Addis Ababa in 1 Day for Friends - Guided visit to a bustling Addis Ababa market to select fresh ingredients
In Collaboration with Vowland Ethiopia tour . Updated on February 13, 2026.
Full-day hands-on Ethiopian cooking class with a guided market visit, coffee ceremony, and practical instruction in making injera and traditional dishes. Pickup included from hotel or airport; ends with drop-off.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Vowland Ethiopia tour , inspired by the tour Addis Ababa Cooking injira class. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Guided visit to a bustling Addis Ababa market to select fresh ingredients
- Hands-on preparation of injera and traditional Ethiopian stews
- Full Ethiopian coffee ceremony from bean roasting to brewing
Itinerary
Day 1
Full-day cooking class with market visit, hands-on cooking, lunch, dessert and traditional coffee ceremony; includes guide, transport, water and recipe booklet.
Hotel / Airport pick-up
Pickup from your hotel or from Bole International Airport (if arriving same day). Meet your driver and guide; brief orientation and transfer to the market.
Tips from local experts:
- Confirm your exact pickup address with the operator the evening before to ensure timely collection.
- Have your hotel name, room number and a local phone number handy for the driver to contact you if needed.
- If you are being picked up from Bole International Airport, allow extra time for baggage collection and immigration.
Guided visit to local market (ingredient selection)
Walk the stalls with your guide to learn about Ethiopian spices (berbere, mitmita, korerima), grains (teff, chickpeas) and fresh produce; pick ingredients for the cooking session.
Tips from local experts:
- Carry small-denomination Ethiopian birr for small purchases and for sampling produce at stalls.
- Ask the stall vendor before taking photos of people or produce; many are used to tourists but appreciate being asked.
- Wear comfortable shoes — market surfaces can be uneven and there will be short walking between stalls.
Coffee break & cultural insight (traditional coffee ceremony)
Short stop at a local coffee house for a traditional coffee ceremony and an introduction to Ethiopian food culture and cooking traditions.
Tips from local experts:
- Try to arrive at the coffee house with clean hands; the ceremony often involves communal servings and is a cultural moment.
- If you have strong dietary preferences, mention them before the ceremony so hosts can suggest appropriate accompaniments.
- Keep this time relaxed — the ceremony is meant to be savored and is a key cultural element of the day.
Transfer to cooking studio / local home
Short transfer to the cooking studio or local home where the hands-on session takes place; brief rest and setup on arrival.
Tips from local experts:
- There may be tight parking near some homes/studios — follow the guide's instructions for the exact meeting spot.
- Use this short transfer to confirm any dietary restrictions with the cook so they can adapt recipes if possible.
- Carry a lightweight day bag with sunscreen and any personal items you might need during the session.
Cultural etiquette & dress code (agenda item)
Briefing on local dining customs (including communal eating and eating with hands), dress suggestions and practical etiquette to enhance the experience.
Tips from local experts:
- Wear comfortable, casual clothing you don't mind having food on; light layers are useful inside homes or small studios.
- If you're not comfortable eating with your hands, let your host know — they will suggest alternatives or provide utensils discreetly.
- Bring small local cash if you wish to buy spices or small souvenirs later; many small shops prefer cash.
Hands-on cooking session: injera and traditional dishes
Practical instruction in making injera (teff flatbread) and preparing a selection of traditional stews and sides under the guidance of local chefs or hosts.
Tips from local experts:
- Notify the guide of any allergies or strong dislikes before cooking begins so recipes can be adapted where possible.
- Be ready to stand for parts of the cooking session; instructors will provide seating for tasting and breaks.
- Keep a small notebook or use your phone to note spice names and proportions — you'll receive a recipe booklet but personal notes help retention.
Lunch — enjoy the meal you prepared
Sit down to share the dishes prepared during the session. Discussion on Ethiopian dining etiquette, communal eating and the history behind the recipes.
Tips from local experts:
- Share portions and tastes as locals do — communal eating is central to the experience; follow the host's lead on serving order.
- If you need a moment away from the communal table (e.g., for dietary reasons), communicate gently to the host.
- Keep water nearby between dishes; some stews may be spicy if prepared with berbere or mitmita.
Dessert preparation & full Ethiopian coffee ceremony
Prepare a traditional dessert such as chechebsa or firfir, then participate in a full coffee ceremony from roasting beans to brewing and tasting.
Tips from local experts:
- If you prefer milder coffee, mention it to the host; traditional brews can be strong and are often served without milk.
- Ask to observe bean roasting up close but keep a safe distance from hot equipment and open flames.
- Take photos discreetly during the ceremony and ask permission if people in the group are present.
Closing, recipe booklet & optional spice shopping
Receive a recipe booklet and a small spice sample. Optionally visit a nearby spice shop for additional purchases (cash recommended).
Tips from local experts:
- Bring Ethiopian birr in small denominations for spice purchases — many small shops do not accept cards.
- Ask shopkeepers to weigh spices in front of you to confirm quantities and freshness.
- If buying teff flour, check packaging and confirm if it's certified for export if you plan to take it home.
Drop-off at hotel (end of experience)
Return transfer to your hotel or agreed drop-off point in Addis Ababa. End of the cooking class.
Tips from local experts:
- Confirm your preferred drop-off address with the guide at the start of the day so the driver knows the route.
- Collect all personal items (phones, jackets, souvenir bags) before leaving the cooking studio to avoid forgotten items.
- If you enjoyed the experience, prepare any short feedback for your guide to help future guests — verbal feedback is appreciated.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 3 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Friends |
| Transfers | 3 |
| Restaurants | 1 |
| Total Activities | 7 |
| Total Places | 7 |
| Activities Types | Transfer, Attraction, Culture, Experience, Meal, Shopping |
