Support Dashen's Revival: A Cultural Legacy

Some of my earliest and fondest memories of living in Ethiopia are rooted in Dashen Restaurant. I remember the laughter, the smell of afternoon coffee, and the rich aroma of spices as my cousins and I ran through the kitchen and backyard like it was our own home because in many ways, it was.

At the heart of it all was my grandmother, Amsalwork Asefaw. In the wake of political upheaval, she transformed our family home into a restaurant space that became a beacon of Ethiopian culture through food, music, and community. My mother, Tsege Dagnew, carried that spirit forward, reviving Dashen in Kazanchis and once again creating a place where people gathered to share meals, memories, and joy.

That legacy is now at risk of being lost.

The original Dashen, built by my grandfather Dejazmatch Dagnew Tessema in the 1940s, has now been open as a restaurant for 49 years and became a symbol of resilience and tradition. But due to ongoing redevelopment efforts, Dashen was demolished not once, but twice. For the past eight months, we’ve been searching tirelessly for a new home to bring Dashen back. So far, we haven’t found the right space. And now, we’re turning to our extended community for help.

We’re raising funds to reopen Dashen and give it the permanent home it deserves. Your support will help us:

This is more than reopening a restaurant, it’s about reviving a family legacy and preserving a piece of Ethiopian cultural history. It’s about ensuring future generations have a place to gather, celebrate, and connect to their roots.

If Dashen has ever been part of your story or if you simply believe in the power of food to preserve culture we would be honored by your support.

Every dollar counts! Even $10, $20, or $50 can make a big difference in reviving Dashen. Thank you for any amount you can give.