Consistently called great value: reasonable prices, generous portions (medium platter serves 1–2), and beautiful plating — 'the food is presented as a work of art'
“Delicious, value for money... the prices are reasonable... the food is presented as a work of art” — reviews
voice 3

Only the owner knows it

Questions we hold for the kitchen itself. Unanswered until they answer.

We're holding 9 questions for the owner — families & kids, best occasions & the vibe, vegan, coeliac & allergy options, why choose you, groups, private hire & catering, booking or walk-in?, good to know before you visit, must-order dishes, made in-house & sourcing — and will publish the answers here once confirmed.