Food Tour in Addis Ababa
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Food Tour in Addis Ababa

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5h
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About this experience

With this 6 hour tour of Addis Ababa visitors will have a deeper insight into the history and culture of Ethiopians through shopping food stuff at local markets, participate in food preparation sessions and tasting varieties of delicious Ethiopian meals.

This driving and walking food tour of Addis will enable visitors to see and feel how life goes at Merkato – the largest open air market in the continent; learn from a native cook how to bake Ethiopia’s National food called Injera (Enjera), and eat with your fingers at one of the typical traditional restaurants of the city.

After lunch, visitors will also attend a typical Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony. It is a perfect moment to learn how Ethiopians’ social and economical life is closely tied with coffee and see how Coffee, born originally in Ethiopia, is entertained in the Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony.

Join this unique, personalized and authentic tour of Addis to see the rich Ethiopian cuisine!

Available options

Food Tour of Addis(flexible)

The Food Tour of Addis Ababa can be customized to fit visitors' tour start time, price inclusions, and other requirments<br/>Pickup included

What's included

Local family visiting fee for the food preparation class
Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony attending fee and coffee
Hotel/Airport pickup and drop off
Two glasses of "Tej" - Ethiopian Honey Wine per person
Home cooked delicious Ethiopian food
Professional experienced English speaking tour guide

Detailed itinerary

1
Stop 1

Meet and greet your local tour guide at your hotel in Addis Ababa. With comfortable private vehicle, drive to Atikilt Tera. It is the vegetables and fruits selling area of Merkato Market in Addis Ababa.

Start with visiting the Vegetable Section of the market and buying important ingredients for our food preparation session later.

2

Next stop at Merkato is the interesting Spice Market. Learn from your guide of the local Ethiopian spices. Pick necessary and unique Ethiopian spices up.

Walk for about ten minutes farther to a unique section of Merkato Market. See the special ingredients used to prepare a popular south Ethiopian bread called Kotcho (or Qotcho). Kotcho is made out of roots and stalk of Enset or False Banana Tree.

The last activity at Merkato is visiting the dairy products areas. See homemade cow cheese, butter, and yogurt on sale. One of the most common ingredients added to many Ethiopian meals is “Nitre Kibe”, a clarified butter infused with ginger, garlic and several species

3
Stop 3

With a quick stop at Entoto Park for enjoying views of Addis Ababa, drive to a local family at Mount Entoto. Learn the preparation of the typical Ethiopian flatbread – Injera. It is made from a grain known as “Teff”. Teff is a gluten free grain which is more fiber-rich and nutritious than any other grain containing protein, fat, carbohydrates, iron, and calcium. With the local family, you will try to bake Injera as locals do, and taste your made.

Using the local spices you pick from Merkato Market, learn how to make a local Ethiopian cuisine known as “Shiro Be Kibe”.

Traditional Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony
Next is cultural experience of the typical Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony. See the whole process of washing the beans, roasting it on iron pan, pounding by hand, boiling and how it is served three turns of cups of coffee.

4
Stop 4

We now head to Taytu Hotel or one of the best traditional Ethiopian restaurants of Addis where you will taste varieties of yummy Ethiopian meals from the different parts of the country.

Finally, along the way back to your hotel, stop at one of the ‘Tej Bets’ of Addis. Tej is traditionally brewed mead-like drink make from honey.

If you are interested, stop at a supermarket to buy quality roasted or ground Ethiopian Coffee.

What's not included

Meals and drinks at a traditional restaurant at lunch
Tips for service people
And, any expense which is not mentioned in the "Included' List above

Available languages

Guide guide
DE EN FR ES

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Important information

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Dress code is formal
Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
A current valid passport is required on the day of travel
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Get a good walking shoes and hat

About Addis Ababa

Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, is a vibrant and historically rich city nestled in the highlands of the Horn of Africa. Known as the political, cultural, and economic heart of the country, it offers a unique blend of modern amenities and traditional Ethiopian culture.

Top Attractions

Entoto Mountain

A scenic mountain offering panoramic views of Addis Ababa and the surrounding highlands. It's a great spot for hiking and exploring the natural beauty of the region.

Nature Half day to full day Free (some attractions may have entry fees)

Addis Ababa Museum

A museum showcasing the history and cultural heritage of Ethiopia, including artifacts from the ancient kingdom of Aksum and the medieval Solomonic dynasty.

Historical 1-2 hours Moderate (around 100 ETB or 3 USD)

Mercato

One of the largest open-air markets in Africa, offering a vast array of goods, from spices and textiles to handmade crafts and livestock.

Market Half day Free to enter, prices vary for purchases

St. George's Cathedral

A historic cathedral built in the 19th century, known for its beautiful stained-glass windows and intricate architecture.

Religious 30 minutes to 1 hour Free (donations welcome)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Doro Wat

A spicy chicken stew made with berbere spice, onions, and hard-boiled eggs.

Main Dish Contains meat and spices

Injera

A sourdough flatbread made from teff flour, used as both a utensil and a base for other dishes.

Staple Vegan

Tibs

Sautéed cubes of meat, often served with vegetables and spices.

Main Dish Contains meat and spices

Shiro

A chickpea or lentil-based stew, often spiced with berbere or mitmita.

Stew Vegetarian and vegan options available

Popular Activities

Hiking in Entoto Mountain Boating in Lake Bishoftu Coffee ceremony Spa and wellness treatments Visiting museums and historical sites Attending traditional music and dance performances N/A Participating in a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony

Best Time to Visit

October to June

This period offers the best weather for sightseeing and outdoor activities, with clear skies and pleasant temperatures.

12°C to 26°C (54°F to 79°F) 54°F to 79°F

Practical Information

Language

  • Official: Amharic
  • Widely spoken: English, Oromo
  • English: Moderately spoken in urban areas, limited in rural areas

Currency

Ethiopian Birr (ETB)

Time Zone

GMT+3

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution

Addis Ababa is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and scams can occur. Be cautious of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas and at night.

Important Precautions:
  • • Be cautious of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas and at night
  • • Use reputable tour operators and guides
  • • Avoid walking alone at night in less crowded areas

Getting there

By air
  • Addis Ababa Bole International Airport • 8 km (5 miles) from city center
By bus

Addis Ababa Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Affordable but can be crowded. Tickets are purchased on board.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Ride

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Piazza District Bole District Mercato District

Day trips

Debre Berhan
130 km (80 miles) from Addis Ababa • Full day

A historic town known for its beautiful church and traditional Ethiopian architecture.

Lake Bishoftu
40 km (25 miles) from Addis Ababa • Half day to full day

A series of volcanic lakes known for their scenic beauty and birdlife.

Festivals

Timket (Epiphany) • January 19 Meskel (Finding of the True Cross) • September 27

Pro tips

  • Learn a few basic phrases in Amharic to enhance your experience and connect with locals
  • Hire a local guide for a more authentic and insightful experience, especially when visiting historical and cultural sites
  • Try traditional Ethiopian coffee and participate in a coffee ceremony for a unique cultural experience
  • Bargain politely when shopping in markets, as it is a common practice
  • Be patient and flexible, as punctuality and schedules can be more relaxed in Ethiopia
From $25 per person

Price varies by option

Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 6
  • Adult required for booking
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation

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