Eating in Ethiopia

When I say "Ethiopia" and "food" to most people I tend to get one of two responses. "I'm so jealous" or something akin to "there's food in Ethiopia?". The latter is of course wit inspired by the major famines people associate (somewhat accurately) with much of the country's recent history, made even more famous by South Park's Ethernopian, Starvin Marvin. Fortunately for those living in food scarce resources, this has been a "great rainy season" (maybe not to my shoes) and the countryside is remarkably green and lush!

The jealousy over the amazing food I am eating is a bit more accurate Ethiopian food really is unique and delicious! For those who have never had the pleasure of trying it, I recommend you do so already. If you are in any major city, odds are there is at least one restaurant. And if you aren't in a major city, well go to one (I recommend NY or DC).

The staple of any Ethiopian meal in injera a spongy pancake bread that is almost impossible to describe in words. Injera is part of every Ethiopian meal, and many Ethiopians I have met swear they can't eat any food (including pasta) without it. Injera is used to scoop up wot, the stew style foods of Ethiopia. Wots can consist of lentils, chickpeas, spinach, lamb, beef, chicken, etc. Traditionally, several people sit over a large plate of injera and wot, and use there hands to scoop up the food. This allows me to try many different dishes, a process made easier since I am no longer veggie (and I am very much no longer veggie, to Paul's delight). I've gotten better at not ending a meal covered in wat, and I've learned the name of some of my favorite foods. There is also great fresh fruit and fruit shakes are a favorite treat here. An avocado and papaya shake, so think you need to consume it with a spoon, is a great way to start a day!


Why Injera and wot is good enough I could live on it, its not the only option, by any stretch! Addis is an extremely international city, and with that comes international cuisine. By far the most common is Italian food. The Italians occupied Ethiopia in the 1930s and 40s, and though they were triumphantly expelled, several great influences lived on. There is terrific Italian food here, and as a New Yorker I don't say that lightly. There is even Pizza that I will (happily) eat! If pizza and linguine and brushetta wasn't enough, there are several Chinese restaurants around town. There is also Korean, Tex-Mex (better than I expected, though in no way rivaling the nacho standards set by both Darcy and Danny) and even a Thai place! We tried the Thai place and were pleasantly surprised, a great sign since Paul and I are serious Thai food snobs!

Ok, now it is time to eat lunch!