Among the world’s calendar systems, the Ethiopian calendar possesses particularly unique characteristics. Its most distinctive feature is having 13 months in a year. This unique way of marking time represents a precious example of ancient wisdom and traditions continuing into modern times. Today, we’ll take a slight detour from travel information to introduce this fascinating […]
“Injera tastes bad” — This is a phrase you’ll almost certainly hear whenever Ethiopian cuisine is discussed. On social media and blogs, harsh comments about its unique flavor abound, and among travelers, it’s known as a dish “to be eaten with mental preparation.” But is this staple food, beloved across this East African nation, really
“Product of Ethiopia” — This label appears frequently in cafes and coffee shops worldwide as a mark of premium beans. Known as the hallmark of specialty coffee, its aromatic flavors have long delighted coffee connoisseurs. Wouldn’t Ethiopian coffee taste even more exceptional when enjoyed in its homeland? With this simple curiosity, I embarked on a
Meeting a Guide As I stood there bewildered, an elderly local guide approached me with a friendly greeting. He claimed to know Mercato well and spoke some English. Surprisingly, he offered to guide me through the market for free, saying he had time to spare. Despite the suspicious circumstances, I didn’t want to abandon my
Khat: Ethiopia’s Traditional Social Plant – A Cultural Perspective from Harar IMPORTANT NOTICE: This article is for educational and cultural understanding purposes only. It does not promote or encourage the use of controlled substances. Khat is illegal in many countries, including most Western nations and Japan. Ethiopia regulates khat production and sales to prevent misuse.
Experiencing a Traditional Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony in Harar Ethiopia, the birthplace of coffee, holds a special place in coffee culture worldwide. The ancient city of Harar, located about 500km east of the capital Addis Ababa, is famous for its wild coffee plants. During my visit, I had the fortunate opportunity to experience a traditional “coffee
Ethiopia, located in East Africa, is known for its rich natural heritage and historical sites, including UNESCO World Heritage sites like Lalibela and Axum. Among its unique experiences, there’s a remarkable opportunity to feed wild hyenas in the city of Harar, situated in eastern Ethiopia. Harar is renowned as a significant Islamic city, with its
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
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