What Food To Try in Addis Ababa and Food Prices
How much does lunch and dinner cost
Examples of food prices, cafes, street food and other dining options in Addis Ababa for 2025.
National currency: Ethiopian Birr, symbol — (international currency code ETB).
General Cafe Price Guide
Average prices in Addis Ababa cafes and restaurants
$7.6
Quick Lunch for One
Starting from $3
$27.5
Dinner for Two
to celebrate your trip
Starting from $15.38
$6
Combo Meal
Starting from $4
What to Try in Addis Ababa
Must-try Dishes
Ful Medames - Fava Bean Stew - A warm, hearty stew made of mashed fava beans with spices, often garnished with olive oil and served with flatbread. Locals enjoy it for breakfast, usually accompanied by a fresh salad and some spicy pepper paste.Kitfo - Minced Beef Delight - Finely minced raw beef seasoned with spice and clarified butter, served with a side of collard greens or cottage cheese. It's often shared during special occasions or at a local restaurant, where spirited debates about "toasted" versus "raw" preferences ensue.
Tibs - Sautéed Meat - Perfectly sautéed chunks of beef or lamb spiced with garlic and herbs, typically served on a sizzling hot plate. A popular choice for lunch or dinner, locals love to share it with friends, swapping stories while enjoying injera.
Shiro - Chickpea Stew - A smooth and richly spiced chickpea stew, typically served with injera for a filling meal. This is especially popular during fasting periods; it’s a comforting dish loved by many for its depth of flavor and heartiness.
Injera with Doro Wat - Spicy Chicken Stew on Flatbread - Tender pieces of chicken simmered in a spicy berbere sauce, served atop injera which absorbs the delicious juices. It's a must for Sunday family gatherings; everyone takes from the same plate, embodying community spirit.
Beyaynetu - Vegetarian Platter - A colorful assortment of lentils, vegetables, and spicy stews on a bed of injera, showcasing Ethiopia's diverse flavors. Typically eaten during times of fasting, it's an opportunity to try multiple dishes, with locals encouraging you to mix and match.
Chura - Grilled Goat - Succulent pieces of marinated goat grilled over an open flame, offering a smoky flavor. It's quite a popular weekend feast among locals, best enjoyed with plenty of friends while sipping on traditional homemade drinks (non-alcoholic, of course!).
Q’echer Raadi - Seasonal Pumpkin Stew - Silky pumpkin cooked with spices and served with injera, perfect for autumn months when the harvest comes in. It's a favorite at festivals, a reminder of the cyclical nature of local farming customs.
Desserts & Drinks
Buna - ዉንፍ (Ethiopian coffee) - Strong, aromatic coffee traditionally brewed in a jebena (coffee pot) and served in small cups. Locals often enjoy buna during social gatherings, as part of a lengthy coffee ceremony that emphasizes hospitality and connection—just don’t expect sugar! Sunflower Seed Smoothie - ሙሉ ቡና ሁላቂ (nutty smoothie) - A refreshing cold drink made by blending sunflower seeds, bananas, and some local honey. This smoothie is a popular daytime treat enjoyed at juice bars, and the nutty flavor often catches newcomers off guard but is a delightful surprise.
Baklava - ባክላቫ (layered pastry) - Flaky pastry filled with chopped nuts and drizzled with honey, best enjoyed while still warm. It’s a common dessert during holidays and gatherings, and watch out for the local versions that add a spicy twist with cardamom or cinnamon.
Fried Ice Cream - የተላቀቀ አይስክሬም (crispy cold dessert) - A unique twist on a favorite treat, this dessert features cold ice cream quickly fried in a crispy shell. Jazzy street vendors usually serve it at local fairs or during evening strolls through the market—perfect for those hot Addis nights when you need to cool down after a feast!
Food and Groceries in Addis Ababa
Vegetables, Fruits and Bread
| Bread | $0.68 |
| Bananas | $0.98 |
| Oranges | $2.04 |
| Potatoes | $0.46 |
| Apples | $4.29 |
Beverages
| Water 1.5L | $0.4 |
| 0.5L Local Beer | $0.9 |
| Imported Beer | $1.4 |
| Wine Rating >4.0 | $8.15 |
| Milk 1L | $1.14 |
Various Groceries
| Meat (Beef or Pork) | $10.32 |
| Chicken | $8.25 |
| Cigarettes | $4 |
| Rice | $1.97 |
| Local Cheese | $8.82 |
Overview of Cuisine and Specialties
Eating in Addis Ababa is an experience rich with culture and unique flavors, woven into the very fabric of daily life. The city’s food culture is a vibrant reflection of its traditions, shaped by numerous influences over time. When you dive into the dining scene, you discover that it features a mix of communal eating and personal preferences, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere that is not easily forgotten.
Typical meal times in Addis range from breakfast, often peaking around 7 to 9 AM, to lunch hours that commonly fall between noon and 2 PM, and dinner which tends to kick off later in the evening, sometimes as late as 8 PM. Late-night dining is not uncommon; you might find yourself sharing a meal well into the night in a lively restaurant, especially on weekends.
As for costs, dining in Addis Ababa can be quite affordable. On average, you might expect to pay around 100-300 Ethiopian birr for a budget meal, while mid-range dining can cost anywhere between 300-800 birr. If you’re looking for high-end restaurants, prepare for prices that generally hover around 800 birr and above. Prices can fluctuate based on the area, with dining districts in Bole or Piassa sometimes leaning towards higher-end costs.
It’s easy to fall into the common misconception that dining in Addis is all about injera and stews. While they are staples, local cuisine extends well beyond these offerings, incorporating various dishes that cater to diverse palates. One local eating habit worth noting is the communal sharing aspect of meals; it’s customary to eat from a shared platter, which fosters a sense of togetherness—this might feel unusual but it embodies the social fabric of the dining experience.
In terms of payment methods, cash is often king in Addis Ababa, though some restaurants are starting to accept card payments. Transactions are usually straightforward, but it’s wise to carry enough cash since not all places will have card facilities. Service is generally friendly, though times may vary based on how busy a restaurant is, so don’t be alarmed if your food takes a while to arrive.
A hit-or-miss aspect is the tipping customs. While it’s appreciated to leave a 10% tip, it’s not mandatory, particularly in smaller eateries. However, in more upscale settings, patrons typically round up to show gratitude for good service.
If you want to immerse yourself in local customs, remember to eat with your right hand—it's a universal practice in Ethiopian dining. One etiquette tip: always offer food to your guests first before serving yourself, showing that you value their company. As for timings, it’s recommended to avoid the traditional lunch rush that can leave dining areas overflowing; aiming for a late lunch around 2 PM can lead to a more relaxed meal.
When it comes to budget tips, trying street food is a must for those looking to save some birr and experience local flavors simultaneously. You can often find filling meals at lower prices, and the variety is astonishing. Just be mindful of food hygiene, as it can vary from vendor to vendor.
So as you wander through Addis, take your time exploring its dining areas—be it local hole-in-the-wall joints or bustling restaurants. Allow yourself to embrace the rhythm of eating in this vibrant city, and you’ll find a truly fulfilling and culturally rich experience waiting for you. Remember, sharing a meal can be more than just eating—it's about making connections, so don’t hold back, engage with the locals, and enjoy a delightful meal.
Typical meal times in Addis range from breakfast, often peaking around 7 to 9 AM, to lunch hours that commonly fall between noon and 2 PM, and dinner which tends to kick off later in the evening, sometimes as late as 8 PM. Late-night dining is not uncommon; you might find yourself sharing a meal well into the night in a lively restaurant, especially on weekends.
As for costs, dining in Addis Ababa can be quite affordable. On average, you might expect to pay around 100-300 Ethiopian birr for a budget meal, while mid-range dining can cost anywhere between 300-800 birr. If you’re looking for high-end restaurants, prepare for prices that generally hover around 800 birr and above. Prices can fluctuate based on the area, with dining districts in Bole or Piassa sometimes leaning towards higher-end costs.
It’s easy to fall into the common misconception that dining in Addis is all about injera and stews. While they are staples, local cuisine extends well beyond these offerings, incorporating various dishes that cater to diverse palates. One local eating habit worth noting is the communal sharing aspect of meals; it’s customary to eat from a shared platter, which fosters a sense of togetherness—this might feel unusual but it embodies the social fabric of the dining experience.
In terms of payment methods, cash is often king in Addis Ababa, though some restaurants are starting to accept card payments. Transactions are usually straightforward, but it’s wise to carry enough cash since not all places will have card facilities. Service is generally friendly, though times may vary based on how busy a restaurant is, so don’t be alarmed if your food takes a while to arrive.
A hit-or-miss aspect is the tipping customs. While it’s appreciated to leave a 10% tip, it’s not mandatory, particularly in smaller eateries. However, in more upscale settings, patrons typically round up to show gratitude for good service.
If you want to immerse yourself in local customs, remember to eat with your right hand—it's a universal practice in Ethiopian dining. One etiquette tip: always offer food to your guests first before serving yourself, showing that you value their company. As for timings, it’s recommended to avoid the traditional lunch rush that can leave dining areas overflowing; aiming for a late lunch around 2 PM can lead to a more relaxed meal.
When it comes to budget tips, trying street food is a must for those looking to save some birr and experience local flavors simultaneously. You can often find filling meals at lower prices, and the variety is astonishing. Just be mindful of food hygiene, as it can vary from vendor to vendor.
So as you wander through Addis, take your time exploring its dining areas—be it local hole-in-the-wall joints or bustling restaurants. Allow yourself to embrace the rhythm of eating in this vibrant city, and you’ll find a truly fulfilling and culturally rich experience waiting for you. Remember, sharing a meal can be more than just eating—it's about making connections, so don’t hold back, engage with the locals, and enjoy a delightful meal.