About Us: Sinq Foods - A Taste of Ethiopia in Melbourne
Our Story
Sinq Foods started because we wanted to share our family's recipes with Melbourne. These recipes have been passed down for generations, and they're full of love and the flavors of our home country, Ethiopia.
We want Sinq Foods to be more than just a restaurant. We want it to be a place where you can experience real Ethiopian culture. We want everyone in Melbourne to enjoy the amazing food of Ethiopia!
Our Food
At Sinq Foods, we believe in using fresh, healthy ingredients. We get our teff (a kind of grain) locally and our spices straight from Ethiopia. Our menu has all the classic Ethiopian dishes, made with care and attention to detail.
Whether you like meat, veggies, or both, we have something for you. We also have lots of options for people who are gluten-free, vegetarian, or vegan. Everyone should be able to enjoy Ethiopian food!
Our Culture
In Ethiopia, mealtime is all about sharing and connecting with people. We want you to feel that same sense of togetherness at Sinq Foods. Come with your friends and family and enjoy our delicious food and friendly atmosphere.
You can even experience a real Ethiopian coffee ceremony! We roast, grind, and brew the coffee right in front of you using a special clay pot. It's a fun way to learn about Ethiopian culture and enjoy delicious coffee.
We also have other cultural events throughout the year, like cooking classes and music performances. Check out our Events page to see what's happening.
Our Team
Helena Setargew, Head Chef
Driven by a lifelong passion to share the vibrant flavors of her Ethiopian heritage, Helena Wonde arrived in Australia in 2009 with a dream to open an authentic restaurant. Her dedication and culinary expertise culminated in the opening of Sinq Foods, where she now leads the kitchen as Head Chef. Helena masterfully combines the freshest local ingredients, including teff for injera, with fragrant spices imported directly from Ethiopia, creating dishes that transport diners to the heart of her homeland. Beyond the kitchen, Helena's warm smile and genuine hospitality make every guest feel like family, as she shares her love for Ethiopian cuisine through cooking classes and cultural events. Come experience her culinary artistry at Sinq Foods, where every dish tells a story of passion, perseverance, and the rich flavors of Ethiopia.
Eleni Wonde, Chef
Growing up surrounded by the vibrant flavors of Ethiopian cuisine, Eleni Wonde, sister to Head Chef Helena, inherited her family's passion for cooking. Inspired by her sister, she joined the Sinq Foods team, bringing her own quiet dedication and tireless work ethic to the kitchen. While she might be shy, Eleni's culinary talents speak volumes. Her dedication to quality and authenticity shines through in every dish she prepares, from the perfectly spiced stews to the delicate injera.
Aster Wonde, Chef
With a background in lab technology and a passion for chemistry, Aster Wonde brings a unique perspective to the Sinq Foods kitchen. When she's not caring for patients at Western Health, she joins her husband Ephrem and sister Helena in creating culinary magic, infusing each dish with meticulous attention to detail and a deep understanding of flavors. Her warm presence makes her an essential part of the Sinq Foods family.
Ephrem Solomon, The All-Rounder
A true all-rounder with a passion for people, food, and innovation. His interests span from the culinary arts to technology, with a background in data analytics from Swinburne University. Ephrem's love for bringing people together is evident in every aspect of Sinq Foods, from the warm and inviting atmosphere to the delicious, authentic Ethiopian cuisine. He's always exploring new ideas and finding ways to enhance the dining experience, ensuring that every guest feels like family.
Zerael Ephrem, Supreme Leader
Don't let his age fool you; Zerael is the undisputed Supreme Leader of Sinq Foods (at least in his own mind). With an iron fist (that's still learning to grasp a spoon), he rules the highchair with an unwavering commitment to quality control. His discerning palate has been known to reject even the most perfectly prepared injera if it doesn't meet his exacting standards. A true connoisseur of Ethiopian cuisine, Zerael's favorite dishes are Gomen Besiga, with its flavorful collard greens, and the tender, slow-cooked Goat Stew. When he's not busy taste-testing new dishes or supervising the kitchen staff, he can be found charming guests with his infectious smile and negotiating for extra Injera. He's the heart and soul of Sinq Foods, reminding us all to approach life with joy, curiosity, and a healthy appetite.