Marcus Samuelsson’s upcoming addition to the Marcus Addis menu, Adwa, is more than just a culinary creation—it’s a powerful statement of cultural pride and historical triumph. Named after Ethiopia’s iconic victory at the Battle of Adwa in 1896, where Ethiopian forces defeated Italian invaders, the dish symbolizes resilience, ingenuity, and the celebration of Ethiopian identity. Through this dish, Marcus seeks to pay homage to Ethiopia’s strength while crafting a bold new chapter in the global food narrative.
Adwa takes inspiration from the classic Italian lasagna but transforms it into a uniquely Ethiopian masterpiece. The foundation of the dish is doro wat, the beloved Ethiopian spicy chicken stew renowned for its deep, layered flavors of berbere, onions, garlic, and niter kibbeh (spiced butter). Instead of the traditional lasagna filling, Marcus layers tender chunks of slow-cooked chicken, perfectly seasoned boiled eggs (a hallmark of doro wat), and a rich, spicy sauce between sheets of baked pasta.
The fusion is intentional and symbolic: the lasagna—a quintessentially Italian dish—is reimagined with bold Ethiopian flavors, creating a culinary “victory” that mirrors the triumph at Adwa. Each bite of the dish embodies the clash of two cultures, with Ethiopian spices and techniques dominating the palate in a flavorful homage to Ethiopia’s enduring spirit.
Teff/Tellateli Shrimp: A Fusion of Tradition and Modernity
The Teff/Tellateli Shrimp is a dish that encapsulates the essence of Ethiopia’s supergrain, teff, in an entirely new form. By combining teff with wheat, Marcus has crafted a hybrid pasta that celebrates the ancient grain while elevating it for modern palates.
The pasta is served with succulent shrimp, perfectly cooked to balance the robust flavors of the sauce. The dish is infused with a medley of Ethiopian spices, including awaze, a bold chili paste; berbere, Ethiopia’s signature spice blend; and shiro, a chickpea-based staple. The addition of a rich tomato sauce ties it all together, creating a dish that feels both familiar and groundbreaking.
With this creation, Marcus takes teff—a cornerstone of Ethiopian cuisine traditionally used in injera—and transforms it into a versatile ingredient that bridges cultures. The Teff/Tellateli Shrimp is a testament to his commitment to honoring Ethiopian ingredients while introducing them to a global audience.
Culinary as Storytelling
For Marcus Samuelsson, food is not just sustenance—it’s a way to tell stories, evoke emotions, and honor history. The Adwa dish does precisely that, inviting diners to taste the boldness and courage of Ethiopia’s past while enjoying a dish that is undeniably modern and innovative. By presenting an Ethiopian spin on lasagna, Marcus flips the narrative, offering a playful yet profound culinary response to one of history’s most pivotal moments.
Challenging Global Tastes
Adwa is also a challenge to global perceptions of Ethiopian cuisine, proving it can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the world’s most celebrated food traditions. While Ethiopian food is often associated with injera and stews, Marcus’s vision extends far beyond these staples. With Adwa, he bridges the familiar with the unexpected, opening doors for Ethiopian cuisine to enter new spaces and captivate broader audiences.
For those who taste Adwa, it will be more than a meal—it will be a cultural experience. Each plate serves as a reminder of Ethiopia’s historical resilience, the richness of its culinary heritage, and the creativity of its people. Marcus Samuelsson isn’t just cooking food; he’s telling a story of victory, pride, and possibility, one dish at a time.
With Adwa, Marcus Addis reinforces its place as a pioneer in redefining Ethiopian cuisine, boldly asserting its place on the global culinary map.
