13 Suns Ethiopian is a vegetarian restaurant in Scarborough. The restaurant's name is a reference to the Ethiopian calendar, which is divided into thirteen months.

Owner Hiruy Girmay — better known by his online alias, Mez Mariye — came up with the idea of a vegan Ethiopian cafe after losing his sales job in 2020.

Hoping to share his cultural cuisine with the community, Mez used his free time to hone his cooking skills and develop his brand identity.

He attended food festivals, such as Vegandale, Manifesto and the Black Creek Farm Festival, and even offered catering services for private and corporate events.

By the time 13 Suns opened its first brick and mortar location, Mez and his team had already left a strong impression on the community.

The main dining room is an open, welcoming space with a muted colour palette. Dark wooden furniture provides a contrast to the white and blue walls, which are covered with woven baskets and vintage travel posters.A small, round table sits in front of the large bay windows. Mez explains that these windows were what ultimately sold him on the location, "I saw the bay windows and I went, 'I don't know what this place is, but I need to set up shop there.' "

As for the table, it is used for the Ethiopian coffee ceremony, a complex and intricate process that involves both the brewing and the serving of hot drinks.

13 Suns serves a variety of warm and cool beverages, as well as traditional Ethiopian dishes. All menu items are made without the use of meat or other animal products.Avocado mushroom toast ($17) is a variation on the popular open-faced sandwich. In addition to the mashed avocado, this toasted sourdough slice is covered with mushroom tibs, tomatoes, olive oil, herbs and lemon juice.Sunrise mango flatbread ($14) is a simple yet addictive dish, topped with creamy hummus, mango salsa and herbs. Its flavour is light and fruity, with a hint of spice that keeps you coming back for more. Sambusas ($3 each, 4 for $10) are crispy, triangle-shaped pastries, similar to Indian samosas. Spiced brown lentils are stuffed inside these triangular treats, while flavourful awaze sauce is served on the side. Mushroom tacos ($18) consist of corn tortillas, filled with savoury mushroom tibs, vegan coleslaw and sweet mango salsa.

Beyaynetu on injera or rice ($25/45) is a platter that's perfect for sharing.

This enormous entree consists of ten colourful veggie dishes — including shiro, collard greens and several different types of wat — served on either fragrant rice or fluffy injera bread.

The best way to eat it is by tearing off strips of bread and using them to pick up pieces of food.Be sure to try one of 13 Suns' specialty iced matchas ($7.50) before you leave. These refreshing iced drinks come in blueberry, strawberry vanilla and spiced peach variations.

Though all three flavours pair nicely with the earthy matcha, my personal favourite was the blueberry flavour.

13 Suns Ethiopian Cafe & Eatery is located at 74 Hymus Road.