Fried Snack · Street Staple

Sambusa

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This triangular fried pastry traveled to Ethiopia along Indian Ocean trade routes long before it became a local favorite.

A crisp, triangular pastry fried until golden, typically filled with spiced lentils or seasoned minced meat and onion. Vendors sell them from trays or small stalls, especially in the afternoon and evening.

Why it's made this way: Related to the samosa family found across South Asia and the Middle East, sambusa spread along Indian Ocean trade routes and was adapted with local Ethiopian fillings.