Kosupa Travel

When people think of Ethiopia, the Danakil Desert and Harar Coffee often come to mind. However, if you’re visiting Ethiopia, you shouldn’t miss out on experiencing the country’s hidden culinary gems. Personally, I believe that trying local street food and beverages is an essential part of any travel experience.

In this article, I’ll introduce you to Ethiopia’s local alcoholic beverages, offering a deep and authentic experience for those seeking something beyond what the typical guidebook offers.

Finding Local Pubs in Ethiopia

Ethiopia has many common pubs that are easily recognizable to tourists. However, traditional local pubs that exude the same charm as Japan’s red lantern izakayas are hard to find. This is because Ethiopian local pubs often look indistinguishable from regular houses, making them hard to spot unless you’re a local.

Nonetheless, the desire to visit a local pub and drink with the locals is understandable. After all, that’s a big part of the travel experience. With this in mind, I asked my guide, Teddy, to take me to a typical Ethiopian local pub on our way back from a tour of Lake Awasa.

Teddy assured me that locals can easily distinguish these pubs by certain signs, but from a tourist’s perspective, they don’t look like pubs at all. So, visiting one felt like entering someone’s home.

Are Foreigners Welcome in Ethiopian Local Pubs?

The local pub we visited followed the traditional Omoro style and was located near Koka Lake, along the A7 highway, on our way back to Addis Ababa from a day trip to Awasa.

Interestingly, many Ethiopian local pubs have a “no foreigners” policy. When we first tried to enter the pub, the staff looked at us suspiciously. In rural Ethiopia, it’s not uncommon for locals to be wary of foreigners. Given the times, receiving cold stares was almost expected.

However, Teddy confidently reassured me. After exchanging a few words in the local Omoro language with the family running the pub, their attitude changed completely. They went from cold to welcoming in an instant. This made me realize the importance of having a local guide when visiting these places, as it greatly enhances the experience.

Meeting the Mysterious Local Drink “Tella”

Inside the pub, we were greeted warmly by the Omoro family. The setup was simple: plastic chairs under a tent, with the owner and his family curiously watching us as they tended the bar.

Teddy introduced me to the mysterious local drink, “Tella.” The pronunciation of the “T” in Tella is one of the most challenging sounds in the Amharic language.

Tella is a local beer brewed from teff (used in injera), sorghum, and other grains. The grain composition varies by region, and in this Omoro-style pub, sorghum was the main ingredient. Tella is home-brewed, meaning it’s not as alcoholic as typical beer. It has a unique, mildly sweet taste, similar to unrefined sake, with a strange texture and throat feel due to the suspended grains.

While it may not be the most delicious drink, Tella offers a rich cultural experience. Drinking it allowed me to bond with the local family, making it a memorable part of my trip.

Ethiopian Local Pubs: Community Hubs

Our presence quickly attracted other local families, turning the small pub into a lively gathering spot. In rural Ethiopia, foreign travelers are rare, and East Asians are especially intriguing to the locals, often being seen as exotic.

Conclusion

This article has introduced you to Ethiopia’s local drink, Tella, offering a glimpse into a deep and authentic experience not found in guidebooks. Tella’s unique taste and the interactions with local families create a priceless experience exclusive to Ethiopia. If you’re interested, ask a local friend or a tour guide to take you on a local pub tour!