Injera: A Taste of Ethiopia
Ask anyone that’s been to Ethiopia, and they’ll tell you that they tried Injera there. Ask anyone who’s from Ethiopia, and they might tell you that they eat it everyday.
Injera is the quintessential flatbread that’s eaten with various stews in this friendly east African land.
During my very short stay in Addis, I ate Injera on two occasions. Besides a couple of fruit shakes, some early morning bar food, and soup at the airport, it’s all I ate, and I didn’t have to look for it. On two occasions, when I needed to eat, this is what was either ordered for me or just brought over.
Injera is a flat bread made from yeast. It’s served at room temperature and has a soft, spongy texture. Here it’s served with a meat based stew. You eat it with your hands by pulling off a piece and picking up the stew with it.
This serving was brought to me on my second day which was Friday. It consists of all veggie stews. Wednesdays and Fridays are fasting days in Ethiopia. This means everyone must refrain from eating meat and dairy. I thought: This works just fine for me. I wouldn’t mind if every day were Ethiopian fasting day.
Here are some stews at a self service restaurant on fasting day. Flavorful Ethiopian stews are great for spice aficionados but not too spicy for those who prefer less heat. Some sauces are spicier than others. A form of chili is provided on the side for those who like it hot.
Here I ordered an avocado juice; however, like the strawberry juice in the last post, it was more like a shake. As always, I asked for it without sugar. It was cold and it came with a necessary spoon. Not exaggerating, it was the best avocado juice I’ve ever had. I couldn’t reload the spoon fast enough. It went down very well and was the only one of it’s kind that I’ve ever consumed.
There’s nothing like an Ethiopian macchiato to end a meal. This one was served on the Thursday that I arrived, which was not fasting day. On fasting day I had a traditional Ethiopian coffee without the froth. Both were as smooth as can be as Ethiopian coffee is the real deal. I was told that it’s available to all of the locals. This is impressive because I know that in some poor countries like Nicaragua, the excellent local coffee is often not available to the majority of the population.
Have you ever had Injera? If not, would you like to try it? I know that many cities outside of Ethiopia have Ethiopian restaurants, like Boston for example.
My name is Mike, aka Earthdrifter. I managed to travel on and off between work, from the mid-90s till the mid-00s. At the start of 2011, after a five year exploration hiatus, I eliminated a home base and started traveling indefinitely. Now I combine my love for travel, writing, and improving my personal culture. As I enhance my existence, I hope to help you do the same. 
Mmmm I’ve not been to Ethiopia before, but I’ve eaten Ethiopian food a few times in London! I love Injera – don’t you think it melts, or almost evaporates in your mouth? It’s so light and doesn’t sit heavily on your stomach like some carbs do!
It’s interesting to read that Ethiopians abstain from meat on Wednesdays and Friday – that’s a really good habit to adopt!
SHING: Nice way to describe it. I agree, it evaporates wonderfully in your mouth and digests and sits well in the stomach. I love it. As I prefer veg over meat I like Ethiopian fasting days a lot. If you make it there you’ll find that Injera is everywhere and so delicious at the source.
Congratulations once more on making me hungry, jerk. lol
Seriously though, I know so many people who love Ethiopian food… I really need to give it a try one of these days.
MARGYLE: Thanks! I must say, I was pleasantly surprised. Food culture seems to be taken more seriously in warm climates.
That looks absolutely delicious! Have not tried any Ethiopian food before…yet… I am definitely missing out!
DEBBIE: I’d only tried it once, ages ago, and it wasn’t as good. I had been missing out too. It’s great stuff. Good luck in finding some. If you ever get a chance to go to Ethiopia I can’t imagine that you’ll regret it. I hope to get back.
From what I read and see here, Injera seems to be delicious, balanced, and not too heavy. I definitely would like to give it a try.
Ethiopia is a former Italian colony, and that could have had some part in the origin of their macchiato.
TUSCAN: I was really stuffed from the meat Injera but you’re totally right about the veg Injera that I had on fasting day. The Macchiato soothed the stomach nicely after the heavier version. I meant to write about the Italian influence(name) in the post. Thanks for mentioning that. Ethiopia is a coffee lovers paradise.
My Ethiopian food experience has been limited to Asmara in Central Square, but I always enjoyed everything I had there, including the giant Injera (I didn’t know what it was called) that covered the concave table and served as an edible utensil. I have to agree with Darren that if given a choice I’ll choose Naan, though. Nice photos – food looks delish.
PRU: Thanks! It was really good. Unfortunately I never went to Asmara. When I get back to Boston I’ll have to make it a priority. This is the second time I’ve ever had Ethiopian in my life. I liked it so much more than the first time. I had the same experience with sushi so maybe Ethiopian food is the type of cuisine that grows on you.
I love Ethiopian food, you can get it here in Toronto and from what I hear it’s the real deal.
AYNGELINA: Toronto sounds super cosmopolitan. If I ever get there I’m gonna have to somehow make extra room in my stomach to sample as many ethnic cuisines as possible.
I like injera. The spongy texture is different from what I am used to. The slightly sourdough flavor is not my favorite thing, but i find it goes well with sauces. Thanks for the memories
AL: I had Injera in Boston years ago. I found what I had in Addis to be better. Either it’s my taste buds maturing or what you get in Ethiopia is better. I’m guessing that it’s a combination of the two.
There is a Little Ethiopia here in Los Angeles and the Injera is plentiful there, I enjoy it much, but I’ll take some Naan or a Mexican Tortilla over Injera anytime… nonetheless, the food in this post looks great, nice pics miguel!
DARREN: Great to hear that you can get Injera there. It’s not surprising as LA offers such a wide variety of ethnic eats. That makes it a great place to be.