Top Street Food Spots in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Experience the vibrant flavors and rich culture of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia by indulging in its delightful street food scene! Here are some must-visit locations to savor the best of Ethiopian cuisine.

1. Merkato (Mercato Balderas)

Merkato is Africa’s largest open-air market and a melting pot of cultures, where you can find everything from spices, clothing, electronics, to street food. For food enthusiasts, head to the area around Feres Square to sample an array of local dishes:

• Tibs (Spiced meat cubes) - A popular dish made from marinated and sautéed beef, chicken, or lamb served with injera (Ethiopian flatbread).
• Injera - The traditional Ethiopian bread, made from teff flour, that serves as a plate and utensil.
• Kitfo (Minced raw beef) - A traditional dish made from minced raw beef marinated in spices and butter. It’s usually served with injera and niter kibbeh (spiced clarified butter).

2. Yod Abyssinia

Yod Abyssinia is a popular chain of restaurants found across Addis Ababa that offer a unique dining experience, blending traditional Ethiopian food with modern decor. Some of the must-try dishes are:

• Doro Wat (Chicken stew) - A spicy dish made from onions, garlic, berbere (Ethiopian spice mix), and chicken cooked until tender in a clay pot. Served with injera.
• Misir Wot (Red lentil stew) - A flavorful vegetarian option made from red lentils simmered with onions, garlic, berbere, and niter kibbeh. Served with injera.

3. Bole Road (between Alaba Market and Megenagna)

This bustling road is lined with numerous street food vendors serving a variety of Ethiopian dishes:

• Fish Tibs - A flavorful dish made from marinated fish cubes sautéed with onions, garlic, and spices.
• Esk’is Wat (Split pea stew) - A hearty vegetarian stew made from split peas simmered in a rich berbere sauce and served with injera.

4. Tomoca Coffee

No Ethiopian food adventure is complete without trying the world-renowned Ethiopian coffee! Tomoca Coffee, a historic cafe founded in 1952, offers an authentic coffee ceremony experience along with traditional snacks:

• Popcorn - A popular street food that’s often seasoned with salt, chili, or sugar.
• Kollo (Roasted corn on the cob) - Freshly roasted corn served on a stick, perfect for a quick snack.