Habesha 2000 Restaurant
Habesha 2000 is one of Addis Ababa's most iconic restaurants, known for its generous portions of traditional Ethiopian food, warm hospitality, and lively evening entertainment. Conveniently located on Churchill Avenue near the city centre, it has been a favourite gathering spot for Ethiopians and visitors since it first opened.
The Restaurant Experience
Traditional Décor
The interior blends old and new Ethiopia, with walls decorated with traditional paintings, woven artwork, and black-and-white photographs capturing Ethiopia's cultural history. The atmosphere is warm, unpretentious, and unmistakably Ethiopian.
The Menu
Habesha 2000's menu is a celebration of Ethiopian culinary tradition across regions:
- Ful Medames — slow-cooked broad beans with oil and spices, served with fresh bread
- Shiro Wot — velvety chickpea stew, a staple of Ethiopian vegetarian cuisine
- Dulet — spiced minced tripe, liver, and beef — a dish for adventurous palates
- Firfir — torn injera sautéed with leftover wot and berbere
- Beyaynetu — a vegetarian combination platter showcasing many different preparations
The injera at Habesha 2000 is famously prepared on the premises daily from fermented teff, resulting in the tangy, spongy texture that makes it one of the best in the city.
Tej Room
Attached to the main restaurant is a tej house — a traditional Ethiopian bar serving tej (honey wine) and tej mead, flavoured with buckthorn. The tej room has a traditional feel, with wooden benches and a convivial atmosphere that encourages conversation with strangers.
Evening Entertainment
Live music and traditional dance performances are staged most evenings, featuring regional music from across Ethiopia alongside contemporary Amharic pop.
Visitor Tips
- The lunchtime buffet (12 PM – 3 PM) offers excellent value.
- The tej room is a great place to meet locals.
- Vegetarian and fasting menus are available (particularly extensive during Lent).