Great spices as always
Store owner replied: It's such a delicious blend, whether we use it for Ethiopian food, or other recipes. We love how versatile it is.
Handcrafted Blend
Berbere
PicanteUmamiHeat
Traditional Ethiopian blend with a love for tomatoes.
Why World Spice?
- Vegan, gluten-free, and filler-free
- Love it or we'll replace it
- Orders over $59 ship free
- Blended in small batches, shortly before shipping
Filler-FreeVeganGluten-FreeEstablished 1995Small Batch
How to use Berbere
Spice 101
Berbere is a traditional blend hailing from Ethiopia and Eritrea, known for its robust and complex flavor profile. The blend's heat comes from ginger and chiles, while aromatics like cardamom, cinnamon, and nutmeg add a layer of depth and sweetness.
This spice blend is a cornerstone in Ethiopian traditional cooking, particularly in the preparation of various lentil stews known as "wats". The blend's creation is a testament to the rich spice trade history in the Horn of Africa, where these spices were once as valuable as gold. Each family might have their own version, passing down their unique mix from generation to generation, making it a personal yet shared cultural heritage. In some regions, the blend might lean more heavily on aromatics, while in others, the heat takes the forefront.
Berbere's fiery complexity combined with its balance of heat and aromatic sweetness makes it perfect for seasoning meats like chicken and lamb, and it's absolutely magical in tomato-based dishes. Whether we're whipping up a quick stew or using it as a rub for grilling, Berbere adds a burst of flavor that is both profound and delightfully unexpected.
In Ethiopian cuisine, berbere is mixed with water, honey wine, or oil to create awaze, a spicy, flavorful paste. This versatile condiment is used as a dipping sauce, marinade, or to add an extra kick to traditional dishes like injera and grilled meats.
Customer Reviews
Overall rating: 4.6 / 5 from 19 reviews.
Berbere was sent as a sample. I had never tried it before but just loved the complex, smoky taste of it.
Store owner replied: It's so versatile, too, and great to use for non-Ethiopian food. We honestly find ourselves reaching for it again and again in so many dishes. It just adds that little something that dish needed.
I use this spice almost daily in my morning breakfast, so I go through it quickly. Was happy to order a larger amount. It is delicious, not hot (I can add heat when I want it).
Store owner replied: Berbere for breakfast? Love that! Such a bold way to start the day. Stocking up on a larger amount was definitely the right call! 🌶️✨
Berbere has long been a favorite, this order was a gift to share with family
Store owner replied: Love that you’re sharing the Berbere love! Such a bold and flavorful gift for the family. 🌶️✨
Such a fun and delicious blend! We use it on roasted veggies the most. Those warm spices with a bit of heat is perfect during these cold winter months!
Store owner replied: Thanks, Seth! Berbere on roasted veggies is such a win—those warm spices with a little heat make winter meals so much cozier. Love it! ❄️🔥✨
Makes a warm and spicy lentil stew
This is one of the first spices I fell in love with from World Spice market, you might not think so but you can really use it in almost anything. I love it as a steak rub, it is so irresistible with any red meat! Or you can sprinkle on vegetables, chicken etc, really you can even add it in small amounts to any food and it adds a depth and complexity of flavor. I like it in soups or sauces as a blend with other spices and it's very compelling. It's also wonderful in tomato based dishes, and I use it in place of or combined with curry powder for many curry recipes because I just think it's so freaking great.
I hate to say this but this is highly inauthentic berbere. It tastes nothing like real berbere. You definitely would be better off getting it elsewhere.
Store owner replied: Thank you for sharing your feedback. We’re sorry to hear that our Berbere didn’t meet your expectations. We’ll reach out directly to make this right and hope you'll find something else in our selection that you'll enjoy.
Many years ago I found berbere at a different company and loved it, but they discontinued it. I am delighted with World Spice's version and am so happy it is back in my kitchen!
Store owner replied: Thank you for your wonderful feedback! I’m thrilled to hear that our Berbere has brought that flavor you missed back into your kitchen. It’s fantastic to know you’re enjoying it as much as ever.🌟🌶️😊
I like this seasoning. It is earthy yet fragrant. Works with many foods.
Store owner replied: Agreed! It adds a unique and delicious kick to SOOO many dishes. Thank you.
Marvelous! The flavors and aromas.
Probably won't order again. It was okay but way too expensive. Lacked heat and flavor that I experience at my favorite Ethiopian restaurants. If the recipe is improved I could try again.
Nuanced and balanced! Zesty but not too spicy.
Has so much more flavor than berbere from world market or anywhere else I can find it state side. I got it for my sister in law who was adopted from Ethiopia at age 5 and says it smells like her childhood home. Anything she makes with it smells and tastes amazing
Great I made a fairly traditional beef chilli with only the mix as the spice. ~ 3tbsp spice mix to 1 and 1/2 pounds well trimmed stew meat. Onions peppers tomatoes garlic and a bit of stock. Served over rice. Fantastic!
Great! The freshness , packaging much more durable.
Delicious! My husband loves it in a Bloody Mary; we both love it in black-eyed peas and kale in the InstantPot.
Absolutely delicious Savory with a hint of spice..... goes with so many things. Smells amazing and tasted even better. Can't go wrong.
This is one of my all-time favorite spice blends. Warm, spicy but not overbearing with a slightly sweet undertone. FABULOUS in soups and chilis, on chicken, and in any lentil-y dish. Highly recommend, even for the not so spice-adventurous. This blend is incredibly versatile, but especially good on basically anything in winter. So warming.
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