From Dream to Tradition: Bereket Manay's 'Asmara' Brings East Africa to Halle (Saale)
Halle (Saale) now has its first African restaurant and bar, Asmara, founded by Bereket Manay. The venue brings the flavours of Eritrea and Ethiopia to the city, offering a taste of East African tradition. Manay’s journey from street food vendor in Asmara to restaurant owner in Germany shapes the heart of this new dining spot.
Bereket Manay grew up selling food on the streets of Asmara before moving to Germany in 2016. Four years later, he opened a grocery store in Halle, followed by Asmara Bar & Restaurant in 2021. The restaurant has since relocated to 27 Ludwig-Wucherer-Straße, where it continues to serve authentic Eritrean-Ethiopian dishes.
The menu features injera, a sourdough flatbread, and spiced wot stews, central to East African cuisine. With over 40 spices used in its recipes, the kitchen focuses on healthy, flavourful meals. Pork is absent from the offerings, and vegetarian options are widely available. Beyond food, *Asmara* hosts the traditional East African coffee ceremony, adding cultural depth to the dining experience. The restaurant operates from Tuesday to Sunday, closing at 10:00 PM on weekdays and 11:30 PM on Fridays and Saturdays. For those preferring to dine at home, delivery is available through Lieferando.
Asmara stands as Halle’s first African restaurant, blending Bereket Manay’s roots with German hospitality. The venue’s focus on spice-rich, pork-free dishes and cultural traditions offers something new to the local food scene. Its extended hours and delivery service make East African cuisine more accessible to the community.
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