East Africa is home to some of the most exciting cuisines in the world so it’s no wonder that Ethiopian and Eritrean food, in particular, have become incredibly popular in Canada with options to suit every palate and diet.
We spoke with Eritrean influencer Segen Misghina who gave us the low-down on the best way to re-create an Eritrean/Ethiopian restaurant experience at home with SkipTheDishes. With over 27,000 restaurant partners across Canada, it couldn’t be easier to enjoy the irresistible aromas and flavours of this cuisine from the comfort of your living room!
Tip #1: Get a veggie platter so you can try different sides
At the restaurant, you’ll generally receive a large platter of injera – a spongy flatbread – topped with brightly coloured vegetable and meat dishes. Bring that experience home by ordering shiro, a creamy chickpea stew, or misir, a spicy lentil stew, in separate containers so you can pour them directly onto the injera and eat like a local.
Tip #2: Don’t forget the sauces!
If you’re a spice lover, order dishes that are either cooked in or served with awaze (a sauce) or mitmita (a powder), two spicy condiments that provide bold and fiery flavours to many dishes. Cha cha tibs, made with succulent pieces of lamb or beef and onions, is an Ethiopian/Eritrean favourite that can be dipped in mitmita for an extra spicy kick.
Tip #3: Eat with only one hand!
Eating Ethiopian and Eritrean food is a truly enjoyable experience when you do so with your hands, so keep the knife and fork off the table. Use the injera to scoop up your selection of stews and resist the urge to lick your fingers while eating if you’re dining with another person.
Once your order arrives, set the atmosphere by playing some Ethiopian jazz or Eritrean music videos, dim the lights, and pour a glass of mango juice or ginger ale as a perfect complement to your meal.
No hidden service fees means that ordering through Skip is the perfect way to enjoy an authentic Ethiopian or Eritrean food experience on a budget. For a feast at home with unique flavours and a great experience, give East African food a try!
This article is sponsored by SkipTheDishes.
