Merkato Restaurant's Special Derek Tibs is one of our most beloved signature dishes — chunks of lean, tender beef sautéed with onion, fresh tomato, green pepper, rosemary, and kibbeh (purified butter). Available mild or spicy, this dish showcases the bold, clean flavours of authentic Ethiopian cooking.
Derek Tibs is a dry-style Ethiopian sauté, contrasting with the saucy wots in its simplicity and directness. At Merkato, we use lean cuts of quality beef, sliced and sautéed in a hot pan with caramelized onions, ripe tomatoes, green peppers, rosemary, and kibbeh — allowing the natural flavour of the meat to shine. The result is a fragrant, slightly caramelized dish with clean, bold flavours.
Special Derek Tibs can be ordered mild or spicy (awaze) and is served on a sizzling plate atop injera. It is a perennial favourite among Merkato regulars and is widely regarded as one of the best Ethiopian tibs dishes in Winnipeg. Perfect for first-time visitors wanting to explore grilled Ethiopian meats.
TripAdvisor Reviewer
"Sam, the owner, treats us like we are family. He wants to make sure we enjoy the food. And we ALWAYS do! He will customize food to make sure we enjoy it! The portions are great! Prices are reasonable. You can taste the richness! It's a delight."
August 2024
Winnipeg Regular
"Merkato is my favourite restaurant in Winnipeg. Everything, from the decor and music, to the food, to the proprietress, perfectly emulates the style of a typical Ethiopian cafe. Never crowded, you won't be rushed as you select from an incredible variety of dishes. Serving sizes are large despite the inexpensive prices."
October 2012
TripAdvisor Reviewer
"We were served by the friendly owner of the restaurant, and he suggested the mixed platter, which had seven different dishes (three meat and four vegetable based). Eating Ethiopian style — no utensils, just hands aided by the spongy flatbread — was a fun and unique experience. The total bill was only $50 Cdn all in, so it certainly was good value."
September 2023
Order online for pickup or dine-in at 352 Cumberland Ave, Winnipeg
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