A dissemination blog about travel and gastronomy

Exploring Dire Dawa: The Hidden Gem of Ethiopia

Introduction

Dire Dawa is the second largest city in Ethiopia and is a hidden treasure full of charm and culture. Located in the east of the country, Dire Dawa is known for its French colonial architecture, its vibrant market, and its rich history. Despite being less known than the capital, Addis Ababa, Dire Dawa has a lot to offer visitors.

The charm of the city

Dire Dawa is a city of contrasts, where colonial architecture blends with traditional Ethiopian. The Kezira area is known for its French-style buildings and tree-lined streets, while in the Kafira Market you can experience the hustle and bustle of local life, with vendors offering everything from spices to handmade jewelry.

The Kafira Market

The Kafira Market is a must-see in Dire Dawa. This vibrant market is one of the largest in Ethiopia and offers a wide variety of products. Visitors can buy local spices, traditional fabrics, handmade jewelry, and much more. The market is also a great place to try local food.

The Dire Dawa Train Station

The Dire Dawa Train Station is another point of interest in the city. Built in 1902, the station is a reminder of the city's colonial past and is a fascinating place to explore. Although the trains no longer run, the station itself is a historical monument.

The Porc-Epic caves

A few kilometers from Dire Dawa are the Porc-Epic caves, an important archaeological site. The caves have been the site of numerous prehistoric discoveries, including stone tools and animal remains. Visitors can explore the caves and learn about the history of the region.

The city of Harar

Just an hour's drive from Dire Dawa is the ancient walled city of Harar. Known for its colorful houses and narrow cobblestone streets, Harar is a fascinating place to visit. The city is also famous for its night market and for being one of the few places in the world where you can feed wild hyenas.

The natural beauty of the surroundings

In addition to the city itself, the surroundings of Dire Dawa also have a lot to offer. The region is known for its stunning landscapes, which include mountains, rivers, and a wide variety of wildlife. Visitors can enjoy activities such as hiking, bird watching, and rafting on local rivers.

Gastronomic Products of Dire Dawa

Injera

Injera is a fermented flatbread that is a staple food in the Ethiopian diet. It is made with teff flour, a grain that is native to Ethiopia. Injera has a slightly sour taste and a spongy texture that is perfect for picking up other foods. In Dire Dawa, you can find fresh injera in almost all restaurants and markets.
Doro Wat

Doro Wat is a spicy chicken stew that is one of the most popular dishes in Ethiopia. It is made with chicken, onion, garlic, ginger, and a spice blend called berbere. Doro Wat is traditionally served with injera and is a dish you must try if you visit Dire Dawa.
Tibs

Tibs is a meat dish that can be made with lamb, beef, or goat. The meat is cut into small pieces and fried with onion, peppers, tomato, and berbere. Tibs is a common dish in Dire Dawa restaurants and is an excellent choice if you are looking for something tasty and satisfying.
Ethiopian Coffee

Ethiopia is famous for its coffee and Dire Dawa is no exception. The city is known for its high-quality coffee, which is served in small cups and accompanied by popcorn. The coffee ceremony is an important part of Ethiopian culture and is an experience you should not miss if you visit Dire Dawa.

Gastronomic Highlights of Dire Dawa

Dire Dawa, one of the largest cities in Ethiopia, offers a variety of culinary experiences that reflect the rich culture and tradition of the country. Here are some of the highlights:

Paradise Hotel and Restaurant

This hotel and restaurant is one of the most popular in Dire Dawa. It offers a wide variety of local and international dishes, including the traditional Ethiopian injera, a type of fermented flatbread, and the doro wat, a spicy chicken stew. The atmosphere is welcoming and the service is friendly and efficient.

Ras Hotel and Restaurant

Located in the heart of Dire Dawa, the Ras Hotel and Restaurant is known for its excellent Ethiopian cuisine. Here you can taste traditional dishes like kitfo, a kind of meat tartare, and tibs, a dish of fried meat. In addition, the place offers a large selection of local beers and wines.

African Village Restaurant

This restaurant offers a unique culinary experience in a traditional Ethiopian setting. The menu includes local dishes like shiro, a chickpea stew, and firfir, a dish of crumbled injera with sauce. In addition, the restaurant offers performances of traditional Ethiopian music and dance.

Samrat Hotel and Restaurant

The Samrat Hotel and Restaurant is another popular place in Dire Dawa. It offers a variety of local and international dishes, and is especially known for its Ethiopian breakfast. The atmosphere is relaxed and the service is friendly and attentive.

Sporting Activities in Dire Dawa, Ethiopia

Trekking

With stunning landscapes and majestic mountains, Dire Dawa is an ideal place for trekking enthusiasts. You can explore the Harar mountains and enjoy the panoramic view of the city.

Cycling

Cycling is a popular activity in Dire Dawa. You can rent a bicycle and explore the city at your own pace, enjoying the unique architecture and vibrant culture of the city.

Swimming

If you enjoy swimming, you can visit the Olympic pool in Dire Dawa. It's a perfect place to relax and enjoy a good swim after a day of exploration.

Running

Ethiopia is famous for its long-distance runners, and Dire Dawa is no exception. You can join the locals for a morning run or simply enjoy a peaceful jog around the city.

Places near Dire Dawa

If you are in Dire Dawa and wish to explore a bit more, here are some nearby cities and towns that offer unique tourist and gastronomic experiences:

Harar

Harar, in Ethiopia, is a fascinating tourist destination, famous for its ancient walled city, its vibrant market, and its world-renowned coffee. Visitors can enjoy authentic Ethiopian cuisine and observe the traditional feeding of hyenas.

Awash National Park

Awash National Park in Ethiopia offers a unique wild experience with its diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes. Visitors can enjoy authentic Ethiopian cuisine at local lodges, featuring dishes such as Doro Wat and Injera.

Babile Elephant Sanctuary

The Babile Elephant Sanctuary in Ethiopia is a paradise for nature lovers, home to an impressive population of elephants. In addition, it offers an authentic Ethiopian culinary experience, with exquisite and unique local dishes.