Located in the northernmost state of Ethiopia, Tigray’s cuisine has very much been influenced by faith and availability. 95 percent of Tegaru are Orthodox Christians – as part of this we practise Lent and other fasting periods, eating exclusively vegan meals 180-210 days of the year. Meat and veg are not seen as the backbone of meals here, nor is the idea of a three-course meal complete with dessert.
That is not to say that food is only about sustenance in Tigray. It is revered in its own right, like music and dance, and there are entire events around the preparation of food. For large celebrations everyone comes together
