Welcome to
Tsion Café!
Welcome to Tsion Café, pronounced ‘see-on’.
We opened Tsion in 2014 with a mission to nourish the body and soul with delightful culinary blends and fine art. We're a place with Pan-African love, Black Israeli pride and a passion for delicious vegan food backed by a full bar with international beers and wines. Tsion Cafe is a place where we harmonize flavors from Ethiopia, Israel, and the ever diverse New York. Our fully vegan and Kosher menu welcomes everyone - with gluten-free options available as well! Stay a while and try something new. We'll take good care of you.
We don’t just focus on the body; we aim to inspire through visual art, poetry, and music. Our walls are graced with beautiful artwork by local artists from the neighborhood and beyond. We regularly hold live music events and poetry nights to honor the legacy of Jimmy’s Chicken Shack, the former occupant of our building and a world-renowned institution. We remember the talented people that passed through these doors during the heyday of the Harlem renaissance; such as Redd Foxx, Charlie Parker, Malcolm X, Billie Holiday, Hazel Scott, Art Tatum and many more incredible people.
Chef Beejhy
I am an Ethiopian-born and Israeli-raised chef and activist who has called Harlem home for the past 20 years. I’m a proud Ethiopian, a proud Jew, and a proud black woman. I celebrate my vast heritage through the food and events at Tsion, and love sharing this rich culture with my community.
I am also the founder of the Beta Israel of North America Cultural Foundation (BINA). This non-profit works to showcase the culture of Ethiopian Jews and all Jews of Color. By partnering with local organizations to share food, art, music and discussion, we empower others to celebrate Jewish diversity.
