Get to Know Doro Wat, a Spicy Ethiopian Chicken Stew

Doro wat, a spicy chicken stew, is considered the unofficial national dish of Ethiopia — and a must-have meal during the holidays. The crimson-red stew is filled with tender, slow-cooked chicken thighs and niter kibbeh (spiced clarified butter), and seasoned with spices, particularly berbere. Berbere is the cornerstone seasoning of Ethiopian cuisine, and is a blend of red chili peppers, ginger, fenugreek, cumin, cinnamon, and other aromatics.

When the stew is done cooking, many Ethiopians will add hard-boiled eggs and pair the dish with injera, collard greens, and fresh cheese. The final result is an extremely flavorful meal that will leave any eater craving another bowl.

Doro wat is popular in many Seattle-based Ethiopian restaurants. One example is Delish Ethiopian Cuisine, located in Seattle’s Hillman City. Their doro wat builds flavor by simmering for several hours, and you can instantly taste the seasonings that make this dish one of the most recognizable in the Ethiopian community. When you order their doro wat, don’t forget to try other dishes like their Ethiopian vegetable rolls, kitfo (beef with clarified butter), or assa goulash (tilapia stew). Of course, you can also order doro wat on Shef. Give it a try this week!

Learn more: Ethiopian Cuisine in Seattle