I've only had Ethiopian at two places--Tana, around the corner, was the first. Abay was the second. So obviously I know nothing about what authentic Ethiopian food tastes like...all I know is that I liked Abay so much that I began to frequent it, and never went back to Tana (especially since if I were to walk from my apartment to Tana, I'd have to pass Abay on the way and resist going inside...impossible) so it really wouldn't be fair of me to compare the food between the two.\n\nThat out of the way...I love the food here! Don't even think about ordering one thing, just do a combination platter. Most of the foods are stew-like and served on a large piece of injera, which is basically the lovechild of a crepe and sourdough bread. I think I would literally eat all my meals on injera if I could, but that's just me and my love of fermented anything. I've tried most of the menu and my favorites are the Kay Wat (beef with berbere), Zil Zil Tibs (beef with peppers & onions), Gomen Besiga (beef with kale), Kay Sir Dinich (beets & potatoes), and Ayib Be Gomen (collard greens & cheese). During restaurant week, they had scallops as a special that were insanely tasty. If they offer those again, get them! I also get serious cravings for their savory pumpkin soup.\n\nI do have a problem with the lack of heat in the dishes. Things that are marked spicy are not spicy. I'm not sure how spicy Ethiopian cuisine is supposed to be, so maybe it's just my high tolerance that is making me disappointed. That being said, those scallops I had on my last visit were the first thing that actually made me reach for the water, so they definitely have the ability to do spicy. I will try asking for my food extra spicy next time.\n\nI also have seen photos of Ethiopian food where there's 5 or 6 heaps of food on the injera, almost blending together because there's so much on the plate. Abay only gives the option for four items, and the portions are on the smaller side. That being said, I always leave here full and satisfied, and it's still one of my favorite places in Pittsburgh!