Private Ethiopian Home Cooking Class in Addis Ababa with Transfer

Addis Ababa , Ethiopia

Private Ethiopian Home Cooking Class in Addis Ababa with Transfer

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(5 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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About this experience

Enjoy a private and authentic cooking class with host Hilena, a native of Addis Ababa. This is a perfect experience for anyone looking to connect with local culture over food. Your cooking class will take place in a local home kitchen where Hilena will teach you how to make 2 traditional Ethiopian dishes using her family recipes. After cooking, you will enjoy the meal you helped prepare.

If you choose the market tour option, you will visit a local, neighborhood, street side market. You will find stalls selling grains, vegetables, fruits, live chicken, sheep, clothing etc. Walk through the market, learn about the produce that grows locally and buy a few ingredients, before you walk back to Hilena's home for your cooking and meal experience.

• Private market tour and cooking lesson in a local's home
• Guided tour of a local, neighborhood market
• Learn to cook two Ethiopian dishes from scratch
• Hotel pick up and drop off is included
• Experience Ethiopian hospitality, food and culture

Available options

Mrkt+Cooking+RTT w/ Hilena (L)

Pickup included

Cooking+Lunch+RTT with Hilena

Pickup included

Mrkt+Cooking+RTT w/ Hilena (D)

Pickup included

Cooking+Dinner+RTT w/ Hilena

Pickup included

What's included

Hotel pick up and drop off

If you select the market tour option, before your cooking you will visit a local market

Gratuities

All Fees and Taxes

Cooking class and homecooked meal with Hilena in her home

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1 Pass by

cooking class in a local's home in Addis Ababa

Available languages

Guide guide

AR EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.8

4 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

1 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

If any travelers in your party have any allergies, dietary restrictions or cooking preferences please advise at time of booking. Menu may vary depending on the season. Private, personalized experience. Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required

Hilena runs a guest house, so while there may be other travelers present, your Traveling Spoon cooking class will be private. Also, Hilena's home is in the outskirts of Addis Ababa, in Sansusi, about 20 km from the airport.

Please note that Hilena is not very fluent in English, so her brother will be present throughout the experience to help translate.

Important notes

Host Full Name: Hilena Birhanu
Host Phone: +2519403 034 73 0r +251 9006 691 62 (available on whatsapp)
Host email: hilenaakale101@gmail.com
Address: Awash Bank Sansusi Branch, Burayu Leku Keta, Ambo Rd, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia - 1000
Meeting location: Your host will pick you up from the concierge desk of your Addis Ababa hotel and drop you off at the end of your culinary experience.

Please contact your host directly if you have dietary requests or need help with directions.

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Traveling Spoon is a supplier of Viator and TripAdvisor. We offer travelers authentic food experiences with locals, in their homes. Founded by two travelers and food lovers, Traveling Spoon helps others make meaningful cultural connections through food. Contact us at reservations@travelingspoon.com if you have general questions about our services. For specific questions related to your booking please contact your host directly with the contact information provided above.
We hope you have a meaningful experience and look forward to hearing about it!
We hope you have a meaningful experience and look forward to hearing about it!

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