Habesha

I was in Brazil last December when a friend messaged me: “A new Ethiopian place just opened in Salzburg, you have to try it.” As it often goes when I’m excited about a new spot, it took a while to actually get there. You wait for a special occasion... or a calm baby. But we finally made it last week, and I’m so glad we did.

Walking into Habesha, you instantly feel the good energy. The space is filled with vibrant paintings, the scent of incense (Daniel told me it's called Weihrauch and it’s meant to invite good vibes), and a quiet warmth that makes you want to stay longer than planned. Every corner carries a piece of Ethiopian culture, whether it’s the traditional coffee setup, the music, or the artwork. This place isn’t just about food. It’s an experience.

Food in Ethiopian culture is all about connection. It’s rich, communal, and best shared with friends and family. You eat with your hands, which makes the whole meal feel more intimate and real, an experience in itself.

Daniel, the heart behind Habesha, makes time to speak with all his guests. He’ll walk you through the menu, give tips, and happily answer all your curious questions. We were a bigger group, so we ordered a bit of everything, and every single dish was outstanding.

We started with cold Ethiopian beers and snacks: stuffed pepperoni (I could have eaten a tray of them) and the sambusa, available in meat or veggie. For mains, we shared a big platter with both meat and vegetarian options, along with Ye Doro Key Wot (chicken in a rich, spicy sauce) and Zilzil Tibs (tender beef strips with onions). Everything was flavorful and deeply comforting, and the portions were generous too.

Highly recommend the sharing platter, especially if it’s your first time. It gives you a little taste of many different dishes, and it’s also available vegetarian or vegan.

We ended the evening with homemade honey wine, served in small traditional bottles, and of course, the Ethiopian coffee ritual. Daniel explained it’s a moment to slow down. Coffee is roasted and brewed while people gather and chat. The whole process can take up to an hour, and when it’s ready, you drink it slowly, together. There’s a strong sense of community in it, something that felt both familiar to my own culture and still quietly magical.

Habesha is open daily from 13:00, serving lunch, dinner, and welcoming anyone who just wants to come by for tea or the coffee ritual. You don’t need a reservation to enjoy that pause.

I’m really grateful to Daniel for reminding me of that. In the rush of daily life, Habesha offered a moment of calm and even a small piece of my own culture I didn’t know I’d been missing. I’ll definitely be back.