The best restaurants Ethiopia

Timetable

Restaurants generally serve from 12pm to 2pm and from 7pm to 10pm, especially in hotels where there is a wide range of opening hours.

Budget & Tips

Ethiopian meals are not very expensive; international dishes, especially tilapia, are more expensive.

What costs extra

When it comes to taxes, there aren't really any rules. It is common, but not systematic, for restaurants to charge an additional 15-20% on the bill for taxes and service. This can also happen in hotels, but it's more common in cafés and restaurants, where prices are displayed exclusive of tax. In all cases, it should be indicated on the menu or specified to you in advance.

The practice of tipping is widespread and, in any case, the gesture is always expected in proportion to the bill.

The local way

Although invariably accompanied by injera, Ethiopian cuisine is relatively varied. Wednesday and Friday are fasting days for Ethiopian Orthodox Christians. In other words, they only eat vegetarian dishes or fish (which is tolerated). We advise you to take the same options on these days.

It's very common for you not to be offered a place setting. As a communal dish is traditionally shared by all, it's a good idea to wash your hands before eating. As the use of the left hand, considered impure, is forbidden (also among Christians), you will have to cut pieces of injera with one hand, then use it to collect the other food, an exercise that requires a certain dexterity. Don't be surprised if your host opens the meal by bringing the first portion of collected food directly to your mouth. This sign of respect and affection, called guscha, cannot be refused, so try to avoid dropping food or biting your host's fingers... While it's good to show your contentment by tasting a little of everything, it's also polite not to finish the whole dish, so as not to let the host think you haven't eaten your fill.

Smokers

Smoking is permitted on outdoor restaurant terraces, which are very common in hotels and lodges.