Stews, bread, and a lot of spice make an Ethiopian

Injera be wot, traditional Ethiopian food.

Spicy meat dishes and a selection of vegetable preparations served on a large sourdough flatbread - Ethiopian meals are simple and healthy. What's more, a huge number of the dishes are gluten-free, lactose-free, and vegan too - catering to the Orthodox Christians, who traditionally eat vegan on Wednesdays and Fridays, as well as on other special days. And whilst over the years the cuisine has gained popularity, it hasn't evolved. Home cooks and chefs continue to prepare Wot (stews), just like they did in olden days.

Ethiopia is a country with an incredibly fertile land and a rich history, hence food from the land is diverse and distinct. What makes the meals special is their hospitality - Ethiopians feed each other as they dine, and not just themselves. Using injera, the staple bread in Ethiopian households, as a spoon for meats, vegetables, lentils, and sauces is an important part of eating and sharing meals. Simply tear off a piece of injera, grab some food with it, roll it up, pop the whole thing into your mouth and repeat until finished.

Stop by at Yeshi Kava (043967223), Al Karama, for an authentic experience. Your host, an Ethiopian lady dressed in traditional attire, will even perform the coffee ceremony for you! Sample Doro Watt, the national dish of Ethiopia, here. This is the dish why many people fall in love with the cuisine in the first place. Spicy, rich gravy, succulent chicken, and a bouncy boiled egg - what's not to love about it? At Zagol (across two locations in Dubai) indulge in Tibes, meat pieces cooked in onion, garlic, and tomato sauce and served on an injera. Get a taste of Ethiopian food, heritage, and culture at Gursha Ethiopian Restaurant (045542665), Palm Jumeirah.

purva@khaleejtimes.com