Altu's Ethiopian Cuisine – Ethiopian
Stepping into Altu’s means being enveloped by the warm, earthy fragrance of berbere and slow-simmering legumes, where communal platters become a vibrant canvas of Ethiopian tradition. Guests use torn pieces of tangy, spongy injera to scoop up mounds of velvety lentils, savory beef stews, and golden chickpea sauces that range from comforting mildness to a spirited, spicy heat. It is a soulful dining experience that transforms a simple meal into a shared celebration of rich textures and deep, aromatic flavors.
1312 Michigan Avenue, East Lansing MI 48823 https://eatataltus.com/Rating: 4/5 (1 reviews)
Cuisine: Ethiopian
Price range: $
Dietary options: dairy-free, gluten-free, halal, high-protein, keto, low-carb, nut-free, vegan, vegetarian, heart-healthy, low-fat, low-sodium, mediterranean, paleo, pescatarian, plant-based, whole30, anti-inflammatory, atkins, dash-sodium-reduced, gerd, high-fiber, low-cholesterol, south-beach, aip, alkaline, carnivore, low-fodmap, renal, tlc, volumetrics, zone, lectin-free, macrobiotic, slow-carb, sesame-free, soy-free
Diet fit at Altu's Ethiopian Cuisine
Dairy-Free at Altu's Ethiopian Cuisine
Altu's Ethiopian Cuisine in East Lansing has 30 dairy-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Lentil Soup, Vegetarian Combo and Meat Feast. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Gluten-Free at Altu's Ethiopian Cuisine
Altu's Ethiopian Cuisine in East Lansing has 9 gluten-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Meat Feast, Vegetarian & Meat Feast and Lamb Stew. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Halal at Altu's Ethiopian Cuisine
Altu's Ethiopian Cuisine in East Lansing has 30 halal-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Lentil Soup, Vegetarian Combo and Spicy Pinto Beans. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
High-Protein at Altu's Ethiopian Cuisine
Altu's Ethiopian Cuisine in East Lansing has 2 high-protein-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Meat Feast and Lamb Stew. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Keto at Altu's Ethiopian Cuisine
Altu's Ethiopian Cuisine in East Lansing has 1 keto-tagged dish on its current menu, including Meat Feast. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Low-Carb at Altu's Ethiopian Cuisine
Altu's Ethiopian Cuisine in East Lansing has 3 low-carb-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Meat Feast, Lamb Stew and Chicken Breast Stew. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Nut-Free at Altu's Ethiopian Cuisine
Altu's Ethiopian Cuisine in East Lansing has 1 nut-free-tagged dish on its current menu, including Meat Feast. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Vegan at Altu's Ethiopian Cuisine
Altu's Ethiopian Cuisine in East Lansing has 24 vegan-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Lentil Soup, Vegetarian Combo and Spicy Pinto Beans. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
How tags work: Dish-level menu analysis by Chefi's rule-based diet engine with AI assistance; nutrition values are estimated from ingredients unless marked verified. Allergen and certification claims are never inferred.
What to order at Altu's Ethiopian Cuisine
| Dish | Net carbs | Protein |
|---|---|---|
| Meat Feast | 2.2 g | 53.8 g |
| Friday Special | 103.5 g | 42.1 g |
| Wednesday Special | 73.7 g | 30.8 g |
| Lentil Soup | 53.8 g | 29.1 g |
| Tuesday Special | 106.8 g | 28.5 g |
| Thursday Special | 76.2 g | 26.8 g |
| Lamb Stew | 19.8 g | 24.3 g |
| Mild Chickpea Sauce | 0 g | 22.1 g |
| Mild Chickpea Sauce | 0 g | 22.1 g |
| Sora Passion Smoothie | 165 g | 14.7 g |
| Beef with Mixed Vegetables | 7.8 g | 14 g |
| Wakgee Special Smoothie | 100.3 g | 13.4 g |
Nutrition values are estimated from ingredients.
Currently closed
Hours
- Tuesday - Saturday
- 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
- Sunday
- 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
What diners are saying
Celebrated for its flavorful menu from appetizers to main courses, diners particularly rave about the exceptionally fresh and well-prepared seafood. Guests love the inviting ambiance and consistently praise the professional, attentive service that makes for a seamless dining experience. Standout dishes include the various seafood offerings, which reviewers highlight as a must-try for anyone looking for a high-quality meal in a welcoming setting.
Menu
Lunch - Vegetarian
Tue-Sun 11 AM - 2:30 PM. Served on bread, rice, or half and half, with a side of cabbage.
- Spicy or Mild Lentils - $13: Tender lentils stewed in savory spices. Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Macrobiotic Available at: dinner, lunch
- Mild Split Yellow Peas - $13: A distinctive texture and a savory blend of mild spices give this dish an irresistible sweetness. Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Alkaline, Macrobiotic Available at: dinner, lunch
- Spicy Pinto Beans - $13: Whole pintos beans stewed to perfection in a berbere-spiced sauce. Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- Mild Lima Beans - $13: A family recipe and local legend. Stewed baby limas with onion, garlic, and turmeric. Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, GERD-Friendly, Zone, Volumetrics, TLC, Alkaline, Renal, Macrobiotic, Slow-Carb Available at: dinner, lunch
- Spicy Ground Peas - $13: A smooth blend of roasted chickpeas and berbere sauce. Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Alkaline Available at: dinner, lunch
- Mild Chickpea Sauce - $13: Smoothly ground chickpeas stewed with tomato, onion, cumin, garlic, and cardamom. Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Alkaline
Lunch - Meat
11 AM - 2:30 PM. Served on bread, rice, or half and half, with a side of cabbage.
- Beef Stew - $14: Tender sirloin cubes in a sauce with onion, garlic, and savory spices. Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC, Renal Available at: dinner, lunch
- Chicken Stew - $14: One spicy or mild drumstick stewed in a sauce with savory spices. Dietary tags: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Anti-Inflammatory, AIP, Lectin-Free, Soy Free Available at: dinner, lunch
Dinner Menu - Vegetarian
Available all day. Served on your choice of bread, rice, or half rice, and half bread. Includes a small side of cabbage and salad.
- Spicy Lentils - $14: Tender split red lentils stewed in savory spices. Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Macrobiotic Available at: dinner, lunch
- Mild Split Yellow Peas - $14: A distinctive texture and a savory blend of mild spices give this dish an irresistible sweetness. Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Alkaline, Macrobiotic Available at: dinner, lunch
- Mild Garlic Lentils - $14: Savory whole green lentils with all the zest and sweetness of garlic, stewed with onion, cumin, and tumeric. Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Alkaline, Macrobiotic Available at: dinner, lunch
- Spicy Pinto Beans - $13.5: Whole pintos beans stewed to perfection in a berbere-spiced sauce. Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- Mild Lima Beans - $14.5: A family recipe and local legend. Stewed baby limas with onion, garlic, and turmeric. Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, GERD-Friendly, Zone, Volumetrics, TLC, Alkaline, Renal, Macrobiotic, Slow-Carb Available at: dinner, lunch
- Spicy Ground Peas - $14.5: A smooth blend of roasted chickpeas and berbere sauce. Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Alkaline Available at: dinner, lunch
- Spicy Ground Peas & Greens - $14.5: Tender collard greens mixed with spicy ground peas. Available at: dinner, lunch
- Mild Chickpea Sauce - $14.5: Smoothly ground chickpeas stewed with tomato, onion, cumin, garlic, and cardamom. Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Alkaline
Dinner - Meat
Available all day. Served on your choice of bread or rice. Includes a small side of cabbage and salad.
- Spicy Chicken Stew - $16: Two chicken drumsticks stewed in spicy berbere onion sauce. Available at: dinner, lunch
- Mild Chicken Stew - $16: Two chicken drumsticks stewed in onions and savory spices. Dietary tags: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Anti-Inflammatory, AIP, Lectin-Free, Soy Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Chicken Breast Stew - $17: Tender chunks of chicken breast, available in both mild and spicy sauces. Dietary tags: Low-Carb, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, Low-Cholesterol Available at: dinner, lunch
- Spicy Beef Stew - $17: Tender pieces of sirloin stewed in a spicy berbere onion sauce. Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC, Renal Available at: dinner, lunch
- Mild Beef Stew - $17: Tender pieces of sirloin stewed in onion and savory spices. Available at: dinner, lunch
- Spicy Ground Peas & Beef - $17: Spicy sirloin cubes mixed with our Spicy Ground Peas for an extra kick. Available at: dinner, lunch
- Beef with Mixed Vegetables - $17: Spicy or mild sirloin mixed with peas, corn, chopped carrots and green beans. Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, Renal Available at: dinner, lunch
- Lamb Stew - $23: Succulent cubes of lamb meat stewed in onion and spices. Served mild or spicy. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC, Renal, Slow-Carb, Soy Free Available at: dinner, lunch
Combo Dinners
- Chicken & Beef Combo - $17: Choose one Chicken Stew and one Beef Stew, served on bread, rice, or half and half with a side of cabbage and salad. Available at: dinner, lunch
- Vegetarian Combo - $15: Quarter portion of spicy lentils, mild split yellow peas, mild garlic lentils, and spicy pinto beans. Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Alkaline, Macrobiotic Available at: dinner, lunch
- Meat & Veggie Combo - $17: A half portion of beef or chicken stew, and a half portion of a vegetarian dish of your choice. Dietary tags: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Anti-Inflammatory, AIP, Lectin-Free, Soy Free Available at: dinner, lunch
Feasts
Served with Injera, a side of cabbage, and salad. Side of rice available by request. Lamb not included.
- Lunch Veggie Feast - $29: A lunch portion of spicy lentils, mild split yellow peas, spicy ground peas, and lima beans. Garnished with collard greens. Available at: lunch
- Lunch Meat Feast - $37.5: Spicy and mild chicken drumsticks, spicy beef, and mild chicken breast. Available at: dinner, lunch
- Lunch Veggie & Meat Feast - $40: Choose any two meat items (excluding lamb) and any three vegetarian items. Dietary tags: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Anti-Inflammatory, AIP, Lectin-Free, Soy Free Available at: lunch
- Vegetarian Feast - $34: Hearty helpings of spicy lentils, mild split yellow peas, spicy ground peas, and lima beans. Garnished with collard greens. Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, GERD-Friendly, Zone, Volumetrics, TLC, Alkaline, Macrobiotic, Slow-Carb Available at: dinner, lunch
- Meat Feast - $44: A generous portion of both spicy & mild chicken drumsticks, spicy beef, and mild chicken breast. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Atkins, South-Beach, Low-Fodmap, Carnivore, AIP, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free, Soy Free, Sesame Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Vegetarian & Meat Feast - $44.5: Choose any two meat items (excluding lamb) and any three vegetarian items. Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Alkaline, AIP, Macrobiotic, Lectin-Free, Soy Free Available at: dinner, lunch
Weekly Specials
Only available on their respective days.
- Tuesday Special - $15: Mild or spicy beef stewed with Altu's sweet and tender cabbage. Dietary tags: High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- Wednesday Special - $14: Collard greens stewed in a blend of ground peanuts, coconut milk, onions, and mild spices. Dietary tags: Dairy-Free, Low-Sodium Available at: dinner, lunch
- Thursday Special - $13.5: Tender potato chunks stewed in a curry of tomato and onion sauce with whole green beans, baby carrots, and mild spices. Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Pescatarian, Plant-Based Available at: dinner, lunch
- Friday Special - $17: Stir fry: cubes of sirloin beef, fresh onions, tomatoes, and jalapeños sautéed in a uniquely spiced sauce blend. Available at: dinner, lunch
Soup
- Lentil Soup - $6: Whole lentils and green onions. Served with a side of injera or rice. Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
Sides
- Sambusas - $2.5: A fried pastry filled with garlic lentils and spices. Individually served. Available at: dinner, lunch
- Collard Greens - $7: Slowly stewed with onions, garlic, ginger, and a dash of jalapeño. Dietary tags: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, GERD-Friendly, Zone, Volumetrics, TLC, Slow-Carb, Soy Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Cabbage - $6: Altu's signature cabbage, cooked in mild spices and caramelized to perfection. Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Macrobiotic Available at: dinner, lunch
- House Salad - $5.5: An extra portion of side salad with our tangy secret dressing. Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Renal, Macrobiotic Available at: dinner, lunch
- Injera (Bread) - $2.25: A roll of traditional Ethiopian sourdough bread made with teff. Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Macrobiotic Available at: dinner, lunch
- Gluten Free Injera (Bread) - $3.25: A roll of traditional Ethiopian sourdough bread made entirely from teff. Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Macrobiotic Available at: dinner, lunch
Beverages
- Fountain Drinks - $3: Coca-Cola, Cherry Coke, Fanta Orange, Diet Coke, Minute Maid Lemonade, Sprite Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium
- Spiced Hot Tea - $2.5: Cozy black tea steeped in cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Alkaline, AIP, Renal, Macrobiotic, Lectin-Free
- Iced Tea - $2.5: Our signature spiced black tea chilled over ice
- Coffee - $2.5: Lightly spiced with cardamom
Smoothies
Your choice of frozen fruit, blended with orange juice, honey, and banana.
- Sora Passion Smoothie - $7.25: Strawberry, peach, mango, and pineapple blended with orange juice, honey, and banana. Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Anti-Inflammatory, GERD-Friendly, Volumetrics
- Lella Favorite Smoothie - $7.25: Raspberry, blackberry, and blueberry blended with orange juice, honey, and banana. Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory
- Altu's Delight Smoothie - $6.75: Strawberry blended with orange juice, honey, and banana. Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory
- Wakgee Special Smoothie - $6.75: Blueberry blended with orange juice, honey, and banana. Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, High-Fiber, GERD-Friendly, Volumetrics, TLC
Dessert
- Ice Cream - $5.5: Vanilla ice cream with chocolate, strawberry, or butterscotch Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium
- Altu's Sundae - $6: Blended frozen strawberries poured over vanilla ice cream. Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium
Frequently Asked Questions about Altu's Ethiopian Cuisine
- Is Altu's Ethiopian Cuisine dairy-free-friendly?
- Yes. Altu's Ethiopian Cuisine has 30 dairy-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Lentil Soup, Vegetarian Combo and Meat Feast.
- What can I eat at Altu's Ethiopian Cuisine on a dairy-free diet?
- Lentil Soup, Vegetarian Combo and Meat Feast carry the dairy-free tag, out of 30 tagged dishes on the current menu. Every dish's diet tags are listed in the menu.
- Does Altu's Ethiopian Cuisine have vegan options?
- Yes. 24 dishes are tagged vegan on the current menu, including Lentil Soup and Vegetarian Combo.
- Is Altu's Ethiopian Cuisine gluten-free?
- 9 dishes are tagged gluten-free on the current menu. Chefi never infers allergen tags from a dish name alone, but a tag is not a certification — confirm preparation with the restaurant if you have celiac disease or a severe sensitivity.
- What is the highest-protein dish at Altu's Ethiopian Cuisine?
- Meat Feast, at roughly 53.8g of protein (estimated from ingredients).
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