Ethiopia Cuisine
Africa • Eastern Africa
77 iconic dishes
Signature Ethiopia Dishes
🍽️Main Dishes(20)
Asa (Fish) Tibs
Ethiopian fish tibs - a flavorful dish of pan-seared fish sautéed with onions, tomatoes, jalapeños, and the signature Ethiopian spice blend, berbere. Traditionally served with injera, a spongy sourdough flatbread.
Asa Tibs (Ethiopian Sautéed Fish)
A vibrant and quick Ethiopian dish featuring tender fish fillets sautéed with aromatic onions, tomatoes, and the signature spice blend, berbere. Traditionally cooked in niter kibbeh (spiced clarified butter) for an authentic flavor.
Awaze Tibs
Tibs in awaze sauce - an extra spicy and intensely flavorful Ethiopian stir-fry, traditionally served sizzling hot.
Berbere Spice Blend
Ethiopia's signature spice blend, Berbere, is a complex, aromatic, and often fiery mix essential for many Ethiopian dishes. This recipe provides a foundational version that can be adjusted to your preference.
Berbere Spice Mix
The essential Ethiopian spice blend, known for its complex aroma, vibrant color, and distinctive heat. This homemade version allows for customization of spice levels and freshness.
Derek Tibs (Ethiopian Dry-Fried Meat)
Derek Tibs are a dry-fried Ethiopian meat dish, characterized by its crispy texture and intense flavor, achieved without a sauce. It's a simpler, more intensely browned version of classic tibs.
Ethiopian Combination Platter
A vibrant Ethiopian feast platter featuring spongy injera bread as the base, generously topped with a variety of flavorful stews (wots) including Doro Wot (spicy chicken stew), Misir Wot (spicy red lentil stew), and Gomen (collard greens stew). Traditionally eaten with the hands, this dish is perfect for sharing.
Gomen (Ethiopian Collard Greens)
A classic Ethiopian vegetarian and vegan side dish featuring tender collard greens sautéed with aromatic spices. Traditionally enjoyed during fasting periods, it's also a delicious accompaniment to many meals.
Gomen Be'siga (Collard Greens with Beef)
A hearty and flavorful Ethiopian stew featuring tender collard greens simmered with succulent beef, infused with the aromatic spice blend of niter kibbeh (spiced clarified butter). This is a non-fasting version.
Ke'kel (Beet Greens) Wot
A simple, nutritious, and often overlooked Ethiopian stew made from tender beet greens, seasoned with aromatic spices. Traditionally served during fasting periods, it's a delicious and healthy side dish.
Key Sir (Ethiopian Spiced Beets)
A simple yet vibrant Ethiopian side dish featuring tender beets infused with aromatic spices, perfect for a fasting meal or as a colorful accompaniment to any spread.
Kitfo
A traditional Ethiopian delicacy, Kitfo is a finely minced raw beef dish seasoned with aromatic spices and clarified butter. It's often served with traditional accompaniments like Ayib (a mild, fresh cheese) and Gomen (braised collard greens). This recipe details the preparation of raw Kitfo, with an option for lightly warming it.
Misir Wat (Ethiopian Spiced Red Lentils)
A deeply flavorful and aromatic Ethiopian red lentil stew, known as Misir Wat. This dish is a staple, particularly during fasting periods, and is characterized by its vibrant red hue and warming spices. It's surprisingly quick to make and incredibly satisfying.
Niter Kibbeh (Ethiopian Spiced Clarified Butter)
Niter Kibbeh is a staple in Ethiopian cuisine, a deeply fragrant, spiced clarified butter that forms the flavor base for countless dishes. Its rich aroma and extended shelf life make it an essential ingredient.
Shekla Tibs (Sizzling Clay Pot Beef/Lamb)
Authentic Ethiopian Shekla Tibs, featuring tender beef or lamb seared and simmered in a traditional clay pot with aromatic spices and herbs, served sizzling hot. This dish is a staple in Ethiopian cuisine, often prepared for special occasions and served family-style.
Tella (Ethiopian Beer)
Tella is a traditional Ethiopian fermented beverage, often described as a beer, brewed using gesho (a type of buckthorn), barley, and teff. It has a characteristic sour and slightly alcoholic taste.
Tibs
A classic Ethiopian dish of quickly sautéed meat, often beef or lamb, with vegetables and aromatics, known for its vibrant flavors and often served sizzling. This recipe focuses on a simple, yet delicious, home-style preparation.
Yatakilt Kilkil (Ethiopian Cabbage and Carrot Stir-fry)
A comforting and mild Ethiopian vegetable stir-fry featuring tender cabbage, carrots, and potatoes, seasoned with aromatic turmeric and ginger. This dish is a staple vegetarian option, often served with injera.
Ye'tikil Gomen (Ethiopian Cabbage and Potato)
A comforting and mild Ethiopian vegan dish featuring tender cabbage, potatoes, and carrots, traditionally enjoyed during fasting periods. The vibrant yellow hue comes from turmeric.
Zilzil Tibs (Spicy Beef Stir-fry)
Tender, thin strips of beef quickly stir-fried with onions, jalapeños, and aromatic rosemary in spiced clarified butter (niter kibbeh). A vibrant and flavorful Ethiopian classic, perfect for a quick meal.
🥟Appetizer Dishes(7)
Buticha
A vibrant and tangy Ethiopian chickpea dip, similar to hummus but distinguished by its zesty lemon and sharp mustard flavors. Perfect as a side dish or appetizer, especially within the context of Ethiopian fasting traditions.
Dirkosh (Dried Injera Chips)
A traditional Ethiopian zero-waste snack made from leftover injera, dried until perfectly crisp. Dirkosh can be enjoyed on its own as a crunchy snack, crumbled into stews and soups, or used as a flavorful crouton.
Gored Gored
Gored Gored is a celebratory Ethiopian dish featuring cubes of the freshest raw beef tenderloin, marinated in a vibrant and spicy awaze sauce and coated in warm, spiced niter kibbeh. It's traditionally served immediately, allowing the warmth of the butter to slightly temper the raw meat.
Kategna
A popular Ethiopian snack or appetizer made from toasted injera spread with a flavorful berbere-infused spiced butter (niter kibbeh). It's known for its crispy texture and aromatic spices.
Sambusa
Ethiopian Sambusa are savory, crispy fried pastries, traditionally filled with spiced lentils or seasoned ground meat. They are a popular appetizer or snack, especially during festive occasions like Ramadan.
Tere Siga
Tere Siga is a traditional Ethiopian dish of thinly sliced raw beef, typically served as a centerpiece for special occasions. The beef is presented as a whole muscle and sliced by diners at the table, then seasoned with a spicy blend of awaze (a chili paste) and mitmita (a chili powder), and optionally korerima (black cardamom). It is traditionally eaten wrapped in injera, a sourdough flatbread.
Yebeg Gored Gored (Raw Lamb Cubes)
Yebeg Gored Gored is a traditional Ethiopian dish of raw lamb cubes, marinated and served with spiced clarified butter (niter kibbeh) and a fiery chili powder blend (mitmita). It's similar to kitfo but uses lamb instead of beef and is typically served raw, emphasizing the freshness of the meat. This dish is often prepared for special occasions and celebrations.
🍲Soup Dishes(24)
Atakilt Wat (Ethiopian Cabbage and Potato Stew)
A comforting and mild Ethiopian vegetable stew, traditionally served during fasting periods. This dish features tender cabbage, potatoes, and carrots simmered in a fragrant turmeric-infused broth.
Dinich Wot (Ethiopian Spiced Potato Stew)
A comforting and flavorful Ethiopian stew featuring tender potatoes simmered in a rich, spicy berbere sauce with sautéed onions and garlic. Traditionally served during fasting periods, this dish is both satisfying and warming.
Doro Wat (Ethiopian Spicy Chicken Stew)
A deeply flavorful and celebratory Ethiopian chicken stew, rich with the complex spice blend of berbere and slow-cooked onions. Traditionally served with injera, a sour flatbread.
Doro Wot (Authentic Ethiopian Chicken Stew)
Ethiopia's celebratory chicken stew, often called the 'crown jewel' of Ethiopian cuisine. This rich, slow-cooked dish features tender chicken and hard-boiled eggs simmered in a deeply flavorful, spiced berbere sauce. Essential for holidays and special occasions, traditionally served with injera.
Doro Wot (Ethiopian Spicy Chicken Stew)
Ethiopia's quintessential celebratory chicken stew, slow-cooked to tender perfection with the complex, warming spice blend of berbere and infused with aromatic niter kibbeh. Traditionally served with hard-boiled eggs nestled within the rich sauce, this dish is a holiday essential.
Doro Wot with Injera
Ethiopia's quintessential celebration dish: a rich, deeply spiced chicken stew featuring tender chicken pieces and hard-boiled eggs, traditionally served with spongy, tangy injera bread for scooping.
Ethiopian Ful
A hearty and flavorful Ethiopian fava bean stew, perfect for breakfast, infused with the aromatic spices of berbere and the rich flavor of niter kibbeh.
Kik Alicha (Ethiopian Mild Yellow Split Pea Stew)
A comforting and simple Ethiopian stew made with mild yellow split peas, aromatics, and turmeric. This dish is naturally vegan and often enjoyed during fasting periods.
Kikil (Ethiopian Lamb Soup)
A comforting and mild Ethiopian lamb soup, fragrant with ginger and garlic. This version focuses on the pure flavors of the lamb and aromatics, without the addition of berbere spice.
Misir Wot (Spiced Red Lentil Stew)
A staple of Ethiopian vegetarian cuisine, Misir Wot is a rich and deeply flavorful stew made from red lentils simmered in a spicy berbere sauce. Its silky texture and complex aroma make it perfect for fasting days or as part of a vibrant vegetarian platter.
Shiro (Ethiopian Spiced Chickpea Stew)
A hearty and flavorful Ethiopian stew made from chickpea flour, spiced with berbere. Traditionally served as a fasting dish, it's known for its smooth texture and comforting warmth.
Shiro Tegabino (Spiced Chickpea Stew with Niter Kibbeh)
A rich and deeply flavorful, non-fasting version of the classic Ethiopian shiro (chickpea stew), enriched with aromatic niter kibbeh (spiced clarified butter). This dish is luxuriously creamy and comforting.
Shiro Wot (Classic Ethiopian Chickpea Stew)
Ethiopia's beloved everyday comfort food: a creamy, deeply satisfying stew made from spiced chickpea flour. This dish is the cornerstone of many fasting-period meals, offering a hearty and economical plant-based option. Its smooth texture and rich flavor come from slow cooking and the unique blend of spices in the shiro powder.
Siga Wat (Ethiopian Beef Stew)
A rich, deeply flavored Ethiopian beef stew, slow-cooked with aromatic berbere spice and niter kibbeh. Traditionally served with injera, this hearty dish is perfect for a comforting meal.
Siga Wot (Ethiopian Beef Stew)
A deeply flavorful and aromatic Ethiopian beef stew, characterized by its rich berbere spice blend and slow-cooked tenderness. Traditionally served with injera, a sourdough flatbread.
Tofu Wot
A modern, vegan take on the classic Ethiopian tofu stew, infused with the complex, spicy flavors of berbere spice. This dish is hearty, high in protein, and perfect for a flavorful vegan meal.
Yatakilt Alicha (Ethiopian Mild Vegetable Stew)
A comforting and mild Ethiopian vegetable stew featuring tender carrots, potatoes, and cabbage, gently simmered with aromatic spices. This dish is naturally vegan and often prepared during fasting periods.
Ye'assa Wot (Spicy Fish Stew)
A rich and aromatic Ethiopian fish stew, featuring tender pieces of firm white fish simmered in a deeply spiced berbere sauce. Traditionally served with injera, a sourdough flatbread.
Ye'atakilt Wot (Spicy Cabbage and Vegetable Stew)
A vibrant and flavorful Ethiopian vegetable stew, Ye'atakilt Wot is a staple, especially during fasting periods. This version is characterized by its spicy kick from berbere and the tender simmered vegetables.
Ye'kik Alicha (Mild Yellow Split Pea Stew)
A comforting and mild stew made from yellow split peas, infused with the warm color and flavor of turmeric. Traditionally enjoyed during fasting periods, it's a simple yet satisfying vegan dish.
Ye'misir Alicha (Mild Red Lentil Stew)
A comforting and mild yellow lentil stew, a staple in Ethiopian cuisine, especially during fasting periods. This 'alicha' version is distinguished by its lack of spicy berbere, relying on turmeric for its vibrant color and gentle flavor.
Yebeg Alecha (Ethiopian Mild Lamb Stew)
A comforting and mild Ethiopian lamb stew, characterized by its vibrant yellow hue from turmeric and a gentle, aromatic flavor profile. This dish is a staple in Ethiopian cuisine, often served during celebrations and family gatherings.
Yebeg Alicha (Ethiopian Mild Lamb Stew)
A comforting and mild Ethiopian lamb stew, characterized by its vibrant yellow hue from turmeric and a gentle flavor profile. Unlike spicier 'wot' dishes, 'alicha' is known for its subtle taste, making it a wonderful introduction to Ethiopian cuisine.
Yebeg Wot (Spicy Lamb Stew)
A classic Ethiopian Yebeg Wot, featuring tender lamb simmered in a rich, spicy berbere sauce. This slow-cooked stew is deeply flavorful and traditionally served with injera.
🥗Salad Dishes(3)
Azifa (Ethiopian Green Lentil Salad)
A refreshing and flavorful cold salad made with tender green lentils, finely diced vegetables, and a zesty mustard-lemon dressing. Traditionally enjoyed during fasting periods, Azifa is a light yet satisfying dish.
Timatim Salata (Ethiopian Tomato Salad)
A vibrant and refreshing Ethiopian tomato salad, featuring ripe tomatoes, sharp red onion, and a hint of heat from jalapeño, all brought together with a zesty lemon and oil dressing. It's a classic side dish that perfectly complements rich and savory Ethiopian stews.
Ye'misir Firfir (Spicy Lentil and Injera Salad)
A quick and flavorful Ethiopian dish made by tearing leftover spicy lentil stew (misir wot) and injera bread into bite-sized pieces, then gently warming them together with spiced clarified butter. It's a fantastic way to repurpose yesterday's meal into a satisfying breakfast or light lunch.
🍞Bread Dishes(6)
Chechebsa (Ethiopian Fried Flatbread)
A popular Ethiopian breakfast dish made from torn pieces of freshly cooked flatbread (kita) tossed in a fragrant spiced clarified butter (niter kibbeh) infused with berbere spice. It's a comforting and hearty start to the day.
Dabo (Ethiopian Honey Wheat Bread)
Dabo is a traditional Ethiopian honey wheat bread, often prepared for special occasions and holidays. Its slightly sweet flavor and soft texture make it a delightful accompaniment to coffee or meals.
Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony (Buna)
A traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony, known as Buna, is a cherished social and spiritual ritual involving the roasting, grinding, and brewing of coffee beans in a special clay pot called a jebena. It is an integral part of daily life and hospitality.
Fatira (Ethiopian Layered Flatbread)
A wonderfully flaky, buttery, and layered flatbread, traditionally served for breakfast or special occasions. It's often enjoyed with a drizzle of honey and scrambled eggs.
Injera
Spongy, tangy sourdough flatbread made from 100% teff flour, serving as the essential base for countless Ethiopian dishes. Its unique texture and flavor come from a multi-day fermentation process.
Kocho (Fermented Enset Flatbread)
Kocho is a traditional, staple flatbread made from the fermented pulp of the enset plant (false banana tree), particularly in the Gurage and southern regions of Ethiopia. It has a unique, slightly sour, earthy flavor and a dense, chewy texture. This recipe focuses on the preparation and cooking of the fermented kocho dough.
🍵Beverage Dishes(3)
Kitfo (Authentic Ethiopian Steak Tartare)
An authentic Ethiopian delicacy, Kitfo is a finely minced raw beef dish traditionally seasoned with niter kibbeh (spiced clarified butter) and mitmita (a fiery chili powder blend). It's a beloved dish for meat connoisseurs, often served with traditional accompaniments. This recipe includes instructions for both the traditional raw preparation and the 'leb leb' (lightly warmed) version.
Tej (Ethiopian Honey Wine)
Tej is a traditional Ethiopian honey wine, known for its sweet, potent, and slightly tart flavor profile. It's brewed by fermenting honey with water and the leaves of the gesho plant, which act as a natural flavoring and preservative agent.
Tej (Ethiopian Honey Wine)
Tej is a traditional Ethiopian honey wine, fermented using gesho (Rhamnus prinoides) leaves, which impart a unique bitter flavor and act as a natural yeast source. This recipe outlines the basic process for creating this distinctive beverage at home.
🍳Breakfast Dishes(10)
Dulet
A rich and intensely flavored Ethiopian dish of finely minced organ meats (liver, tripe, lean beef) sautéed with aromatic spices, particularly niter kibbeh and mitmita. It's a celebratory and often spicy breakfast staple.
Enqulal Firfir (Ethiopian Scrambled Eggs with Injera)
A simple yet flavorful Ethiopian breakfast dish featuring scrambled eggs cooked with spiced clarified butter (niter kibbeh), berbere spice, and torn pieces of day-old injera. It's a hearty and satisfying way to start the day.
Enqulal Tibs (Ethiopian Scrambled Eggs)
A simple yet flavorful Ethiopian scrambled egg dish featuring tender sautéed vegetables, enriched with the aromatic spice of niter kibbeh. Perfect for a quick and satisfying breakfast.
Firfir (Ethiopian Injera Scramble)
A flavorful and comforting Ethiopian breakfast dish made from shredded injera simmered in a rich berbere sauce, often enhanced with caramelized onions and optional eggs.
Fitfit
A popular Ethiopian breakfast dish or a way to repurpose leftover injera. Torn pieces of injera are tossed with a fragrant spiced butter sauce, often enriched with sautéed onions and berbere spice blend.
Genfo (Ethiopian Teff Porridge)
Genfo is a hearty and traditional Ethiopian breakfast porridge made from teff flour, enriched with spiced clarified butter (niter kibbeh) and a kick of berbere spice. It's typically served thick and is a staple for starting the day.
Kinche (Ethiopian Cracked Wheat Porridge)
A hearty and comforting Ethiopian breakfast porridge made from toasted cracked wheat, enriched with spiced clarified butter (niter kibbeh). It's a simple yet flavorful dish, akin to a savory cream of wheat.
Quanta Firfir (Ethiopian Dried Beef Firfir)
A hearty and flavorful Ethiopian dish featuring dried spiced beef (quanta) rehydrated and tossed with torn injera bread and a fragrant spiced butter (niter kibbeh). Traditionally a traveler's meal, it's now enjoyed widely.
Suf Fitfit (Ethiopian Sunflower Seed Porridge with Injera)
A hearty and flavorful Ethiopian dish made from ground roasted sunflower seeds, cooked into a thick porridge and then mixed with torn pieces of injera. Traditionally enjoyed during fasting periods, it's a nutritious and satisfying meal.
Ye'siga Firfir (Spicy Beef and Injera Scramble)
A quick and flavorful dish made from leftover beef stew (siga wot) and torn injera bread, often enjoyed as a hearty breakfast or a satisfying meal any time of day. The niter kibbeh adds a fragrant, spiced butter richness.
🧀Cheese Dishes(2)
Ayib (Ethiopian Fresh Cheese)
Ayib is a traditional Ethiopian fresh cheese, known for its mild, slightly tangy flavor and crumbly texture. It's often compared to a very fresh, unsalted farmer's cheese or a mild cottage cheese. Ayib serves as a cooling contrast to the rich, spicy flavors of many Ethiopian stews.
Ayib Be'gomen (Ethiopian Cheese with Collard Greens)
A simple yet flavorful Ethiopian dish featuring fresh, crumbly ayib cheese gently folded into tender, sautéed collard greens infused with aromatic niter kibbeh and garlic. It's a protein-rich, vegetarian side dish often served as part of a larger platter.