Asa Waza (Keto Modified)
Spiced Baked Whole Fish (No Carbs)
Yes, with a tweak: omit injera. About 6g net carbs per serving, lower than 7 in 10 Ethiopian dishes.
What it is
A whole fish, often Tilapia or Snapper, seasoned generously with Ethiopian spices, herbs, and sometimes a mild chili paste, then baked or roasted until tender and flaky. This is a distinct preparation from fried fish.
Key ingredients
Whole fish, garlic, ginger, green chilies, onions (minimal, as rub), olive oil or niter kibbeh, salt, black pepper, sometimes mild berbere.
How to make it keto
Omit injera. Ensure no breading, cornstarch, or sugar-based glazes. Confirm no high-carb stuffings or sides are baked with the fish.
Say this to the waiter (Amharic)
Asa Wazaው ያለ እንጀራ ይምጣ። ዳቦ፣ ስታርች፣ ወይም ስኳር የበዛበት ሶስ አይኑረው። ዓሳው ጋር ካርብ የበዛበት ሙሌት ወይም የጎን ምግብ እንዳይጋገር።
For Asa Waza, please omit injera. No breading, cornstarch, sugar glazes, or high-carb stuffings/sides baked with the fish.
Watch out for
Potential sugar in a chili paste or berbere rub. Some restaurants might use flour or cornstarch for crisping, which should be avoided.
Macros are estimates for a typical serving and vary by restaurant. Confirm ingredients with staff, especially if you have allergies. Our ingredient lists are generated automatically and describe how a dish is typically made.
More on the Ethiopian menuAll 172 Ethiopian dishes ›
