What to eat Ethiopia? culinary specialties and gastronomy

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

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

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.

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.

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

Traditional cafés are open around 8am and all day until 8pm. Bars are open until late in the evening.

Nothing is expensive in Ethiopia, from traditional coffee(buna) to Saint-George beer to cocktails in the capital's posh bars.

The legal drinking age in Ethiopia is 18.

The ceremony that accompanies the preparation of coffee is the subject of an unchanging ritual, which always falls to the women. After fresh herbs have been sprinkled on the ground, the "officiante" sits down on a small stool to begin the preparation, which can last more than half an hour. The green coffee beans, rinsed several times, are first roasted over coals. Before being crushed and infused in a jug of boiling water, the steaming beans are presented to the guests, the olfactory pleasure having to precede that of tasting. Popcorn or moringa leaves are served with the coffee.

Children are welcome everywhere in Ethiopia's many cafés. The locals love to welcome families.

Smoking is permitted as long as there is an outside area.