In this article, following up on our previous piece, we’ll introduce another local Ethiopian liquor. This time, we’re focusing on “Tej” (ጠጅ), a famous Ethiopian honey wine. Unlike “Tella,” which we covered in the last article, Tej is more mainstream and easier for tourists to find. During my exploration of Addis Ababa, I had the opportunity to try it, and I will share my experience with you!
Visiting Addis Ababa’s Premier Tej House
Tej is widely available throughout Ethiopia, but I decided to visit one of the most renowned Tej houses in Addis Ababa. Similar to wine bars or beer gardens in Japan, Ethiopia has places specifically for enjoying Tej, known as Tej houses.
I visited Tobiya Tej, located in the bustling northeastern suburb of Yeka in Addis Ababa. The place had a sophisticated exterior with a traditional yet polished look.
Inside, it had a spacious and casual atmosphere. The seating area was comfortable, and the security was good, making it a pleasant place to be.
However, it seemed like a place meant for groups or families to enjoy drinks together. I didn’t see any solo customers, which might make solo backpackers feel a bit out of place. In many countries outside Japan, bars and pubs are more about spending time with loved ones than just enjoying a drink alone. So, solo travelers might get some curious looks, but seasoned backpackers are used to this, right?
Tej bottles in front and behind the bar counter.
What Does Tej Taste Like? How Strong Is It?
Finally, it was time to tasteTej! Despite visiting alone, the minimum purchase unit was about 1 liter. Tej contains around 10% alcohol, so be prepared!
The taste was a delightful balance of honey sweetness with a hint of acidity, making it rich yet refreshing. Contrary to my expectations of a syrupy taste, it had a fresh, wine-like quality, making it worthy of its status as a national beverage.
Pair Tej with “Shekla Tibs”
One corner of the restaurant featured a whole roasted cow on display, a common sight in Ethiopian restaurants.
The cow is served as “Shekla Tibs,” a sautéed beef dish.
This dish pairs perfectly with the national dish “Injera.” However, note that it can be harder to find during Ethiopian Orthodox fasting periods.
When you tire of Tej’s sweetness, Shekla Tibs is the perfect accompaniment. It makes a great snack, so be sure to try them together!
The beef is often well-cooked, resulting in a very firm texture, akin to beef jerky, which makes it an excellent snack.
Conclusion
In this article, we continued our exploration of Ethiopian local liquor with a focus on “Tej” (ጠጅ), the honey wine. There are many other places in Ethiopia where you can enjoy Tej, so be sure to check out local information and try a comparison!
Tobiya Tej | Haya hulet | ጦቢያ ጠጅ | ሃያ ሁለት
+251 91 673 6989
https://maps.app.goo.gl/Spe6JQVrA1PmxztSA
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