Table of Contents
Eritrean Cuisine
Zigni (Spicy Meat Stew)
A traditional Eritrean stew made with beef or lamb, tomatoes, onions, and berbere spice mix. It’s usually served with injera, a sourdough flatbread, and is known for its rich, spicy flavor. 1)
Injera (Sourdough Flatbread)
A staple in Eritrean cuisine, injera is a spongy, sourdough flatbread made from teff flour. It serves as both a plate and utensil, used to scoop up stews and salads. 2)
Tsebhi Derho (Chicken Stew)
A flavorful chicken stew made with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and berbere. It's typically served with injera and often includes hard-boiled eggs. 3)
Alicha Birsen (Lentil Stew)
A mild stew made from lentils, turmeric, onions, and garlic. Unlike zigni, it’s less spicy and offers a different flavor profile. 4)
Hamli (Steamed Greens)
A side dish of steamed collard greens or spinach, cooked with onions, garlic, and mild spices. It’s a healthy and nutritious accompaniment to main dishes. 5)
Tebsi (Fried Meat)
A simple dish of fried beef or lamb, seasoned with onions, garlic, and spices. It’s often enjoyed with injera or bread. 6)
Shiro (Chickpea Stew)
A thick stew made from ground chickpeas or broad beans, simmered with garlic, onions, and berbere. It’s a popular vegetarian dish, served with injera. 7)
Foul (Fava Bean Stew)
A breakfast dish made from slow-cooked fava beans, seasoned with garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. It's often eaten with bread. 8)
Ga'at (Porridge)
A traditional porridge made from barley or wheat flour, served with a well of spicy butter and berbere in the center. It's a hearty breakfast or snack. 9)
Kitfo (Minced Raw Meat)
Similar to Ethiopian kitfo, it’s minced raw beef seasoned with mitmita (spicy chili powder) and niter kibbeh (spiced clarified butter). It can be served raw, lightly cooked, or fully cooked. 10)
Fit-Fit (Bread Salad)
A dish made by breaking up pieces of injera and mixing them with a spicy tomato sauce or leftover stews. It’s a great way to use up leftover injera. 11)
Tihlo (Barley Balls)
Small balls made from roasted barley flour dough, often served with a spicy meat sauce. This dish has its roots in the Tigray region. 12)
Kitcha (Unleavened Bread)
A type of flatbread made from wheat flour, water, and salt. It's often served with various stews or used to make kitcha fit-fit. 13)
Akulu Akulu (Vegetable Soup)
A nutritious soup made with a variety of vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, cabbage, and sometimes lentils. It’s a comforting and warming dish. 14)
Doro Wat (Chicken Stew)
Another variation of the chicken stew, this one is heavily spiced and includes hard-boiled eggs. Served with injera, it’s a rich and flavorful dish commonly enjoyed during festive occasions. 15)