Top 5 Foods to Try in Addis Ababa

Ethiopian cuisine is one of the world's most distinctive and flavorful culinary traditions. When in Addis Ababa, these are the five dishes you absolutely must try:

1. Injera with Doro Wat

The national dish of Ethiopia, injera is a sourdough flatbread with a unique, slightly spongy texture. It's traditionally topped with various wats (stews). Doro Wat is a spicy chicken stew that's often considered the most beloved of Ethiopian dishes. The combination of tender chicken, boiled eggs, and the complex flavor of berbere spice creates an unforgettable meal.

Where to try it: Kategna Restaurant in Bole or 2000 Habesha Cultural Restaurant

2. Kitfo

For the adventurous eater, kitfo is a must-try Ethiopian delicacy. It consists of minced raw beef mixed with herb-infused clarified butter (niter kibbeh) and mitmita, a spicy chili powder. It can be served slightly warmed (leb leb) or fully cooked if you prefer. The dish is often accompanied by ayib (mild cottage cheese) and gomen (collard greens).

Where to try it: Yod Abyssinia or Shifta Cultural Restaurant

3. Shiro

Shiro is a humble but absolutely delicious staple in Ethiopian cuisine. It's a thick stew made from powdered chickpeas or broad beans, mixed with Ethiopia's signature berbere spice. While it might look simple, the depth of flavor is remarkable. Vegetarians will find this dish particularly satisfying.

Where to try it: Dashen Traditional Restaurant or Totot Traditional Restaurant

4. Tibs

Tibs refers to sautéed meat dishes (usually beef or lamb) that are popular throughout Ethiopia. The meat is cut into small pieces and pan-fried with vegetables and aromatic spices. Variations include awaze tibs (spicy) and niter kibbeh tibs (cooked with clarified butter).

Where to try it: Yilma Traditional Restaurant or Addis Ababa Restaurant

5. Buna (Ethiopian Coffee)

While not a food, no culinary exploration of Addis Ababa would be complete without experiencing Ethiopian coffee. Ethiopia is the birthplace of coffee, and the traditional coffee ceremony is a cultural ritual that honors this beloved beverage. The beans are roasted, ground, and brewed right in front of you, resulting in one of the freshest, most flavorful cups of coffee you'll ever taste.

Where to try it: Tomoca Coffee or Alem Bunna

Each of these dishes offers a window into Ethiopia's rich culinary heritage. Don't be afraid to eat with your hands (using injera to scoop up the food) – it's the traditional way and enhances the experience!