Addis in Dar

Addis in Dar is an Ethiopian restaurant in the Msasani area of Dar es Salaam, named after Addis Ababa and dedicated to the cooking of the Ethiopian highlands. It is one of the few places in the city where visitors can eat in the traditional Ethiopian style, with shared platters and no cutlery. The cuisine is built on injera, the spongy sourdough flatbread made from teff, which serves as plate, utensil and staple. Signature dishes include doro wat, the slow-cooked spicy chicken stew traditionally served with a boiled egg, tibs, sauteed beef or lamb with onions and peppers, and the injera platter, which combines several stews and vegetable dishes on a single large tray. Ethiopian coffee, prepared in the traditional manner, is the customary end to a meal and gives the restaurant a ceremonial element. The dining room is warm and informal, often decorated with Ethiopian crafts and textiles, with casual dress, a moderate noise level and an unhurried pace. Meals are meant to be shared, so groups of two to four are ideal, and eating with the hands from a common platter is part of the experience. Vegetarian and vegan visitors are well served because Ethiopian cuisine includes many fasting-day dishes based on lentils, split peas and vegetables. The beverage programme is simple, with Ethiopian coffee, tea, soft drinks and beer, and some venues serve honey wine, known as tej, depending on availability. Prices are in the moderate range. Reservations are advisable on weekends, since the restaurant is small enough to fill quickly with groups. Visitors should allow time, as dishes are prepared to order, and should specify spice preferences because the stews can be hot. The Msasani location is convenient for visitors staying in Masaki, Oyster Bay or the peninsula.