Addisu Gebeya

Map: 8107 Fenton St Silver Spring, MD

Addisu Gebeya is the oldest Ethiopian market in the D.C. area. Here, owner Rahel Mekuria recalls opening it back in the early ’80s and discusses some of the staples of Ethiopian cuisine.

Habesha Market and Carry Out

Map: 1919 9th Street Northwest, Washington, D.C.

Habesha Market sits in the heart of what many consider to be D.C.’s Little Ethiopia. In this clip, Dr. Getachew Metaferia, a professor of political science at Morgan State University, discusses how that neighborhood arose, and why the city appealed to so many Ethiopians.

Bunna Cafe

Map: 1400 L St NW, Washington, D.C.

At Bunna Cafe, groups of visitors who reserve in advance can experience a full Ethiopian coffee ceremony. Here, Rahel Mekuria, owner of Addisu Gebeya, explains the meaning of that ritual for Ethiopian families.

Chercher

Map: 1334 9th St NW, Washington, D.C.

Listen to chef Alex Ababe, the owner of Chercher, tell the story behind his restaurant’s name and describe the special ingredients and knowledge that must go into cooking Ethiopian food.

Dama Cafe

Map: 1505 Columbia Pike, Arlington, VA

Traces of Italy’s occupation of Ethiopia are evident at pastry shops like Dama Cafe, which sell desserts like bombolini and tiramisu. As Dr. Getachew Metaferia explains, that also led to an early connection between Ethiopians and D.C., when African Americans gathered to protest the occupation on behalf of the Ethiopians.

Abol Ethiopian Cuisine

Map: 8626 Colesville Road, Silver Spring, MD

Chef Tiruze Mamo, the owner of Abol Ethiopian Cuisine, discusses how she opened her restaurant and explains the Ethiopian approach to food — which is all about family and sharing.