Music has always been integral to what we do, wether playing in the background at our supper clubs or centre stage at the listening sessions we used to play at the amazing audiophile Music Room at Potato Head (Hong Kong), it’s a big part of Ethiopian culture and the music is as unique and beautiful as the food.
It’s fair to say we’ve eaten well and listened to a lot of music over the last year!… it’s kept our spirits high in these uncertain times.
So a couple of months ago, when things were still feeling decidedly ‘locked-down’ (lockdown haircuts and all) we thought it would be a nice idea to select our favourite tracks from each LP featured in our shop and put it down as a mix, live, oh and on video too! - This is our ‘record shop showcase’, hope you enjoy.
We are big fans of Apartamento magazine, so I am very chuffed to be featured in their fifth edition annual cookbook and contribute a recipe, one that utilises Ethiopia’s glorious spice blend Berbere.
20 different spices and herbs go into the Berbere I use, delicately blended together (by my Mum) to give a perfect depth of flavour to a dish and perhaps more importantly healing attributes for our body too.
I’m honoured to appear alongside so many pioneering and incredibly interesting chefs who I’m already a big fan of!
Humorously illustrated by the very talented Zebadiah Keneally, this hard back book features 16 fantastic recipes (including mine :) utilising spices from all over the globe and is beautifully printed featuring throw out pages and metallic foiled dust jacket.
Thank you guys for including me :)
Helina.
We’re proud to stock the book on our online suk.
20% of the sales go to Enriqueta Villavecchia Private Foundation for Child Oncology.
It’s been a while since our last post and although we may have been quiet on the blog, we’ve been keeping ourselves pretty busy.
Over the years we’ve had an amazing response to our Eat Ethio food events and supper clubs, but the food was just the beginning.
It’s always been our hope that through our food, we could introduce more people to the rich history and culture that Ethiopia has to offer. Now we’re ready to launch the next chapter in the Eat Ethio story. We have spent the last few years working with craftspeople in Ethiopia to design and produce our own range of beautiful fabrics.
Our fabrics embody Ethiopia’s unique culture, traditions and designs and we’re proud to announce that they’re finally here and ready to be delivered to your door.
In 2014 during a trip back home, I picked up a fabric whilst shopping in Addis Ababa. The markets and stores of Ethiopia are full of beautiful woven fabrics. Some are for home décor, others are worn, typically draped over the shoulders. The simple pattern and subtle colours of this one caught my eye and thanks to its perfect weight and size, it ended up packed in my suitcase along with a generous amount of my mum’s Berbere spice.
Back in Hong Kong, where I lived at the time, that fabric quickly became an essential. If it wasn’t being used as a throw at home, it found its way into my bag for trips to the beach, picnics or chilly evenings – it became a towel, shawl, blanket all in one and a beautiful reminder of my home.
I realised that these fabrics perfectly showcase what Ethiopia has to offer. Produced using ancient methods and artisan skills that have been passed down through generations, they celebrate a slow and thoughtful method of manufacture that I am passionate about preserving.
Inspired by my purchase, I set about designing and producing my own range of fabrics for Eat Ethio. My aim was to showcase traditional craftsmanship and reflect the vibrant colours of the urban landscape of Addis Ababa.
A year later I began the search to find the right partner, that’s when I was lucky enough to be introduced to Salem’s Ethiopia. Salem operates a small weaving workshop in Addis Ababa working predominately with women artisans. She encourages them to utilise their skills and talent and provides a viable livelihood, enabling them to provide for their families.
Over endless coffees in the beautiful gardens of her workshop, Salem and I discussed weaving techniques, dyes and production methods. Now I’m beyond excited to bring these fabrics from Selam’s workshop to your homes.
Helina.
Rooted in the ancient traditions of handwoven Ethiopian fabrics and inspired by the modern day vibrant colour blocking seen throughout the urban landscape of Ethiopia, these fabrics are created for everyday use as blankets, throws, beach towels and shawls.
It’s been a long time with very little activity from us, but behind the scenes there’s been a lot going on!
After three and half brilliant years in Hong Kong we decided it was time for a change and a chance to reflect, so in 2017 we packed up the spices, pots, pans and records and headed off to Ethiopia to get back to basics, spend time with family and do plenty of cooking with my Mum!
It also turned out to be where I would spend 6 grateful months whilst pregnant. Being kept well nourished by my Mum and my sis before being packed off with a suitcase full of wonderful healing and recovery goodies was a blessing. Those ancient Ethiopian recipes and ingredients helped me postpartum provide as best possible for the little guy now in my life.
Almost a year on and adapting to our new life, we are ready for the next chapter of Eat Ethio and excited to officially announce that we have relocated to London. We intend to be back in Hong Kong and also Shanghai (where it all started) for some one-off events, but for now our focus is here in London, with our first event right around the corner!
Really, it goes without saying, the very best food in Ethiopia is to be found at home, family style. Mums all over the country cook really really well.
But when it comes to eating out, there are still some decent spots to check out.
We’re in Ethiopia right now, we’ve been here for a couple of months, mainly spending time in Addis Ababa and whilst we’ve been here we’ve done our fair share of eating out.
Naturally we’ve eaten our hearts out when it comes to Ethiopian food, but also we’ve tucked into other stuff too, partly because Addis is changing and it’s exciting to see what else is on offer, but also because there are some rare occasions when we might fancy something other than Injera….yes, it happens, but those occasions are very rare!
So we thought we’d put down a list of of some of our fave spots in Addis. Ethiopian, Non-Ethiopian and places that serve both… and every meal ends with a coffee, or begins, so we’ve included our favourite coffee stops too.
We’ll keep this list live, adding to it any new future faves.
ETHIOPIAN
1.
KatEgna
This place is always packed, a favourite with Addis urbanities and a great spot for lunch. The menu is extensive, great for vegetarians as well as meat lovers. We go for the half/half portions which means you get to taste two different dishes for the price of one.
They have three branches, but we are regulars at the Bole Medhanialem branch.
Address: Bole area, off of Cameroon Street, behind Medhan Alem Church. Map
Asni Gallery
One of those refreshing spots that’s so considered yet looks effortlessly so. I love what they offer, clean, tasty and nutritious dishes. This place is perfect especially for those who appreciate veggie Ethiopian dishes, their Misir with Kibe is my absolute fave and consistently so. Go for it with their Fitfit Combo that comes with Telba, Souf and Timatim. I’m also in to their smoothies and teas, I’d recommend the flaxseed smoothie, or there’s a safflower option too. For something sweet, finish up on ginger tea with honey.
Address: Queen Elizabeth II Street, close to Ras Amba and Addis View Hotels. Map
2.
1. Misir, Kosta and Fitfit at Asni Gallery 2. Baby Fiat amongst the seating at Asni Gallery
3.
Tsige Shiro
If you like Shiro, or you’re a veggie, definitely come here.
Just down the street from Kategna, this spot is also a favourite with locals albeit a different environment. We come for the Shiro, creamy, thick and delicious, but go for a platter if you fancy more than just Shiro.
Address: Bole area, off of Cameroon Street, behind Medhan Alem Church (but other branches can be found around town). Map
Yimana Kitfo
One of my absolute favourite dishes is Kitfo. My old favourite was Yohannes Kitfo, a place I've loved since a kid, but I’ve recently discovered Yimana! Go for the Yimana special, this comes with Gomen, Ayib and Kocho, I love the toasted one.
The place feels like someones backyard, which is a welcome retreat from the ever hectic Meganagna roundabout close by.
Address: Kenenisa Ave, off of Meganagna roundabout close to Zefmesh Grand Mall. Map
4.
3. Yimana Special 4. Beyaynetu at Tisge Shiro 5. Settling up at Tisge Shiro
5.
ETHIOPIAN & NON-ETHIOPIAN
6.
7.
8.
Clay Pot
A cute addtion to Addis, I adore the scattering of beautiful old Ethiopian furniture and trinkets. They have a diverse menu, both Ethiopian and non are good, plus a fair selection of cocktails in the evening. They occasionally host musicians and small bands later on in the week and weekends.
Address: Between Olympia and Bambis, off of Dem.Rep.Congo St, Mintewab Building. Map
6. Avocado/cheese sandwich and Shiro at Clay Pot 7. All the pots at Clay Pot 8. The garden tropics at Bahir Zaf 9. Fresh juice at Bahir Zaf 10. Chicken curry, Pepper Pot soup and Anebabero at Bahir Zaf.
9.
Bahir Zaf
A refreshing newcomer to the Addis dining scene. A creative menu that takes some cues from Ethiopian cuisine plus really great juices all in a beautiful garden setting. It makes me nostalgic for the old Addis homes and compounds. Great for lunch. Sunshine and wifi included.
Address: Haya Hulet area, off of Haile Gebre Silase St, Woreda 7, No.665. Map
10.
NON-ETHIOPIAN
11.
11. Seating booth at Sishu 12. Burger and fries at Sishu 13. Me tucking in at Five Loaves
Sishu
Not Ethiopian, but if you’re ‘Injera-ed out’ try Sishu for a great burger in a huge old cattle shed that’s got some nice design touches. Tricky to find but worth the detour.
Address: Kera neighbourhood off of Alexander Pushkin Street. Map
Five Loaves
A great spot for lunch in a beautiful old brick house. A solid option when you're not up for Ethiopian with a fairly healthy selection of dishes. We like to sit in the lofty dining area upstairs.
Address: Balderas area, Côte D'Ivoire St, near Signal Roundabout. Map
12.
13.
COFFEE
14.
15.
17.
16.
18.
Dumerso
Our favourite cup of coffee in Addis! Order a large macchiato and you’ve pretty much got a flat white. Their coffee has flavour and is more subtly roasted (i.e not dark). Named after their washing station close to Yirgacheffe, these guys export A grade beans, and since all A grade coffee in Ethiopia is reserved for export, these beans we presume must be their export rejects. We’re just guessing, but it’s a decent cup in a nice traditional style interior.
Address: Sarbet area, S Africa St, close to Carl Square Roundabout. Map
Choche
A cute little cafe within the old railway station building ‘Le Gare’. Their charming decor takes influence from it’s location providing an old Addis vibe that is slightly reminiscent of the original Tomoca in the Churchill area, but this place is more peaceful with a garden out front and a marginally preferable cup of coffee, although it’s still dark roasted.
Address: La Gare (Train Station), off of Res Mekonen St. Map
Yeshi Buna
For coffee the traditional way go to Yeshi Buna. You can also get some traditional food too, including some dishes that are otherwise rarely found in restaurants. Particular worth a visit if you’re just spending time in Addis Ababa and not off elsewhere in Ethiopia.
Address: Atlas area, Mickey Leland St (but other branches can be found around town). Map
19.
14. The bar at Dumerso 15. A Dumerso large Macchiato 16. Dumerso take-home beans 17. Choche Macchiato 18. Me sipping at Choche 19. Old train stamp artwork at Choche 20. Wall piece at Yeshi Buna 21. Jabena and Buna at Yeshi Buna
