Eritrean

Merhaba! (Welcome) Eritrea is a country located in northeast Africa – a portion known as the Horn of Africa. Eritrea’s location on the Red Sea has attracted traders and brought contact with many other countries and cultures.
Eritrea was colonized by Italy until the defeat of the fascists in Africa. The British took control of Eritrea until about 1952 when the United Nations created a Federation between Eritrea and Ethiopia. Eritrea gained its independence in 1991.
The people of Eritrea are known as Eritreans. The nearly 4.5 million Eritreans beling to nine major ethnic groups: Tigrigna, Afar, Bilen, Hedareb, Kunama, Nara, Rashaida, Saho and Tigre. These nine ethnic groups are part of the three distinct linguistic families – the Cushitic (or Hamitic), the Semitic and the Nilotic languages.
Eritrea’s unique cultural heritage stems mainly from the intermingling of the various people who were attracted to Eritrea over the centuries. The diversity of the religious cultures that followed can be seen within walking distance of each other in the capital, Asmara.
Eritreans enjoy dancing, particularly during weddings, cultural and religious festivals. They also like to play traditional instruments such as the krar, imblta, drum and wata.
Most common foods in Eritrea include zigni (fiery sauce), alcha, foul and silsi, a peppery fried tomato and onion, a legamat (deep freid dough), capretto (roast goat) and nai tsom, a selection of non-meat dishes. Drinks include swa, mies (wine made from honey), Asmara gin and local beer Melotti.

Menu

  • 6 – Tsebhi Zigni stewed meat with chili peppers, onions and spices
  • 6 – Alicha Mixed vegetables, cabbage, carrot, celery cooked, served with garlic and mild spicy sauce
  • 5 – Timtmo Lentils with onions, peppers and spices
  • 2 – Sambussa (lean meat & vegetarian) lean ground beef mixed with onions and spices wrapped in a flour pastry
  • 2 – Himbasha Traditional Eritrean festival bread made from whole wheat flour
  • 3 Various Soft Drinks or Water