Cafe Colucci Menu (Update 2025)
Cafe Colucci, a beloved Ethiopian restaurant in Oakland, offers a diverse menu with vegan and vegetarian options. Their appetizers like Polpetti, Dentich Tibs, and Beef Sambussa showcase traditional Ethiopian flavors with a modern twist. The cold drinks, including Iced Spiced Tea with Honey and Selassie Spritz, are refreshing accompaniments to the flavorful dishes. Utilizing spices imported from Ethiopia via Brundo Spice Company, Cafe Colucci proudly serves dishes like the Vegan Sampler and Shrimp Tibs, each meticulously spiced and delicious. The restaurant's warm atmosphere, friendly staff, and commitment to quality make dining at Cafe Colucci a truly memorable experience. Make sure to try their unique spiced coffee and savor the rich flavors of Ethiopian cuisine here.
Appetizers
Polpetti
Get the party started with half-a-dozen Ethiopian-styled meatballs. Our Polpettis are filled with lean ground beef, garlic, cilantro, and jalapeno. These delectables are topped off with our traditional dairy-based cream called ayeb made with our in-house Niter Kibbeh from Brundo Spice Company and a touch of Brundo Spices Berbere and Korerima. (If youre not a fan of cheese, weve got non-dairy options as well!)****Find this recipe at Brundo.com!****===All Spices and Herbs are imported from Ethiopia via Brundo Spice Company and available online at brundo.com ===
Dentich Tibs
Simple, yet deliciously satisfying, our Denitch Tibs are a perfect pair for any upcoming entree. Made fresh to order, these house-cut potatoes are similar to chips, but have an added Ethiopian twist i.e., Brundo Spice Companys Berbere. Vegan ****Find this recipe at Brundo.com!****===All Spices and Herbs are imported from Ethiopia via Brundo Spice Company and available online at brundo.com ===
Beef Sambussa
Clearly were biased but no one else does sambussas the way Ethiopians do. These mouth-watering wonton-wrapped favorites are stuffed with minced beef, seasoned with garlic, cilantro, onions, Korerima, jalapeno, and the Mitmita Ethiopian Spice blend from Brundo Spice Company. Contains beef and dairy.****Find this recipe at Brundo.com!****===All Spices and Herbs are imported from Ethiopia via Brundo Spice Company and available online at brundo.com ===
Veg Sambussa
Who says vegetarians cant dig in? Our flavorful Vegetarian Sambusa are packed with savory yet meatless goodies, including whole lentils, garlic, cilantro, spices, onions, jalapeno and Mitmita from Brundo Spice Company.Enjoy these pockets-full-of-sunshine with a side of Ethiopian Style dipping sauce. Contains dairy.****Find this recipe at Brundo.com!****===All Spices and Herbs are imported from Ethiopia via Brundo Spice Company and available online at brundo.com ===
Stuffed Jalapenos
An Ethiopian Tradition! Jalapenos stuffed with tomatoes, onions, and more jalapenos! Sprinked with Brundo's Berbere Spice
Azifa
Looking for something, healthy, organic and delicious? Dig into our refreshing Azifa lentil salad made with whole organic lentils, red onions, jalapeno, fresh lemon juice and Brundo Spice Company's Senafitch (mustard seed) sauce an Ethiopian take on horseradish. Served with salata (salad) and a whole injera. Choose from our House injera or a yummy Gluten Free teff injera. ****Find this recipe at Brundo.com!****===All Spices and Herbs are imported from Ethiopia via Brundo Spice Company and available online at brundo.com ===
Buticha
Vegans and carnivores alike enjoy this flavorful blend of all things chickpea on a bed of our fresh in-house salata (salad). Our Buticha is a spicy mix of organic chickpeas, garlic, red onions, jalapeo, and red bell pepper. Choose from our House injera or a yummy Gluten Free teff injera.****Find this recipe at Brundo.com!****===All Spices and Herbs are imported from Ethiopia via Brundo Spice Company and available online at brundo.com ===
Salata
Yup we have our very own Ethiopian-styled salad. Its more than just the vibrant colors of roma tomatoes, onions, leaf lettuce, jalapeo, and lemon. What makes this dish an Ethiopian staple is the special Ethiopian dressing.Vegan and Gluten Free
Salatas
Order Extra Injera Here
Wheat Blend
If you want a taste of Ethiopia in your home, look no further. Injera is the foundation of Ethiopian cuisine seriously, all stews and sauces are usually served on top of this spongy, pancake-like goodness. Our injera is made in-house from barley, flour, finger millet and Brundo Spice Companys Abish (Ethiopian fenugreek). Contains gluten. Vegan.****Find this recipe at Brundo.com!****===All Spices and Herbs are imported from Ethiopia via Brundo Spice Company and available online at brundo.com ===
Teff Injera
Theres injera and then theres Teff Injera. This gluten free alternative to the wheat-blend injera is originally how the grandmas made injera back home with naturally fermented teff flour and Abish (we used Brundos Spice Company's Abish which is as close to home as you can get). Gluten-free injera is made from Teff, the smallest grain in the world. This tiny, yet powerful grain, is packed with nutrition. Its high in protein, iron, & minerals, with high calcium content. Contains no fat or preservatives.
Vegan Combination
A Cafe Colucci favorite our Vegan Combination Platter. Enjoy all things wholesome with a vegan feast featuring staples in traditional Ethiopian cuisine including Azifa, Buticha, Messer Wot, Kik Alicha, Gomen and Atakilt. Served with salata (salad) and a whole injera. Choose from our House injera or a yummy Gluten Free teff injera. Order Extra Injera under "Injera" in the main menu.****Find this recipe at Brundo.com!****===All Spices and Herbs are imported from Ethiopia via Brundo Spice Company and available online at brundo.com ===
Kik Alicha
This robust and creamy organic split pea stew is flavored with our in-house herbs & Alicha Kimem blend from Brundo Spice Company. Dig into a yummy blend that includes a turmeric sauce prepared with fresh garlic, ginger, and bessobela. Served with salata (salad), a side and a whole injera. Choose from our House injera or a yummy Gluten Free teff injera. Order Extra Injera under "Injera" in the main menu.Served with salata (salad), shiro and a whole injera. ****Find this recipe at Brundo.com!****===All Spices and Herbs are imported from Ethiopia via Brundo Spice Company and available online at brundo.com ===
Messer Wot
This rich organic split lentil stew is a spicier alternative to its subtle cousin, Kik Alicha. Our velvety Messer Wot is prepared with Brundo Spice Companys Berbere, Mitmita, and simmered in Bessobela, garlic, and red onions.Served with salata (salad), shiro and a whole injera. Choose from our House injera or a yummy Gluten Free teff injera. Order Extra Injera under "Injera" in the main menu.****Find this recipe at Brundo.com!****===All Spices and Herbs are imported from Ethiopia via Brundo Spice Company and available online at brundo.com ===
AtaKilt
Dig into this hearty vegan stir-fry dish filled with cabbage, carrots and potatoes and sauted with onions, fresh tomatoes, ginger and garlic in Brundo Spices Ird (Turmeric).Served with salata (salad), a side and a whole injera. Choose from our House injera or a yummy Gluten Free teff injera. Order Extra Injera under "Injera" in the main menu.
Gomen
Greens, greens and more [collard] greens! Our Gomen is freshly prepared with onions, tomatoes, garlic & oil and seasoned with Brundo Spice Companys Korerima and Tikur Azmud. Served with salata (salad), a side and a whole injera. Choose from our House injera or a yummy Gluten Free teff injera. Order Extra Injera under "Injera" in the main menu.
Mitten Shiro
Prepared with Shiro Mitten imported from Ethiopia by Brundo Spice Company, our Shiro is a complex mix of sun-dried, finely-ground chickpeas, chili peppers, and organic herbs. Served with salata (salad), a side and a whole injera. Choose from our House injera or a yummy Gluten Free teff injera. Order Extra Injera under "Injera" in the main menu.
Shiro Combo
Another satisfying vegan delight from the motherland! This combination platter features three of our in-house favorites Shiro, Gomen and Ataklit. Served with salata (salad), shiro and a whole injera. Choose from our House injera or a yummy Gluten Free teff injera. Order Extra Injera under "Injera" in the main menu.
Mushroom Tibs
Did someone say Mushroom Tibs? Yup this vegan edition of the classic dish is packed with full-bodied flavors. This stir-fry includes shitaki and button mushroom sauted with garlic, onions, and bell peppers cooked to your spice desire. Using Brundos Spice Company seasonings, you can choose between a mild turmeric blend or a spicy berbere sauce.Served with salata (salad), a side and a whole injera. Choose from our House injera or a yummy Gluten Free teff injera. Order Extra Injera under "Injera" in the main menu.****Find this recipe at Brundo.com!****===All Spices and Herbs are imported from Ethiopia via Brundo Spice Company and available online at brundo.com ===
Eggplant Tibs
Eggplants have always been a great alternative to meatier classics. Our Eggplant Tibs is no exception. Enjoy the full-bodied flavors of an Ethiopian favorite sauteed with onions, tomatoes, jalapeno. Deliciously seasoned with a host of Brundo Spice Company's blends including Korerima and Berbere. Served with salata (salad), shiro and a whole injera. Choose from our House injera or a yummy Gluten Free teff injera. Order Extra Injera under "Injera" in the main menu.****Find this recipe at Brundo.com!****===All Spices and Herbs are imported from Ethiopia via Brundo Spice Company and available online at brundo.com ===
Vegan Dishes
Seafood Dishes
Assa Tibs
Enjoy Cafe Colucis take on Fish & Chips, infused with traditional Ethiopian seasonings and flavors. Deep-fried whole tilapia flavored with Brundo Company Spices Shiro Mitten and Korerima and served with Ethiopian-style chips (fried potatoes with Brundos Berbere). Served with salata (salad), a side and a whole injera. Dairy Free****Find this recipe at Brundo.com!****===All Spices and Herbs are imported from Ethiopia via Brundo Spice Company and available online at brundo.com ===
Assa Gored Gored
Our savory Assa Gored Gored (white boneless fish) is sauted to perfection with fresh rosemary, onions, garlic, lemon juice and jalapeo. Seasoned with zesty Brundo Spice Companys Berbere Served with salata (salad), shiro and a whole injera. Dairy Free****Find this recipe at Brundo.com!****===All Spices and Herbs are imported from Ethiopia via Brundo Spice Company and available online at brundo.com ===
Shrimp Tibs
Our pan-fried shrimp features amazing flavor combinations courtesy of Brundo Spice Companys Berbere and Niter Kibbeh. Lightly sauted in a mild buttery sauce with onions, bell pepper, jalapeo and tomato.Served with salata (salad), a side and a whole injera. Dairy Free****Find this recipe at Brundo.com!****===All Spices and Herbs are imported from Ethiopia via Brundo Spice Company and available online at brundo.com ===
Doro Wot
You cant talk about Ethiopian cuisine without referring to our national dish i.e., Doro Wot. This full-bodied stew is bursting with flavors unique to the motherland. Simmered in our Niter Kibbeh, Berbere and Korerima, all courtesy of Brundo Spice Company. Our Doro Wot comes with a hearty portion of chicken and boiled eggs. Served with salata (salad), shiro and a whole injera. Dairy Free****Find this recipe at Brundo.com!****===All Spices and Herbs are imported from Ethiopia via Brundo Spice Company and available online at brundo.com ===
Doro Tibs
Marinated in traditional Ethiopian Berbere by Brundo Spice Company, these boneless, skinless chicken cubes are sauted until tender tibs style with onions, jalapeo, tomatoes and garlic. Served with salata (salad), shiro and a whole injera. Dairy Free****Find this recipe at Brundo.com!****===All Spices and Herbs are imported from Ethiopia via Brundo Spice Company and available online at brundo.com ===
Doro Alicha
You cant talk about Ethiopian cuisine without referring to our national dish i.e., Doro Wot. This is Doro Wot's mild cousin- Doro Alicha!This full-bodied stew is bursting with flavors unique to the motherland. Simmered in our Niter Kibbeh, Tumeric and Afrenje, all courtesy of Brundo Spice Company. Our Doro Wot comes with a hearty portion of chicken and boiled eggs. Served with salata (salad), shiro and a whole injera. Dairy Free****Find this recipe at Brundo.com!****===All Spices and Herbs are imported from Ethiopia via Brundo Spice Company and available online at brundo.com ===
Doro (Chicken) Dishes
Meat Dishes
Meat Combination Platter
A carnivorous feast for true meat lovers! This combination platter is overflowing with some of our favorite meaty dishes Doro Wot, Doro Alicha, Sega Alicha, Minchet Abish Wot and Gomen. Served with a side of ayeb (Ethiopian cheese) salata (salad), sour cream, and a whole injera****Find this recipe at Brundo.com!****===All Spices and Herbs are from Brundo Spice Company and available online at brundo.com ===
Sega Tibs
Diced lean beef marinated for hours in a mixture of fresh herbs and spices, including Brundo Spice Companys Korerima and Bebere (chili blend). This juicy stir-fry is prepared fresh and sauted with fresh rosemary, onions, jalapeo and tomatoes.Served with salata (salad), shiro,and a whole injera. Dairy Free
Begue Tibs
Enjoy the delicate flavor and rich texture of our Begue (Lamb) Tibs. Pan-fried to juicy tenderness, our fresh lamb meat is seasoned with Brundos Berbere, Mitmita, Korerima, and lightly sauted with onions, jalapeo & fresh rosemary. Served with salata (salad), shiro and a whole injera. Dairy Free
Sega Wot
Our slow cooked spicy beef stew is simmered for hours in an authentic Berbere and Mitmita sauce from Brundo Spice Company. Freshly prepared with chopped onions, grated ginger, pressed garlic, and other traditional herbs and spices.Served with salata (salad), shiro and a whole injera. Dairy Free
Begue Wot
Dig into the decadent flavors of our Begue Wot (lamb stew)! Cooked to tender, these moist lamb cubes and shank are simmered in Brundo Spice Companys Berbere sauce, garlic, minced red onions, and dished with a side of ayeb (cottage cheese) and sour cream. Served with salata (salad), shiro and a whole injera. ****Find this recipe at Brundo.com!****===All Spices and Herbs are imported from Ethiopia via Brundo Spice Company and available online at brundo.com ===
Minchet Wot
Slow-cooked, all-natural lean ground beef simmered in a savory Berbere sauce seasoned with Brundo Spice Company's Tikur Azmud and Korerima, richly infused with caramelized onions and garlic. Served with salata (salad), shiro and a whole injera. ****Find this recipe at Brundo.com!****===All Spices and Herbs are imported from Ethiopia via Brundo Spice Company and available online at brundo.com ===
Kitfo
A timeless Ethiopian Classic! Minced Raw Meat that is steeped in Nitter Kibbeh- an Ethiopian Ghee that is made using Kosseret and Bessobela and also available to purchase at Brundo.com! Contains Meat and Dairy Pick from our Kitfo Regular or the Kitfo Special- Kitfo special is sauteed with jalepeno and onions with Kibbeh.Pick from Completely Raw, Half Cooked (Leb-leb) and Fully Cooked. The (VG) versions is Vegan and made with Oil. The (V) version is Vegetarian and made with Niter Kibbeh- Ethiopian Styled Ghee/Butter
Sega Alicha
The mild version of our Sega Wot!Our slow cooked spicy beef stew is simmered for hours in an authentic Berbere and Mitmita sauce from Brundo Spice Company. Freshly prepared with chopped onions, grated ginger, pressed garlic, and other traditional herbs and spices.Served with salata (salad), shiro and a whole injera. Dairy Free
Iced Spiced Tea with Honey
Bessobela Lemonade
Selassie Spritz
East Imperial Tonic Water
Cane Coke
Cane Sprite
Diet Coke
Cold Drinks
Hot Drinks
Shai Kimem Tea
Traditional Ethiopian Spiced Tea- Cinnamon, Cardamom and Cloves.
Ethiopian Niter Kibbeh
A Brundo Spice Company collaboration with Ahara Ghee!Niter Kibbeh is the spiced clarified butter that hails from Ethiopia and Eritrea. Also known as "tesmi" this rich cooking oil is made a bit differently in every home.Our Traditional Niter Kibbeh is a collaboration with our friends at Ahara Ghee. This kibbeh is a time-tested blend of Ethiopian butter clarifying herbs sure to please even the most serious Ethiopian cooks.