Ethiopia is one of the cradles of modern-day human civilization. It is located in Eastern Africa, sandwiched between Sudan, Kenya, Somalia, and Eritrea. It is one of the more populous countries in the continent, second only to Nigeria, and the twelfth most populous in the world. Ethiopia is considered a developing country in Africa and is home to many of Africa’s intergovernmental organizations.

Ethiopia is also home to many of Africa’s yummiest dishes. The meals you will be seeing in this article are dishes they either commonly eat or look forward to eating whenever it’s time for celebration. If you ever make your way to Ethiopia, make sure to try these dishes!

1. Tibs

Sometimes the simplest of dishes can make the most impact. Tibs is sliced beef or lamb that’s been pan-fried in garlic, onion, and butter. It is one of the most well-loved dishes in Ethiopia!

Tibs can be served in a variety of ways. For example, the cuts of the meat can differ from place to place—you can slice it as thinly or as chunkily as possible. You can also add in as many vegetables as you’d like, or no vegetables at all! Finally, there’s how it’s cooked: you can have it fresh off the pan, or you can get it served in a steaming hot clay pot.

Whatever the case, you can never go wrong with tibs.

2. Kitfo

Kitfo is Ethiopia’s version of the French steak tartare. It’s considered a big and fancy treat by Ethiopians, who only have it occasionally during grand celebrations. Because it’s usually paired with aib (cottage cheese) and gomen (spinach), it makes for a very filling meal that’s perfect for a long day of working or traveling. You can either have it raw or cooked, though most people get it raw.

Did you know that the dish is also highly nutritious? The beef is extremely rich in iron—parents often tell their little ones to eat as much as they can so they can grow big and strong.

3. Beyainatu

Want a little bit of everything in your Ethiopian dish? Why not give beyainatu a try? This dish has, quite literally, a little bit of everything!

Here, your injera (Ethiopian flatbread) is topped with all sorts of things like lentil stews, vegetables, curries, and so much more. As you can see, the image presented really is quite beautiful. To eat beyainatu, you simply have to rip a small piece of the injera, scoop up any topping of your choice, and eat! And the best part is that it’s entirely vegetarian, so even our vegetarian and vegan friends can enjoy it!

Beyainatu can be found everywhere in Ethiopia. So, if you’re unfamiliar with the menu, ordering a beyainatu is your safest bet since they’d probably have it.

4. Fuul

You’ll be surprised to know that fuul is actually considered fast food in Ethiopia! Many workers fill their tummies with fuul before heading off to work. The whole meal is prepared, served, and eaten well within ten minutes!

Fuul is mixed and seasoned fava beans paired with a plentiful supply of freshly-baked bread. Some more special fuul dishes are topped with yogurt, onions, tomatoes, chilis, and eggs, which you have to mash together and season with extra herbs according to your taste preferences.

According to the locals, you’ll know that the restaurant serving you your fuul is legitimate if they’re serving it in metal bowls that are too hot to touch! That means it’s fresh off the stove and ready for eating.

5. Doro Wot

Doro wot is the unofficial national dish of Ethiopia. It is a rich and savory chicken stew that also has whole hard-boiled eggs in it. Normally eaten during Christmas, Ethiopians look forward to eating it every year as they usually partake in a 40-day fast before they’re allowed to eat meat. What better way to break your fast than with a dish like this, eh?

For the best meal experience, you need to scoop up doro wot with flatbread. It really soaks up the sauce and ensures everything is tasty to the last drop!