To the first time visitor, Addis Ababa, the highland capital of Ethiopia, East Africa, may seem daunting, or even dubious, when thoughts turn to nourishment. He or she may have been fed, cautioned, and bombarded with fright stories about food poisoning, parasites, unhygienic practices, and other unpalatable tales a traveller often hears, before a sojourn, or a job transfer to unfamiliar territory. However, there is nothing dubious about restaurants in Addis Ababa. The city has a fine selection of food establishments worthy of one’s custom. Diners should note that restaurants are not numbered in Addis Ababa - but any taxi driver will be able to take you to the restaurants listed below if you provide the name.

Peony Flower, Da Tang, China Bar and Restaurant--Chinese Restaurants in Addis Ababa

Host to a sizeable Chinese population, Addis Ababa is saturated with Chinese restaurants, serving melt-in-the-mouth dumplings, sizzling meat or seafood dishes, stir-fried noodles, and other favourites. Head off to Peony Flower on Bole Road, diagonally across Friendship Supermarket. Peony Flower offers an extensive menu that includes a hot pot noodle selection, meat, fish, and seafood delights. The eye-catching, sweet and sour Peony Flower fish has a crunchy top, but moist and soft underneath.

The newly opened Da Tang, located 200 metres from Imperial Hotel, on the Gerji Road, can seat hundreds. Try the spinach and egg-filled steamed buns, and the crispy chicken served with mandarin pancakes. But, the grande dame of Chinese restaurants in Addis Ababa is the China Bar and Restaurant, by Meskel Square. Popular with Ethiopians and non-Chinese expats, it has been serving the city since decades.