By Helina Bezabih
Yes, Shifta like bandits, misfits – people who don’t do things the way it has always been done, and so they set about making their own way, trendsetters …
This is what Shifta Restaurant is all about.
It’s a creative space where artists, musicians or anyone just in the mood for some good food can kick back and relax and enjoy the diverse menu that is perfect for both passionate meat lovers and the most ardent of vegetarians.
Ambiance
The husband and wife team of Maranata Tegegn and Feben Kassaye have been behind this hip restaurant for the past four and a half years. Feben’s passion for cooking savory blends of soul food and artistic eye for interior designing combined with Maranata’s dedication to creating a platform for artists and giving a stage for underground art scenes has made Shifta what it is today, a community that feels like home for everyone.
From looking at the paintings and art decorating the walls to the furniture used, the entire establishment is a reflection of Pan-African and Black culture. This breaks the monotony of most restaurants and makes Shifta stand out.
Services
Shifta Restaurant is not all scene and has no substance. The staff is warm and accommodating and greets customers with genuine hospitality making the feeling that washes over a guest as they step through the door more reminiscent of going over at a dear friend’s house- only with better cooking, of course.
They also hold events that usually recur monthly that include poetry nights, comedy nights, parties, and even live concerts which have an intimate feel to them since you see the musicians perform really close, something that most people in Addis Ababa would not have the opportunity to experience.
In addition to these events, Shifta also celebrates national days and might even throw in free cocktails you can enjoy with your meal.
Food
While Shifta Restaurant stands out amongst other restaurants in Addis Ababa with their events and remarkable cocktails, especially their modern sweet twist to our traditional Tella, what truly steals the show is their food.
From Oxtail to Goat Curry to Tofu, Jerk Chicken, Chicken Masala and our very own, Shiro Wet, the menu here at Shifta Restaurant is a fusion of Caribbean, West African, East African, and Ethiopian cuisine providing customers with a diverse range of options to select from. Though fortune definitely favors the bold here at Shifta, the addition of Ethiopian cuisine to the menu caters to those customers who are hesitant about trying new food and would like to save the trying-new-food thing for another day.
The food at Shifta Restaurant is flavorful and served in well-sized portions that will satisfy your appetite, yet leave you craving for more. The dishes are artfully presented on clay plates that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also a representation of the cultural heritage that inspired the cuisine.
The fair and affordable prices at this restaurant make it accessible to people and allow them to enjoy this culturally enriching experience without having to worry about the exorbitant prices that are usually expected at restaurants that serve foreign cuisine.
“Come meet us, come hang out with us, and get to know Shifta for yourself”, say the owners of this restaurant.
We, at Addis Insight, definitely urge you to take the owners up on their offer and go check out Shifta for yourself. Enjoy the delectable cuisine with their great cocktails and attend some events, we are sure that you will get why Shifta is more than just a restaurant- it’s a place where you can escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life and just relax.
