Lunch at the UN

I know that people are always interested in food. And I'm sure when I get home everyone will ask, "So what did you eat in Ethiopia?" So, the purpose of this post is to help answer this question (and I'm sure this post will be followed by many other posts about food). During my first week here, a fellow in my office (who is on vacation this week) from the UK took me to all of the eating establishments within the compound, in addition to a couple of places that are close by. Here is a rundown:

• Kaldi's Coffee - Has pizza, sandwiches with fries, coffee, fruit juices, etc. I have not been impressed by the food, although the oatmeal I had from there yesterday was quite good, and the homemade fruit juices are delicious!
• Bon Cafe - They seem to have a mix of traditional food and pasta dishes. I ate the tibs there and it was quite good.
• Sheraton - I went there for an incredibly overpriced buffet (130 birr or $7.50). I was not impressed and won't be back. They have pasta, rice, salads, dessert, etc. Apparently they also have a cafeteria but I haven't tried it yet.
• Lalibella - This is a cafeteria and they serve an "international dish" and a "national dish" designated by two very prominent signs. It's cheap and convenient because I can grab my food, eat, and go, without having to wait to be served.
• Lime Tree - This place is outside the compound and has an eclectic mix of food, from pita wraps to Indian food. I had the chicken tahli and it was amazingly delicious. I wish I would have had my camera because it came with all of these cute small dishes with different things in them. The only drawback is that it is a bit of a walk, but I will definitely be back.
• The Greek Club - Ok, this place is not nearby but I was taken there during my first week so I'm including it here. It is an exclusive club-ish place that definitely struck me as something that you would find at a country club in the US (I even think that there is a tennis court there). It's not that expensive (I think my food was 75 birr), but I have no idea where it was and I probably won't be back. I had some chicken with watery mashed potatoes.

I have decided that Lalibella is my preferred locale for lunch. This is where I had lunch today and is pictured above. As always, my frugality wins out, and this lunch only cost 22 birr or $1.50. Today I splurged and added a Coke Light and a piece of bread, so it set me back 32.50 birr or $2. What you are looking at is shiro and some kind of greens and seasoned tomatoes and onions. The shiro is made with chickpeas, spices, and sometimes onion and garlic. Yesterday, they had shiro plus some reddish dish with lentils and injera that was soaked in something delicious. It was fantastic. It is my go-to lunch as I have decided against making the effort to bring my lunch (especially when there isn't a fridge or microwave in the office and sliced meat costs $35 per kg). And aside from the injera (which I can never finish), I think it's rather healthy?