While not as internationally recognized as other cuisines, Ethiopian food is beloved by many who have had the pleasure of tasting it. Ethiopia is also well-known for its coffee, a globally consumed product, even used by major chains like Starbucks. Having spent time in Ethiopia, I can attest to the rich culinary traditions and often find myself searching for authentic Ethiopian restaurants abroad.
Ethiopian cuisine relies on locally available ingredients such as herbs, beans, and crops easily grown in the region. This is why stews and bread are staples, and coffee is a daily ritual, symbolizing hospitality and community. Due to religious restrictions among Ethiopian Christians, Jews, and Muslims, pork and seafood are rarely found on the menu. Fasting days, typically Wednesdays and Fridays, involve abstaining from food until after 3 PM, though customs can vary based on the religious calendar.
Traditionally, Ethiopian food is shared from a single plate among diners, emphasizing communal dining. This practice is facilitated by injera, a sourdough bread used to scoop up stews and other dishes. As a result, washing hands before and after meals is customary.
In general, Ethiopian food promotes healthy eating, consisting of protein and vegetables. The diet is complemented by black coffee and fresh fruit juices. Due to a brief Italian occupation, you might also find Italian influences in Ethiopian cuisine, a phenomenon also seen in neighboring Eritrea.
Here is a guide to some of the most popular Ethiopian foods and drinks you can find in Ethiopia or at an Ethiopian restaurant abroad. For the adventurous, you might even try making some of these dishes at home!
Read also: Ethiopian Cuisine: Philadelphia Guide
How to make injera starter/ersho naturally without yeast
Must-Try Ethiopian Dishes
Injera
Injera is the most prominent Ethiopian staple. Its shape and texture make it perfect for wrapping, scooping, and dipping into various stews and spices, similar to a tortilla or pita bread. Injera has a distinct sour flavor, dark appearance, and bubbly texture.
Meat and Vegetarian Platters
Meat mixed platters usually include stew, kitfo, and tibs. These platters may feature a variety of meats, such as beef and lamb. Vegetarian mixed platters consist of stews made with lentils, peas, tomatoes, potatoes, and other meat-free ingredients.
In Ethiopia, menus may rotate, offering vegetarian options on some days and meat platters on others, depending on the fasting schedule, particularly for Orthodox Christians.
Tibs
Like most Ethiopian food, tibs are made with ample spices.
Kitfo
Kitfo is a type of marinated minced steak tartare (raw), made with spices. It’s important to note that kitfo is typically made with high-quality beef, similar to French tartare.
Read also: Authentic Ethiopian Cuisine
Asa Tibs
Fried fish, also known as asa tibs, is also a popular Ethiopian dish.
Vegetarian/Vegan Mix Platter
Similar to mix grill with meats, Ethiopia also offered a vegetarian/vegan mix platter.
Doro Wat
Looking for a salad? Doro Wat (also spelled wot) is a traditional spicy chicken stew or curry. It’s considered Ethiopia’s “national dish” this stew includes onions and hard-boiled eggs, along with berbere, and is served with injera.
Sega Wat
Sega wat is a stew made with beef and spices.
Chickpea or Lentil Stew
This vegetarian stew/curry is primarily made of chickpeas or lentils. This dish is almost always vegan, depending on if Ethiopian butter or substitute is used.
Read also: A Taste of Ethiopia in South Carolina
Firfir
Firfir is another option made with pieces of injera ripped apart, nitir kibe, and spice.
Traditional Ethiopian Drinks
Coffee
One common Ethiopian saying translates to “coffee is our bread,” which shows how important this drink is to Ethiopian culture. Ethiopians not only grow a lot of coffee, but they also consume vast amounts of the strong Arabica style beverage. Coffee is typically drunk in small cups (think espresso style) black or with a little honey, salt, or other add-ins. A traditional coffee ceremony includes preparation of the drink from start to finish, ending with the serving in small cups out of a clay pot.
Tej
Tej is a (highly) alcoholic yellow beverage made from honey and a local Ethiopian herb. In Ethiopia, Tej is often homemade. It’s hard to find outside of Ethiopia and neighboring Eritrea, but if you want to try a version you can attempt to make it yourself.
Fruit Juice
Fruits are widely available in Ethiopia, so fresh juice is common and usually served thick like a smoothie.
Where to Find Ethiopian Food
While this article focuses on Berlin, here are some Ethiopian restaurants around the world to give you an idea of what to look for:
- Lucy Gazebo (Addis Ababa): Centrally located, offers exceptional kitfo and other traditional dishes.
- 2000 Habesha (Addis Ababa): Offers delicious injera and traditional dancing in the evenings.
- Ben Abeba (Lalibela): Situated on a hill next to the UNESCO Heritage ruins.
- Paradise Lodge (Arba Minch): A restaurant and resort in southeast Ethiopia, with great vegan options.
- Addis in Cape (Cape Town): Halal-friendly and gluten-free.
- Zagol Restaurant (Dubai): Reasonably priced and highly rated, perfect for an authentic experience.
- Zeret (London): A hole in the wall Ethiopian restaurant in Peckam, known for its amazing food.
Enjoy exploring the rich and diverse flavors of Ethiopian cuisine!
