All the way from Ethiopia, we bring you a taste of their incredible delicacies!
Ethiopian food is an experience like no other, and it's about time more people got in on the secret. Forget forks and knives—get ready to dig in with your hands! The star of the show is injera, a soft, spongy flatbread that doubles as both your plate and utensil. You'll scoop up flavourful stews and veggies, all shared from a big communal tray. The spices are bold, with berbere adding that perfect kick. Ready to explore Ethiopian cuisine? Keep reading!
Shiro Wat, or just Shiro, is an Ethiopian comfort food that’s hard not to love. Made from chickpea and broad bean flour mixed with garlic and onions, it’s cooked down into this rich, creamy paste that’s a bit like refried beans but way smoother. If you’re trying the vegan version, they add a splash of olive oil, and it’s just perfection. Whether you’re ordering a mixed platter or going veggie, Shiro Wat will almost always be there, and yes, you’ll be hooked from the first bite!
Fuul is a breakfast favourite in Ethiopia and nearby areas. It’s a hearty mix of spiced fava beans, usually served with lots of fresh bread. If you go for the special fuul, you’ll get a generous serving with extras like yoghurt, tomatoes, green chiles, onions, and sometimes avocado. The dish comes in small, hot metal bowls that you’ll need to handle with bread. It’s a quick and Ethiopian way to start your day!
Ti’hilo is a cool speciality from Tigray, Ethiopia’s northern region. Think of it like Ethiopian fondue: you’ve got barley balls on sticks, dipped into a spicy, flavourful sauce made from pulses, flour, and spices. The fun part? Someone rolls the barley into balls right at your table, then you get to skewer them, dip them, and dig in! This dish has been a local favourite around Adigrat, but now it's catching on all over Ethiopia for its tasty and hearty vibes.
In Addis Ababa, you'll find juice houses, often simple shacks, serving up a local favourite called spriss. This is a mix of fresh fruit juices—like avocado, guava, papaya, mango, pineapple, and orange—layered beautifully without any added water, sugar, or ice. They top it off with a squeeze of lime, and some people even add a splash of a special purple cordial for a sweet twist. It’s usually served with a wedge of sweetened bread, making for a satisfying snack. Spriss is a cool, refreshing treat that offers a sweet break from all the spicy foods.
Dabbo firfir is a great example of how Ethiopian cuisine turns simple ingredients into something special! It’s made with torn pieces of unleavened bread mixed with clarified butter and berbere spice, often served with a side of yogurt. It might not look like much, but it’s incredibly flavourful.
Also, unlike many Ethiopian dishes, you can actually use a spoon or fork to enjoy it!
After indulging in all these amazing Ethiopian dishes, don’t miss out on the coffee! Ethiopia is known as the birthplace of Arabica coffee, and their brews are some of the best you’ll ever taste. So, finish off your meal with a cup of rich, aromatic Ethiopian coffee. Bon appétit!
