Not for the Faint of Palates
The food in Ethiopia is generally suitable for people of many dietary requirements; there are plenty of options for vegetarians, vegans, gluten allergies and lactose intolerants that do not compromise on flavour.
Injera, an integral part of Ethiopian cuisine, is a flatbread made from teff. Various stews, or wot in Amharic, sit atop the bread. Often, there is just one large plate, or t’ree, whether you are a party of 1 or 10. The t’ree is believed to symbolize the borderlessness of Ethiopian cuisine and culture, a culinary interpretation of the general what’s-mine-is-yours tradition in the country. Whilst it might be unusual for first-time visitors, you quickly adapt to - and enjoy - sharing food in this way.
Ethiopian cuisine mostly consists of thick stews made with or without meat – but never pork or shellfish. The stews are either qey (translating “red” to signify spiciness), or they are alicha, or “mild”. Lentils, beans and veggies are some other common elements of Ethiopian cuisine.
Here's a short cheat sheet...
If you’re a vegetarian or vegan (or not), you might want to explore the ye’tsom, or fasting, options. Ethiopian culture is deeply intertwined with the Orthodox religion, and this has created extended fasting seasons within the year and fasting days on Wednesdays and Fridays. With ye’tsom, you’ll find a wide variety of stews and veggie dishes. The most popular? Ye’tsom beye’aynetu. This dish features a tasting platter, a tapas of sorts. If you find you're lacking some protein, ask for ye’fisik beye’aynet, a similar dish but with meat included.
If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed by Ethiopia’s culinary diversity, take a swig of tela (a sorghum local beer), to relax. If that’s too bitter for you, you can try tej, a bright yellow sweet honey wine.
Be sure to check out kitfo, a dish from the southern part of the country. Kitfo is minced raw beef doused with mitmita, a chilli-based spice blend scoring pretty high on the spice meter, and drenched in nitir qibeh, a clarified butter infused with herbs and spices. A dish that’s daunted many, kitfo is an experience. Served with mild cheese resembling farmer’s cheese and cooked kale, or gomen, kitfo is a delicacy and a national favourite.
Coffee Ceremonies
Fresh coffee in the Bale Mountains.
Ethiopians will end meals with coffee, and the coffee ceremony is a delightful procession to watch. Performed by a woman, the coffee ceremony begins by the roasting of green coffee beans over an open flame. The beans are then grounded manually, and a special clay pot, or jebena, is used to brew the grounds. The coffee is served in small, granite cups. The resultant coffee has a distinct taste, and witnessing a coffee ceremony is a must for first time visitors of Ethiopia.
Ethiopian dining is as much a cultural experience as it is a culinary one. From the camaraderie involved in a gursha, the common way food is shared between Ethiopians, to the diversity of flavours and attentiveness of every chef and host we’ve ever encountered, Ethiopian food will keep you well-fed and ready to tackle any tour of the country, from the Danakil to the Omo.
There's great food on all these adventures
Any trip to northern Ethiopia is incomplete without a visit to Lalibela. Its rock-hewn churches, stunning landscapes, and amazing restaurants make it a must-see in the country. To this day, Lalibela remains the living, beating heart of spiritual…
- 5 Days
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Discover the beauty of the Simien Mountains with this one week trekking adventure. Our Brilliant local guides know all the hidden gems to get the most out of your time on the 'Roof of Africa'. Easy to incorporate into a…
- 7 Days
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The classic 3-night camping circuit in the Simien Mountains. This trip is usually included as part of a wider itinerary in the country.…
- 4 Days
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Explore the Simien Mountains from a luxury lodge perched high in the escarpment, discover the architectural remains of ancient civilisations, and watch the sun set over the sandstone cliffs of Tigray. The Historic North Circuit is a flagship itinerary in…
- 12 Days
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This classic route is perfect if you're looking for an introduction to Ethiopia, but don't have a lot of time. The focus is on the historic cities, monuments, and culture of northern Ethiopia, with plenty of wildlife and vistas along…
- 6 Days
- $1,029
Our community trekking routes are among our favourite experiences in Ethiopia. Offering a unique insight into rural Ethiopia through trails off-the-beaten-track, we're yet to find anyone who isn't blown away by the beauty of the rolling hills of Lalibela, the…
- 15 Days
- $3,330
This trip packs in a myriad of history, culture and some of the best scenery in Africa. Explore the palaces of Gondar, the world-famous rock-hewn churches in Lalibela, and the sweeping plateaus of the Simien Mountains. Leave enough time either…
- 7 Days
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Experience Ethiopia's northern circuit in style. Explore the incredible highland scenery, visit ancient monuments, discover unique cultural traditions, and break up your journey at luxury lodges set amongst incredible backdrops.…
- 12 Days
- $3,625
Fusing history, culture, landscapes and wildlife along a perfectly paced circuit, this trip is a synthesis of the very best experiences on offer in Ethiopia’s northern highlands. Explorations of the ancient cities Axum, Gondar, Bahir Dar and Lalibela are broken…
- 12 Days
- $3,239
Every city in Ethiopia has a story to tell. In under 10 days, discover some of Ethiopia's most important towns, each different from the last in so many ways.…
- 9 Days
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The classic northern trail extends south into the Omo Valley, passing through the Rift Valley Lakes and highland peaks of the Bale Mountains. A once in a lifetime adventure combining the very best that Ethiopia has to offer.…
- 20 Days
- $8,936
Combining the best that Ethiopia has to offer south of Addis Ababa, this two-week odyssey takes you to the farthest corners of the Omo Valley, through the verdant forests of the Bale Mountains, and across the lakes of the Great…
- 13 Days
- $3,864
A true adventure across the northernmost reaches of Ethiopia. Experience community trekking on the plateaus of Tigray, where horizons stretch for miles, distant mountain peaks morph into hazy silhouettes lit by the evening sun, and pockets of light and shadow…
- 11 Days
- $1,746
Experience the breathtaking Simien Mountains National Park on this in-depth tour of the ‘Roof of Africa’. Trek to peaks breaching 4,000 meters, experience the panoramic vistas, cross the rivers that flow into the lowlands and get up close with endemic…
- 9 Days
- $2,866
Hike across electric landscapes of thick forests, Afro-alpine moorland, peaks and plateaus, and jungle thickets. An extraordinary outdoor adventure, with high altitude hikes unlocking staggering viewpoints, beautiful clearings, and endemic wildlife. At night, the sky is ablaze with starlight in…
- 7 Days
- $7,596
Meander through the stunning Rift Valley Lakes, staying at boutique lakeside lodges as you make your way towards the Bale Mountains National Park.…
- 10 Days
- $3,082
Great for wildlife and hiking enthusiasts, this 4-day adventure into the Bale Mountains works great as a standalone itinerary, or as and add-on to a wider tour of the south.…
- 4 Days
- $638
The Simien Mountains are one of Ethiopia’s most stunning destinations. With its diverse flora and fauna, immense views and extraordinary geography, it’s an exceptional place that can be enjoyed by hardy trekkers and afternoon strollers alike. A couple of nights…
- 5 Days
- $1,378
Community trekking in Wollo and Tigray and hiking through the Simien Mountains National Park highlight the staggering natural beauty of Ethiopia. Tours of the ancient cities of Bahir Dar, Lalibela, Gondar and Axum play supporting roles.…
- 12 Days
- $2,785
Any trip to northern Ethiopia is incomplete without a visit to Lalibela. Its rock-hewn churches, stunning landscapes, and amazing restaurants make it a must-see in the country. To this day, Lalibela remains the living, beating heart of spiritual…
- 5 Days
- $736
Discover the beauty of the Simien Mountains with this one week trekking adventure. Our Brilliant local guides know all the hidden gems to get the most out of your time on the 'Roof of Africa'. Easy to incorporate into a…
- 7 Days
- $1,938
The classic 3-night camping circuit in the Simien Mountains. This trip is usually included as part of a wider itinerary in the country.…
- 4 Days
- $978
Explore the Simien Mountains from a luxury lodge perched high in the escarpment, discover the architectural remains of ancient civilisations, and watch the sun set over the sandstone cliffs of Tigray. The Historic North Circuit is a flagship itinerary in…
- 12 Days
- $2,866
This classic route is perfect if you're looking for an introduction to Ethiopia, but don't have a lot of time. The focus is on the historic cities, monuments, and culture of northern Ethiopia, with plenty of wildlife and vistas along…
- 6 Days
- $1,029
Our community trekking routes are among our favourite experiences in Ethiopia. Offering a unique insight into rural Ethiopia through trails off-the-beaten-track, we're yet to find anyone who isn't blown away by the beauty of the rolling hills of Lalibela, the…
- 15 Days
- $3,330
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