Abyssinia 4: Fine Dining

If you have been to an Ethiopian restaurant before, you have experienced something completely outside of your comfort zone.

My first time in an Ethiopian restaurant was pretty exciting. Then the food came and my family, that had been there before, encouraged me to try the food. I wasn't an immediate fan and wondered what on earth was so exciting about the sour pancake-like thing that we were being served.

My second and third visits were a lot better since, as my father had put it, the food was an acquired taste. Now I can't really seem to get enough and I order it whenever I can. It was actually one of the things, beside the project, that I was looking forward to.

It isn't very hard to find a restaurant in Addis Ababa. Just look for anywhere food is printed on the sign and there you go. I am particularly partial to the Injera and shiro. I should think I have eaten enough to give up now, but not so. While a few of my fellow EPs are still adjusting to Ethiopian cuisine, I can't seem to get enough. You can also have your choice of wot (curry, I think) or tibs (stew I presume). Depending on the restaurant, the taste will definitely vary. After a meal though, you are quite satisfied for a while. I think that is a pretty good bargain.

Besides that, however, those craving a bit of fast food can walk into a restaurant and order a burger that automatically constitutes fries. The burger being the main meal (and what amazing burgers they have here!) the fries on the side won't be a lot, but you will enjoy your meal for sure.

On the streets, you can get a small cone of thinly sliced fries for 1 or 2 Birr (depending on where you buy them of course.) There will be a select few Pizza places, depicting the Italian influence on Ethiopia. I think they could do with a little more cheese on the pizzas, and burgers too for that matter, but that's just my opinion.

For drinks, you can either have soft drinks or fresh fruit juice (and they are not kidding here.)

A couple of us went exploring and found a place that sells fruit juices. Those of you wise enough to order the strawberry juices will not believe the absolute heaven your taste buds will experience. We watched the lady working the blender pile it high with strawberries and then proceed to blend them to perfection. She added nothing else. I have never tasted something like it before. The pulp may be a problem for those who don't like it, but I think in this case, a “walk on the wild side” is perfectly in order.

The final item I will review is the bread. In the morning, you will probably be hungry and want breakfast. Coffee is available everywhere although it's probably the kind you need to brew which might take a while. You then have enough time to pop down to the nearest bread shop for a fresh bun or loaf of bread. I promise you won't be sorry for trying it!

There's plenty more I haven't talked about (the various stews, the pastas, the samosas, the salads etc.) but I dare you to come and give your taste buds an experience of their own.

PS: I was watching The Simpsons season 23 the other day, and I saw an episode where they went to an Ethiopian restaurant. All the signs were in Amharic, just like they are here. I think it really made an impact on me because I actually am in Ethiopia :)