We’ve been raving over on Instagram about Momona Cafe on Hoe Street ever since they opened in July 2019 (opposite Yard Sale). There’s no website or Google listing, it’s not that kind of place.

In a quiet, unpretentious setting (ex-barber shop) the young, friendly Eritrean team have set up a small but wonderfully authentic cafe. Coffee and tea are only £1-1.50. But the reason to go is for the Injera, a fermented, spongy pancake served cold. It has a vinegary sourdough tang and becomes addictive.

A vegetarian or vegan platter costs £7-8, will feed 2 people, and gives you the chance to try a range of dishes served on a giant Injera plate. Often it includes spinach, spicy berbere red lentils (tibsi), milder comforting yellow lentils, and ground chickpea (shiro), cabbage and green beans, and always a salad. The idea is to rip a bit of bread off, scoop up the stew and devour. It’s a messy, finger-licking affair – traditionally you feed the other person!!

It’s mainly vegetarian or vegan, but there’s definitely some breakfast egg dishes and possibly some meat dishes too. Everything is cooked fresh on-site (I think) and changes daily. If there’s no staff there when you go in they will be in the back kitchen cooking. Be patient, take a seat, don’t go if you are in a rush – good things take a while.

They’re open 7 days a week, from something like 9am to 10pm. Go now while you can still get a table.

Momona Cafe (on the corner, no signage) 46 Hoe Street, Walthamstow, E17.