Move over quinoa, every Instagram's fave superfood is now Teff. This fine, ancient grain that originated in and around Ethiopia is gluten free, a good source of dietary fibre and protein and is high in magnesium, calcium, and other vital minerals.
In Ethiopia, Eritrea and other African countries near the horn of Africa, teff is milled into a flour that is consumed as a flatbread called injera, as well as a porridge, unleavened bread, and even beverages.
Injera is the cornerstone of Habesha (the collective name of Ethiopian and Eriterian people) cuisine. This popular flat sour bread is tangy and spongy and resembles a crepe made from fermented teff flour batter. 
Using one's hand (traditionally the right one), small pieces of injera are torn and used to grasp the stew (wot) and vegetables for eating.
 The injera under these stews soaks up the juices and flavors of the foods, and after the stews and vegetables are gone, this bread is also consumed. Injera is thus simultaneously a food, eating utensil, and plate. How cool is that?
You can try injera and wot (stew) at these highly recommended Habesha restaurants around Nairobi. 
Habesha 
An acclaimed Ethiopian Restaurant, Habesha has been in the same spot along Argwings Kodhek road for over a decade. Popular for its generous servings, Habesha is a tourist favourite and can get quite busy so reserving a table is highly recommended. If you'd like an intimate dining experience, request to be seated in the bandas. Reserve by calling +254 20 3755418.
Abyssinia
This upscale restaurant in Brookside Grove Westlands is famed for its authentic cuisine and warm hospitality. The ambience is decked out in traditional Ethiopian artifacts and the menu has delectable vegetarian/vegan options. Reserve by calling +254 725 151515
Asmara 
The rich Doro Wat (Chicken stew) at Asmara along General Mathenge Lane in Westlands is the perfect accompaniment for your injera. This is their most popular dish and you should probably try it out to see what all the fuss is about. Reserve by calling +254 721 948020
Awash Ethiopian Restaurant
If you're looking for an unpretentious dining experience in a casual environment, Awash is the place for you. Located at Golf Course Estate along Mbaruk road, Awash is owned by a Habesha family and their food has a home cooked flair to it. Easy on the pockets too. Call +254 717 260087
Campia Ethiopian (RUE 104) Restaurant
This CBD restaurant at Utalii House, Utalii Street Ground Flr, Behind Lacio Regency is perfect for a casual Injera Wot lunch and they also have an in-house pub. Call +254 796 104111
*Image: Campia

About The Author

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Maureen Kasuku

Maureen is our resident cat lady and Beyoncé stan. She writes about spas, brunch and ballet recitals but has never been to any. Moonlights as a social justice activist in her spare time. She knows things and is obnoxiously opinionated on the internet but not in real life

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