5 reasons you should eat Ethiopian Food

Ethiopian Food is not just something you eat, it’s something you experience. It’s difficult too explain how amazing it is in just one article, but we managed to sum up some of the top reasons it’s great here:

1. The EXPERIENCE

The scents, the colors, the textures and traditions that make up Ethiopian cuisine, make dining truly a unique experience. When we serve coffee we don’t just pour it in a cup, instead we do so with a beautiful ceremony that allows you to experience the coffee- from watching the beans being roasted, ground and served.  Traditionally, the food is served in a large hand woven colorful beautiful basket like structure called a Mesob. You share the platter and eat with your hands. This communal process will bring you closer to the people you share a meal with. If you really want to eat like an Ethiopian, you can hand feed someone you’re cool with. We call that “gursha.” If you’re looking to impress a date or try something new with friends try visiting an Ethiopian restaurant!

2. The FLAVOR

The flavor is on another level! Ethiopians know how to spice their food. Drop the bland struggle plate and replace it with a “disti” of some amazing flavorful foods. Our spice game is like nothing you’ve experienced. Berbere, a fragrant red spice blend of everything from sundried peppers, cinnamon, cardamon and many more delicious spices, is the key to our unique flavor!  But we have many more spices, like tumeric and mitmita in our spice rack to turn up the flavor! So try some classics like tibs, kitfo or if you’re vegetarian alicha and let the flavor take you away!

3. It’s BUDGET FRIENDLY 

Ethiopian food not only will upgrade your flavor game but it will do so without hurting your pocket book!  Take for example my favorite dish, misir, a perfectly spiced stewed lentil dish which is easy to make and won’t break bank! Plus it’s incredibly filling!   Looking to eat good, healthy and delicious without maxing out your credit card? Try making some Ethiopian vegetarian dishes at home or go to a restaurant and share a platter with friends. Sharing is caring!

4. It’s VEGAN FRIENDLY too! 

Ethiopians have perfected Vegan cuisine! For religious reasons, many Orthodox Christian Ethiopians fast throughout the year. Our version of fasting, however, just means that all dairy and animal products (meat, eggs etc) are restricted from our diet. So we’ve been cooking vegetarian and vegan  meals for generations!  Tired of the lifeless salad? Afraid going vegetarian will kill your joy? Try Ethiopian cuisine-we know how its done!

5. It’s GOOD FOR YOU!

Injera, that large spongy crepe that we use for everything from a utensil to main course, is traditionally made with the Ethiopian grain Teff. Teff is naturally  gluten free and rich in iron. It has even been referred to as the next super grain. So trade those boring sandwiches for some hearty Teff injera with our delicious wot (stews)!