What To Eat and Drink in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Ethiopian cuisine is famous for its unique blend of flavors, spices, and use of injera, a spongy flatbread made from teff flour. Addis Ababa is the perfect place to experience traditional Ethiopian dishes, as it is the country’s culinary hub.
Here’s a detailed guide to what to eat and drink when you find yourself in this vibrant city, ensuring you don’t miss out on the unique tastes that Ethiopian cuisine has to offer.
1. Injera with Doro Wat
Injera, a sourdough-risen flatbread with a unique, slightly spongy texture, is a staple in Ethiopian cuisine. It’s traditionally served with Doro Wat, a spicy chicken stew that’s considered Ethiopia’s national dish. The stew is made with berbere spice, onions, garlic, and sometimes hard-boiled eggs.
2. Tibs
Tibs is a popular Ethiopian dish consisting of pan-fried meat chunks (usually beef, lamb, or goat) sautéed with onions, garlic, and sometimes rosemary. It can be served spicy or mild and is often accompanied by vegetables and injera. Tibs can be found in many variations across Addis Ababa, from street food stalls to upscale restaurants.
3. Kitfo
Kitfo is a traditional dish made from raw minced beef, marinated in mitmita (a spicy chili powder blend) and niter kibbeh (clarified butter infused with herbs and spices). It’s often served with injera and a side of ayib (Ethiopian cottage cheese). For those less adventurous, a cooked version, known as leb leb, is also available.
4. Shiro
Shiro is a hearty and comforting stew made from ground chickpeas or broad bean meal. It’s cooked with berbere spice, onions, tomatoes, and garlic and is typically served atop injera. This dish is particularly popular during fasting periods when meat is not consumed.
5. Beyaynetu
Beyaynetu is a vegetarian platter that offers a variety of Ethiopian vegetarian dishes on a single piece of injera, making it a perfect option for vegetarians and vegans. Common components include lentils, split peas, and collard greens, each prepared in distinct and flavorful ways.
6. Coffee
Ethiopia is the birthplace of coffee, and experiencing a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony is a must. The coffee is prepared in a clay pot called a jebena and is often accompanied by the burning of frankincense. The result is a strong, aromatic coffee usually served with sugar or sometimes salt.
7. Tej
Tej is a traditional Ethiopian honey wine that’s both sweet and potent. It’s made from fermented honey and a type of leaves known as gesho, serving as hops do in beer brewing. Tej is typically served in a special flask called a berele.
