Italian Eritrean cuisine facts for kids

Italian Eritrean cuisine is a special blend of food from Eritrea and Italy. It mixes traditional Eritrean dishes and spices with popular Italian foods.

What Makes This Food Special?

An old Gaggia espresso machine in a coffee shop in Eritrea.

This unique food style is very popular among Eritreans, especially those who live in Eritrea or have Italian heritage. It's also enjoyed by Italians living in Eritrea.

One common dish is 'Pasta al Sugo e Berbere'. This means "Pasta with tomato sauce and berbere", which is a special Eritrean spice. Other popular dishes include lasagna and "cotoletta alla milanese," which is a type of breaded meat cutlet.

Italian influence also shows up in drinks. Even though Eritreans have loved coffee for hundreds of years, Italian-style coffees like espresso and cappuccino are super common. You can find them in almost every coffee shop in Asmara, the capital city.

The biggest drink maker in Eritrea is Asmara Brewery. It was built in 1939 when Italy ruled Eritrea. Today, this brewery makes many different drinks. An Italian-style alcoholic drink called Sambuca is also popular during Eritrean celebrations. In the local language, Tigrinya, it's called areki.

Panettone is a sweet bread often eaten with tea or during the special Coffee ceremony in Eritrea, thanks to Italian influence.

How This Food Style Started

This mix of Italian and Eritrean food began when many Italians moved to Eritrea during the time of the Kingdom of Italy. They brought pasta with them, and now pasta is a very important food in Asmara.

You'll find Italian Eritrean food most often in the capital city, Asmara. Asmara is sometimes called "New Rome" or "Italy's African City." This is because of its Italian-style buildings, wide streets, open squares (piazzas), and many coffee bars.

Along the city's tree-lined streets, you can find lots of bars, restaurants, and cafes. They serve cappuccinos, lattes, and even gelato (Italian ice cream). Many Eritreans enjoy espresso coffee, often made with original Italian machines. Pizza, the famous Italian food from Naples, is also a favorite for young people in Asmara.

Popular Dishes to Try

Here are some popular dishes that combine Italian and Eritrean flavors:

• Lasagna (Eritrean style)
• Cotoletta alla milanese (Milano cutlet)
• Capretto (Goat meat)
• Spaghetti Bolognese (also known as Pasta al Sugo e Berbere)
• Frittata (an egg dish like an omelet)
• Panettone (a sweet bread)
• Pasta Al forno (baked pasta)
• Pizza