Traditional Ethiopian Raw Meat Restaurant — Review by Luke Martin
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia — Ethiopian
The reviewer tries Ethiopia's traditional tera, a raw meat delicacy, at a local establishment with guide Daggi. The raw beef is surprisingly tasty with tender texture and minimal gamey flavor, served with spiced sauce. Despite initial hesitation, the reviewer finds the experience enjoyable and authentically Ethiopian.
What was great: The raw beef (tera) was tender and tasty with no weird flavor, the lean cuts were safer and more flavorful, the spiced sauce enhanced the meat
What could improve: Some pieces were chewy rather than tender
The Dishes
The main event was Ethiopia's infamous tera, served as fresh raw beef cut into cubes. The meat arrived as large slabs with generous fat marbling, which were then sliced into bite-sized pieces. The reviewer sampled multiple cuts, finding that some pieces were tender and melted in the mouth while others proved chewier. A leaner cut was recommended as both safer and more flavorful than the fattier portions. The raw goat meat was also discussed as an option, with the local guide Daggi noting it was even more tasty than the beef, though the reviewer opted to stick with beef for this experience. The meat was accompanied by a traditional spiced sauce made with berbere spice, which the guide indicated was tastier than eating the meat plain, adding heat and complex flavor to each bite.
The Experience
The atmosphere was casual and educational, with Daggi serving as both guide and cultural ambassador, explaining that raw meat is a cherished delicacy eaten on weekends and special occasions by Ethiopians. He demonstrated proper eating technique, showing the reviewer how to slice and consume the meat correctly. The experience felt authentic and intimate, with the guide building confidence in the reviewer before and during the tasting.
Value & Pricing
No specific pricing information was mentioned in the video.
Notable Moments
That was a big bite. Holy smokes.
It tastes like a little bit tender. A little irony. Yeah. Yeah. Some of it tender. Some of it's really chewy.
Eating raw meat is a delicacy for us. Everyone eats raw meat in here on the weekend, like once a week, special occasions.
The Verdict
This restaurant is an excellent choice for adventurous food travelers wanting to experience authentic Ethiopian cuisine and cultural traditions. The raw meat preparation is handled with care and cleanliness, making it a safe and surprisingly delicious introduction to tera for first-timers.