Discover a taste of Ethiopia without leaving the heart of London. This unforgettable private, women-led experience is more than a culinary tour—it’s a personal story of heritage, tradition, and resilience. Led by Sefanit, an Ethiopian guide working with the social enterprise Women in Travel, this immersive journey into Shepherd’s Bush Market will awaken your senses and leave you with a deep appreciation for Ethiopia’s flavors, stories, and cultural richness.
Perfect for culture seekers, food lovers, or anyone looking to connect with London’s global communities, this 2.5-hour guided experience is an inspiring celebration of heritage and local impact.
A Cultural Experience with a Local Heartbeat
What sets this tour apart isn’t just the cuisine or the setting—it’s the guide herself. Sefanit arrived in London from Ethiopia at the age of 14, bringing with her the rich traditions of her homeland. Thanks to Intrepid Urban Adventures and the empowering work of Women in Travel, she now shares her story and her culture as a professional guide, creating unique, meaningful experiences for curious visitors.
As you walk through the colorful and buzzing lanes of Shepherd’s Bush Market, you’ll see London from a different perspective—through the eyes of someone who calls both Ethiopia and the UK home. 15% of every ticket sale directly supports Women in Travel, helping other women like Sefanit access employment and entrepreneurial opportunities in the travel and tourism sector.
The Market: A Microcosm of Ethiopia in West London
Tucked away in the heart of West London, Shepherd’s Bush is home to a thriving Ethiopian and East African community. From traditional cafés and restaurants to shops stocked with injera, spices, and ceremonial coffee sets, this neighborhood is a living, breathing extension of Ethiopia.
The tour begins with a warm welcome from Sefanit, who introduces you to the market and its significance within the local Ethiopian diaspora. Your first stop is with one of the market’s popular juice vendors, where you’ll taste a nutritious and refreshing herbal juice known for its medicinal properties—a common staple in Ethiopian households.
Exploring Tradition Through Taste and Story
As you walk deeper into the market, Sefanit will guide you through stores that sell everything from traditional Ethiopian clothing and spices to cultural artifacts and unique coffee-making tools. This part of the tour offers insights into how Ethiopian families preserve their culinary and cultural practices—even thousands of miles away from home.
You’ll learn about the ingredients that define Ethiopian cooking, including berbere (a complex spice blend) and niter kibbeh (a spiced clarified butter), and the importance of injera, a tangy sourdough flatbread made from teff flour that serves as the foundation of most Ethiopian meals.
You’ll also be introduced to the ritual of coffee in Ethiopian life. More than just a beverage, coffee in Ethiopia is an experience that symbolizes hospitality, storytelling, and togetherness. As Sefanit explains, the traditional coffee ceremony is “a moment to pause, connect, and appreciate.”
The Highlight: A Traditional Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony
The tour culminates in a truly special experience: a full, traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony, hosted in an authentic setting. The ritual begins with the roasting of raw, green coffee beans right before your eyes. As the beans pop and crackle over a flame, the air fills with the warm, rich aroma of fresh coffee—a sensory invitation into Ethiopian hospitality.
The beans are then ground and brewed in a jebena, a traditional clay coffee pot. While the coffee brews, you’ll be offered freshly popped popcorn, a typical Ethiopian accompaniment, as Sefanit shares stories from her life in Ethiopia and her journey to London. This is more than just a cultural demonstration—it’s a heartfelt exchange between host and guest.
You’ll also learn the meanings behind each round of coffee: abol (the first cup), tona (the second), and baraka (the blessing), each symbolizing deeper connection and community. Guests are encouraged to relax, ask questions, and soak up the ambiance as the ceremony unfolds at a leisurely, unhurried pace.
Why This Tour Matters: Travel with Impact
This experience is offered in partnership with Women in Travel, a UK-based social enterprise committed to empowering underrepresented women through travel-related employment and entrepreneurship. Every booking helps support women from migrant, refugee, and low-income backgrounds to access training, mentorship, and paid opportunities.
By joining this tour, you’re not only exploring the rich cultural landscape of London—you’re actively supporting inclusive tourism and helping build a more equitable future for women in the industry.
As a traveler, you’ll walk away not just with memories and great coffee, but with the satisfaction of knowing your participation made a real difference in someone’s life.
Key Tour Details
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- Location: Shepherd’s Bush Market, West London
- Language: English
- Private Experience: Yes (ideal for individuals, couples, or small groups)
- Local Impact: 15% of proceeds go to Women in Travel
- Includes:
- Guided market walk with local Ethiopian guide
- Herbal juice tasting
- Visit to Ethiopian shops and cultural highlights
- Traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony with popcorn
- Personal stories, cultural insights, and Q\&A
Important Information for Guests
- Accessibility: The tour is suitable for most fitness levels. Walking is at a relaxed pace, with ample opportunities to rest during the coffee ceremony.
- Dietary Preferences: While coffee and popcorn are the main refreshments, guests with dietary needs should notify their booking agent in advance.
- Weather: This is a rain-or-shine experience. Please dress appropriately for walking outdoors.
- Children: This tour is family-friendly, and children over the age of 8 may particularly enjoy the ceremony and storytelling aspects.
This is not your average food tour—it’s a powerful, personal journey into one of London’s most vibrant and lesser-known communities. It’s a chance to discover new flavors, hear new voices, and see how culture travels and transforms across borders.
By booking through TPO.Travel, travel professionals can offer clients a meaningful experience that aligns with values of responsible tourism, empowerment, and authenticity.
Invite your clients to drink coffee, share stories, and celebrate culture—Ethiopian-style.