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Top Food & Drink Tours in Eritrea
If you will be visiting Eritrea soon and are wondering what some of the best food & drink tours in Eritrea are, then browse a selection of those here.
Eritrea, located in the Horn of Africa, offers a unique and flavorful culinary experience shaped by its history, geography, and diverse ethnic groups.
While food & drink tours in Eritrea are not as common as they are at some other destinations, travelers can still explore Eritrea’s cuisine through local markets, traditional restaurants, and cultural experiences such as coffee ceremonies.
Traditional Eritrean Cuisine
Eritrean cuisine is deeply rooted in the use of injera, a spongy, sourdough flatbread made from teff flour. Injera is not just a staple food but also serves as an edible utensil, used to scoop up stews and side dishes. A meal is often centered around a large communal platter, where different stews and accompaniments are arranged on top of the injera.
One of the most well-known Eritrean dishes is zigni, a spicy and richly flavored beef or lamb stew. It is slow-cooked with tomatoes, onions, and berbere, a signature spice blend made of chili peppers, garlic, ginger, and other aromatic spices. The heat and depth of flavor in zigni make it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
Vegetarian dishes are also a significant part of Eritrean cuisine. Shiro, a thick and hearty stew made from ground chickpeas or lentils, is one of the most popular vegetarian options. It is typically seasoned with garlic, onions, and berbere, creating a flavorful yet simple dish. Other vegetarian options include tsebhi hamli (stewed collard greens) and timtimo (a lentil-based dish).
Another common dish is dorho tsebhi, a spicy chicken stew made with a berbere-infused sauce and served with hard-boiled eggs.
This dish is often prepared for special occasions and family gatherings.
Seafood is also part of Eritrean cuisine, especially in coastal areas like Massawa. Asa tsebhi is a traditional fish stew cooked with garlic, onions, and berbere, while grilled or fried fish is also common.
Eritrean Dining Culture
Eritrean meals are traditionally eaten with the right hand, using pieces of injera to scoop up food. The communal nature of dining is an important aspect of Eritrean culture, emphasizing hospitality and togetherness.
Sharing food from the same platter is a sign of friendship and community.
Many Eritrean restaurants serve food in a traditional style, with low seating arrangements and a relaxed atmosphere.
Visitors can enjoy an authentic dining experience by trying tihlo, small barley dough balls served with a spicy sauce, or ful, a dish of stewed fava beans, often eaten for breakfast.
The Coffee Ceremony – A Central Tradition
One of the most significant cultural experiences in Eritrea is the traditional coffee ceremony.
Coffee plays an important role in social and cultural life, bringing people together for conversation and hospitality. The ceremony is a slow and ritualistic process that begins with roasting green coffee beans over an open flame.
The beans are then ground by hand using a mortar and pestle before being brewed in a jebena, a traditional clay coffee pot.
The coffee is served in small cups, usually accompanied by himbasha, a slightly sweet bread, or popcorn. It is customary to drink three rounds of coffee, each symbolizing different aspects of life and friendship. The ceremony can last for an hour or more, reflecting the Eritrean emphasis on community and hospitality.
Eritrea Restaurant
I have been able to find Eritrean restaurants in most of the cities that I have lived in, but if you are unable to find one where you live, you’ll surely find an Ethiopian restaurant: the food is quite similar.
Photo credits: SaltShaker