This Asbury Park Restaurant Accidentally Created The Perfect Dual-Cuisine Menu Mixing Ethiopian And Dominican Food

What happens when an Ethiopian accountant buys a Dominican takeout spot in New Jersey without knowing how to cook Dominican food?

You get Ada’s Gojjo, where two wildly different culinary traditions coexist on a single menu that somehow makes perfect sense.

This Asbury Park establishment isn’t chasing fusion trends or trying to be clever—it’s the genuine story of Chef Adanech Asghedom, who mastered Dominican recipes to serve her Long Branch community before relocating to a beautiful location on Memorial Drive in 2018 and adding her homeland’s cuisine to the mix.

The restaurant has earned a devoted following for its authentic approach to both traditions. You’ll find everything from spicy Ethiopian stews served on tangy injera flatbread to crispy Dominican empanadas and hearty mofongo.

This dual-cuisine concept means everyone at your table can explore different flavor profiles, making it perfect for groups with adventurous eaters and those who prefer familiar comfort foods.

Related

More in New Jersey

Forget Your Usual Date Night: This Lakeside Bistro In North Brunswick Has Stunning Water Views And Live Music

Keep Exploring →

Ethiopian Highlights That’ll Transport You

The Vegetable Sampler Platter: This showstopper lets you choose six dishes from seven vegetarian options, all served on a massive round of housemade injera. The thin, slightly spongy flatbread has a pleasant tang that complements every bite.

You’ll tear off pieces to scoop up dishes like Duba Wat (a sweet-savory pumpkin stew with turmeric and ginger), Gomen (collard greens transformed with garlic and tomato), and Tikil Gomen (tender cabbage in a mild turmeric sauce). The presentation alone is stunning, and the flavors are complex without being overwhelming.

Doro Wat: This classic Ethiopian chicken dish comes with tender pieces simmered in a buttery red pepper sauce that’s rich and aromatic. The spices—turmeric, cumin, ginger—create layers of warmth rather than heat. You’ll find it perfectly seasoned and deeply satisfying, especially when scooped up with that tangy injera.

Ye Siga Tibs: Picture tender beef sautéed with vegetables and Ethiopian spices, served atop a generous sheet of injera. The spice level delivers just enough kick to keep things interesting without overpowering the meat’s natural flavors. You’ll use your hands to tear and fold the bread around the savory beef, making it an interactive dining experience.

The Salads: Don’t overlook the Azifa, a whole lentil salad with tomatoes, onions, and a hint of jalapeño in a lime-olive oil dressing. It’s surprisingly addictive—each bite calls you back for another. The Beet Salad features cubes of chilled beets and raw onions pickled with Ethiopian spices like ginger, coriander, and paprika, offering a novel twist on this root vegetable.

More in New Jersey

Find Out Why This Bradley Beach Bakery Has Over 30 Flavors Of Perfectly Crispy, Dunkable Italian Biscotti

Discover More

Kik Alicha: These turmeric-spiked yellow split peas are comfort food at its finest. Mild, creamy, and beautifully spiced, they’re often served as a side but deserve their own spotlight.

Mesir Wot & Shiro: The Mesir Wot brings red lentils stewed in a spiced berbere sauce, while Shiro offers a medium-thick chickpea flour sauce with minced onions and tomato. Both pack tremendous flavor and work wonderfully with the injera’s sourness.

Dominican Favorites Worth Ordering

The Empanadas: These golden triangles arrive crispy and crackling, filled with deeply flavored shredded chicken or seasoned beef. The pastry shatters perfectly under your teeth, and the housemade dipping sauce adds a zippy kick that completes each bite. You’ll understand why people return specifically for these.

Pastelón de Plátano Maduro: This Dominican classic layers sweet yellow plantains over cheese and savory ground beef, creating a beautiful sweet-savory balance. The plantains caramelize just right, while the beef brings richness and depth. It’s the kind of dish that surprises first-timers with how well those flavor contrasts work together.

Mofongo: Available in traditional or vegan versions, this dish features fried green plantains mashed with garlic. The traditional version includes chicharrón (pork rinds) that adds essential flavor and texture. You can order it topped with pernil (roasted pork), shrimp, or other proteins for a hearty, filling meal.

Related

More in New Jersey

This Bedminster Spot Blends Colonial Charm With Sophisticated Dining Under Warm Amber Lighting

Keep Exploring →

Yucca Cakes: Four crusty discs of lightly fried cassava that resemble potato pancakes but with their own distinct flavor. Served with Ada’s housemade Dominican salsa, these appetizers deliver satisfying crunch and substance.

The Skirt Steak: Perfectly seasoned and cooked to tender perfection, this Dominican-style steak with peppers and onions consistently delivers. The meat stays juicy while the vegetables add fresh, bright notes.

Pernil Al Horno: Roasted pork pieces arrive generous and flavorful, often accompanied by saffron-colored rice that’s cooked to perfection. The pork has that ideal combination of tender meat and slightly crispy edges.

Atmosphere & Setting

The Space: The dining room strikes a balance between bright and cozy, with large windows flooding the space with natural light. The décor incorporates authentic Ethiopian touches that give the space character without feeling overdone. You’ll find it clean and well-maintained, with enough room to relax without feeling cramped.

Outdoor Seating: During warmer months, the patio becomes a highlight. You can dine al fresco while enjoying occasional live music on summer evenings, particularly on Saturdays. The outdoor area adds a laid-back shore town vibe that complements both casual lunches and relaxed dinners.

More in New Jersey

Don’t Miss The Award-Winning Magical Holiday Express Train Ride At This Beloved Hammonton Institution

Discover More

The Vibe: Expect a warm, inviting atmosphere that feels family-run in the best possible way. The restaurant manages to work equally well for romantic dinners, business meetings, or groups celebrating special occasions. Background music stays mellow and pleasant, never overpowering conversation.

Presentation: Your food arrives looking as good as it tastes. The Ethiopian platters are particularly photogenic, with vibrant colors and artistic arrangement on the injera. Everything shows care in its plating and preparation.

Cleanliness: The entire establishment maintains high standards, from the dining room to the restrooms. You’ll notice the attention to detail in how well everything is kept, including tables that get cleaned quickly between seatings.

What Else You Should Know

BYOB Advantage: Ada’s Gojjo doesn’t serve alcohol, but it’s BYOB, which keeps your meal budget-friendly while letting you pair wines, beers, or cocktails of your choice with these bold flavors. An IPA or a white wine with good acidity works beautifully with both cuisines.

Pricing: You’ll find the prices very reasonable for the quality and portion sizes. Appetizers run around $7-9, while entrees typically fall in the $17-24 range. The vegetable sampler at $34 easily feeds two people. Overall, it’s mid-tier pricing that delivers excellent value given the generous servings and homemade quality.

Related

More in New Jersey

Find A Secret Outdoor Oasis And Perfect Cortado At This European Cafe In Mt. Laurel Township

Keep Exploring →

Dietary Accommodations: This is an excellent choice if your group includes vegetarians, vegans, or gluten-free diners. The entire Ethiopian side of the menu can accommodate plant-based diets, and many dishes are naturally gluten-free. The kitchen takes dietary restrictions seriously and will work with you to ensure everyone eats well.

When to Visit: The restaurant closes on Mondays but serves lunch and dinner Tuesday through Sunday. Weekday lunches tend to be quieter, while weekend evenings bring more energy and occasionally feature live music outdoors. Summer visits let you enjoy that patio seating to its fullest.

The Experience: Eating Ethiopian food is a hands-on affair—you’ll tear the injera and use it to scoop your food, which adds an element of fun and communal dining. First-timers shouldn’t feel intimidated; you can always use a fork if you prefer, and the menu’s dual nature means you can ease into unfamiliar territory at your own pace.

Parking: You’ll find parking available, though it can get a bit tricky during peak hours. The location on Memorial Drive means you’re at the north end of Asbury Park, away from the busiest boardwalk areas.

Family-Friendly: The restaurant welcomes families and maintains a relaxed atmosphere where kids can comfortably enjoy a meal. The variety on the menu means even picky eaters can find something they’ll like.

Getting There: Located in a strip mall setting on Memorial Drive, Ada’s Gojjo is easy to find once you know where you’re going. The north end location keeps it a bit under the radar compared to the downtown Asbury Park restaurant scene, which means it feels like discovering a local secret.

Ada’s Gojjo
📍 1301 Memorial Dr, Asbury Park, NJ 07712