Discover the Return of Doro Soul Food and Mélange Burger—Now Under One Roof!

Michelin-starred chef Elias Taddesse is known for his creative spirit. He has transitioned from working in fine French kitchens to running exciting Ethiopian fusion restaurants in Washington, D.C. Recently, he combined two of his popular fast-casual spots, Mélange Burger and Doro Soul Food, into a shared location in Shaw, creating a new venture: Mélange Foods, Inc.

Both restaurants had their ups and downs over the past few years. Mélange Burger faced challenges during the pandemic, while Doro closed temporarily when Taddesse took time off for his first child. Now, diners can look forward to an exciting menu that merges the best of both concepts. Guests can easily explore the offerings by scanning QR codes at their tables.

“It won’t feel like you’re navigating through different systems,” Taddesse explains. “We’re merging everything into a single experience.”

The menu retains familiar favorites. For instance, the Mélange Burger includes a classic American burger with unique twists like brown butter aioli and pickled red onions, alongside delightful hand-spun milkshakes. On the other hand, Doro Soul Food brings Ethiopian flavors to the table, such as a crispy sandwich made from Atlantic cod, lightly fried in shiro, a chickpea-flour stew. “That’s going to be a big hit,” Taddesse predicts.

Looking ahead, Taddesse is eager to introduce a third menu by summer: Moya, which will feature Ethiopian-Mexican fusion dishes. Imagine enjoying golden tibs tacos alongside berbere margaritas. “In Ethiopian cuisine, we use injera as our base. With tacos, it’s the tortilla. Combining them made perfect sense to me,” he shares.

The cocktail menu is also something to look forward to. One standout drink is Taddesse’s kibbeh-washed old fashioned, inspired by a neighboring restaurant’s creative cocktail. Kibbeh, a type of Ethiopian clarified butter, gives the drink a unique flavor. “I love how it smooths the rye’s bite,” he reveals, showing his passion for innovative cocktails.

By blending traditional dishes with Ethiopian flavors, Taddesse continues to showcase his heritage and culinary background. “I want to infuse popular dishes with the spices and techniques I grew up with,” he says, clearly excited about the flavors he’ll bring to D.C. food enthusiasts.

Food trends highlight the growing interest in fusion cuisine. According to a recent survey by the Food and Beverage Association, fusion dishes have seen a surge in popularity, with more millennials keen on trying innovative flavors. Taddesse’s creations fall perfectly into this trend, offering diners something both familiar and new.

For a unique dining experience, Mélange Foods, Inc. invites food lovers to explore the delicious blend of cultures and flavors.

Mélange Foods, Inc. is located at 2108 8th St., NW.

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