​​Tutu's

BASIC ETHIOPIAN FOOD TERMS

 

Wat:    Pronounced like ‘watt’ (as in the electrical measurement), this is Ethiopia’s main dish, stew. You’ll typically be able to find versions made with chicken, lamb or beef.

Injera: Unleaven bread, typically some shade of gray with big holes in it.

Alechi: Vegetarian stews traditionally served on days of fasting.

Tej:    Honey wine, same color as a rich white wine, but tinged with a honey taste.

Tella:  Homemade Ethiopian beer.

Iab:    Cottage cheese and yogurt with herbs- one of the less spicy food choices.

Kitfo:  Ground beef served raw, as the last dish of the meal.

Tef:    Flour from a grain not easily found in North America, used to make Injera

 

HOW TO EAT IT

 

Ethiopians do not use utensils for eating their meals.  You might be asking, “How am I supposed to eat stews with no utensils?”  Well, the answer is, you’ll scoop it up with bits of Ethiopian bread!  Ethiopian bread called ‘Injera’ is flat, spongy and gray and has lots of holes in it that are perfect for scooping. It will typically be found right underneath all the other food, sort of like a giant, flat, edible cloth lining the platter; what you’ll need to do is rip off a small piece, place it over whichever Wat you’d like to eat and scoop it up.  Rip, scoop, repeat.

Although you will often find several Ethiopians sharing food off a large circular tray, it is also common for each person to have his or her own plate with the food placed on top of their own Injera.  A second piece of Injera (normally rolled and cut in half) is placed on the plate as well, and is used to initially scoop up the other food and saving the piece directly on the plate for last.

 

 

CRITICAL DO’S AND DEFINITELY DON’TS

Do ...

• Wash your hands before and after the meal.

• Try to eat using the inerja bread- it’s fairly easy and fun. Don’t be afraid to use a fork, though, if you’re really getting frustrated.

• Be prepared for some of the spiciest food the African continent has to offer.

Don’t ...

• Lick your fingers during the meal- no one else wants your germs!  Ethiopians will often put injera-soaked food in the mouth of their friends/family.

• Forget to order at least one Wat- you haven’t had Ethiopian food unless you’ve tried at least one of these stews.

• Worry if you get some stew on your fingers- with practice you’ll get better at it.

• Forget that you are sharing the food with other people; try to leave enough of each dish for everyone to have some.