In Switzerland, habesha products have taken root far beyond Eritrean and Ethiopian homes. Ancient flours, oriental fragrances, Sidamo coffee, bakhoor, and intense red Berbere… these treasures from the Horn of Africa are making their way into kitchens, living rooms, and niche markets, driven by a generation that refuses to be erased.
These products are not mere commodities. They carry stories, legacies, and memories. According to the latest Swiss migration figures, the Ethiopian and Eritrean community has reached the 40,000 mark, with a majority of young workers. These young people seek to rediscover the tastes, smells, and rituals of childhood. And above all, to pass them on, even far from Asmara or Addis Ababa.
A concrete example? Berbere , this deep red spice blend, has become a staple in Afro shops and Swiss kitchens open to the world.
Used to season, to heal, to reconnect.
It is as much a spice as it is a symbol.
Habesha coffee , on the other hand, is roasted in the old-fashioned way and is not found in community circles.
Today it can be found in certain alternative coffee shops in Lausanne or Basel , often served with respect for the ritual from which it comes.
Bakhoor , on the other hand, appeals to an even wider audience: lovers of natural incense, unprocessed home fragrances, or everyday spirituality.
🔄 A circulation that goes beyond the diaspora
These products are no longer just “identity-based”.
They enter the lives of Swiss customers, curious, sensitive to the truth .
In multicultural markets, solidarity grocery stores, or wellness fairs, we discover:
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oils from the habesha sector (nigella, black cumin, etc.)
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teff in dishes from Zurich caterers
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homemade niter kibbeh served as a side dish
In Geneva , some organic shops now include habesha references.
In Zurich , restaurateurs are taking inspiration from this.
Tradition becomes a field of exploration.
📦 But accessibility is still incomplete
The reality? These products often remain difficult to find.
Little visible on major platforms, rarely referenced in supermarkets, they circulate mainly through community networks, word of mouth, and micro-enterprises.
This is where ZEKREKA comes in:
👉 by making these products visible ,
👉 respecting their origin ,
👉 by telling what the big brands ignore: the hand, the gesture, the connection.
🌾 Authenticity sought after, even without a label
Most habesha products do not yet fit into European standards .
But it is precisely this authenticity that attracts.
Dark teff flour , for example, is not always labeled.
And yet, it is sought after for its richness in iron, its absence of gluten, its easy digestion.
The same goes for artisanal oils, raw soaps, and hand-ground spices.
These are useful, simple, powerful products.
They don't shine through their marketing. They speak through their usage.
💬 Buying habesha is not a trivial gesture
It is honoring a legacy ,
support a parallel economy ,
refuse cultural dilution .
More and more young Swiss people, whether from the diaspora or not, are choosing teff , shiro , and black seed oils , because they find something real, functional, and meaningful in them.
At ZEKREKA , we believe that every product deserves to be understood as much as consumed .
A bag of berbere, a bottle of oil, an injera pancake, these are not “ethnic products”.
These are link objects .
FAQ
What are the most popular habesha products in Switzerland?
Berbere, teff flour (dark and light), bakhoor incense, Sidamo coffee and natural oils (nigella, black cumin).
Where can I buy these products?
In selected grocery stores in Lausanne, Geneva, Zurich or Basel, during community events, or online at zekreka.com .
Are they certified?
Some do. Others are produced artisanally, without a label, but according to established and transparent practices.
Can we integrate them into a daily routine?
Yes. Teff is an excellent gluten-free alternative, the oils are used in both skincare and cooking, and bakhoor naturally scents the air.
Are Habesha products of interest to non-Habeshas?
Yes, more and more. For their naturalness, their effectiveness, but also for the culture they embody.
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