The continent of Africa encompasses thousands of cultures, each with its own rich tapestry of flavors, spices, and culinary traditions. Washington, D. C., has historically been a welcoming home for these vibrant foodways. Washingtonians first got a taste of African cuisine in the late 1970s and’ 80s, when political unrest brought a wave of Ethiopian immigrants who opened cozy restaurants to satisfy their longing for home— and, in the process, introduced the city to the warm, communal spirit of Ethiopian dining.
Over the past few decades, D. C.’ s African food scene has grown well beyond its early origins. Today, restaurants featuring the rich, soulful dishes of West and Central Africa include Ethiopian staples, offering everything from smooth fufu to spicy-sweet kelewele. For anyone eager to experience the flavors of the world’ s second-largest continent, D. C. provides a feast that’ s as vibrant and diverse as Africa itself.
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