The following highlights some of the popular Traditional Ethiopian Foods. If you manage to be in an Ethiopian restaurant or you are visiting Ethiopia, I recommend the following
1. Tibs
It is a dish that features sautéed meat and a little salad. The most striking thing about tibs for tourists is the container in which it is served. It is a traditional dish which, being hot, seeks to preserve the temperature of the meat. Today, as four centuries ago, tibs is served to anyone who wants to show respect or special treatment. It is an avalanche of delicious flavors that make the palate jump in taste.
2. Coffee
This drink is part of Ethiopian culture, not only because it inhabits its eating habits, but also its myths. It is said that a shepherd in the area saw how his goats had more energy when they ate this fruit. He asked some local monks to prepare concoctions with the fruit. This drink gave a lot of energy but the taste was very bad, so they threw it into the fire. Smelling the delicious smell of the roasted grain, the Ethiopians had discovered a new drink.
3. Tej
Tej is an alcoholic drink made with honey. This mead is flavored with gesho twigs and leaves. It is a unique drink, which can only be tasted fresh in Ethiopia. It is believed that this drink gives a lot of strength to those who drink it in adequate quantities. It is sometimes low in alcohol, although there is a version called berz which has even less alcohol and is aged for much less time.
4. Kifto
This is a marinated meat tartar served hot. The meats used can be beef, veal or veal. Beef is the most popular meat when ordering kitfo. This spicy dish is served with Ayib, a local soft cheese. In addition to the meat and cheese you get some gomen: cooked leafy vegetables, especially chard and kale seasoned with garlic.
5. Avocado Juice
The most common use of avocado is in savory dishes, which is why many people are unaware that there are very tasty drinks made with the ‘green gold’. The truth is that avocado juice with milk has a sweet and exquisite taste that delights thousands. Avocado juice with milk is considered a powerful antioxidant and one of the most suggested drinks by experts.
6. Fir-Fir
It is a typical breakfast in Ethiopia. It is usually prepared with spicy sauce that is often cooked with tomato, Berber spices, seasoned paper, oil and butter. The dish may also contain dried or fresh meat. It resembles a pancake topped with berbere and can be eaten with a spoon.
7. Berbere
It is a dry mixture which is used to add to all kinds of stews, whether meat, vegetables or pulses, or to marinate or macerate our ingredients. Berbere spices will be a great way to make steamed or boiled vegetables, cauliflower, carrots, pumpkin… tastier.
8. Injera
It is a bread similar to a crepe or an omelet. One of the special characteristics of this very thin flatbread is the flour from which it is made. It is made from fermented teff flour. This is an edible cereal-like plant native to Ethiopia. This bread is used for various Ethiopian stews.
9. Shiro be Kibbe
It is a stew but instead of meat it has beans and spices. Chickpea is the most common protein used to make the dish. This delicious stew has the perfect amount of ground ginger. Of course, onion and garlic are also used to prepare shiro. This dish is usually served during both Lent and Ramadan.
10. Doro Wat
This is a delicious spiced minced meat stew. The meat is cooked with vegetables, onion, paprika, cloves and chili. If you dare to try it, make sure it is served with egg and spicy sauces. Not only is this a traditional way of eating stew, but egg and spicy sauces are also very good accompaniments to this meat. It is said that Ethiopian girls are ready for marriage when they know how to cook doro wat and homemade berbere perfectly.
If you found this list useful, here are some more Traditional African Foods to try out on my Pinterest channel.