From the art‑deco boulevards of Asmara to the salt‑sprayed alleys of Massawa and the coral isles of the Dahlak Archipelago, Eritrea hums with a quiet, timeless craft culture. You can smell coffee roasting on a highland morning, hear the clack of a weaver’s shuttle in Keren, and see silver catches of light in church courtyards — every region has a story stitched into its goods.

Whether it’s coffee, embroidered cloth, or fragrant resins, the best Eritrean souvenirs carry the country’s landscape and rituals with them. Here’s what to buy in Eritrea to take a piece of that heritage home with you.

1. Eritrean coffee beans

Why pick this up: Coffee isn’t just a drink here — it’s a ritual. Highland beans roasted for the home coffee ceremony deliver bright, floral notes and a smoky warmth that instantly evokes an Eritrean morning.
What to look for: Single‑origin highland beans (small batches), freshly roasted and often labeled by growing region — ask for a light‑to‑medium roast for ceremony use.
Price bracket (2025): Nfk 50–300 per 250 g bag.
Where to find it: Asmara Central Market stalls, small roasteries around the city, and markets in Keren or Mendefera.

2. Jebena (traditional coffee pot) and ceremony set

Why pick this up: A hand‑hammered jebena (earthenware or copper pot) and small cups let you recreate the full Eritrean coffee ceremony at home — a beautiful, social souvenir.
What to look for: Copper or clay jebenas with a tight fitting spout, a set of small finjal cups, and a small roasting pan (tabba). Finish and joinery matter for copper pieces.
Price bracket (2025): Nfk 400–2,500 depending on size and material.
Where to find it: Craft shops near Asmara’s Fiat Tagliero and souvenir stalls in Massawa.

3. Habesha kemis (traditional embroidered dress)

Why pick this up: The white cotton dress trimmed with colorful “tibeb” borders is a striking wearable memory of Eritrea’s Christian highland culture and social gatherings.
What to look for: Hand‑embroidered tibeb (the woven border) along hems and sleeves, quality cotton that’s breathable for travel, and proper sizing — many are tailor‑made.
Price bracket (2025): Nfk 800–3,500 for ready‑made; bespoke pieces cost more.
Where to find it: Tailors and boutiques in Asmara, and at celebration markets in highland towns.

4. Hand‑embroidered shawls (netela and tibeb scarves)

Why pick this up: Lightweight cotton shawls with delicate edging are versatile souvenirs — used as head coverings, table runners, or decorative throws.
What to look for: Fine cotton weave, crisp white or natural tones with colorful tibeb trim and neat hand‑stitched edges.
Price bracket (2025): Nfk 200–1,000.
Where to find it: Markets in Asmara and Keren, and stalls near Orthodox churches.

5. Silver crosses and filigree jewelry

Why pick this up: Eritrean Orthodox crosses are sculptural, distinct, and steeped in centuries of Christian art — they make meaningful keepsakes or heirloom pieces.
What to look for: Solid silver pieces with traditional Aksumite or local motifs, good weight, and detailed filigree; ask about hallmarks if you can.
Price bracket (2025): Nfk 150–2,000 depending on size and silver content.
Where to find it: Jewelry shops and craft vendors around Asmara’s churches and in older quarters of Keren.

6. Agate, jasper and semi‑precious stone jewelry

Why pick this up: Eritrea’s geology yields beautiful agates and jaspers; local artisans turn them into bold, earthy necklaces and rings that reflect the land.
What to look for: Polished cabochons set in simple silver, or raw tumble stones if you prefer unworked specimens. Quality polishing and secure settings matter.
Price bracket (2025): Nfk 100–1,200.
Where to find it: Keren markets, gemstone stalls in Asmara, and small workshops.

7. Frankincense, myrrh and aromatic resins

Why pick this up: Resinous aromatics have been traded across the Red Sea for millennia; they’re used in liturgy, incense, and perfumery and smell of sun and spice.
What to look for: Clean, pale tears of frankincense and darker lumps of myrrh with a strong, fresh aroma — ask vendors about origin and grade.
Price bracket (2025): Nfk 50–600 per small packet.
Where to find it: Coastal bazaars in Massawa, Asmara spice stalls, and markets in the lowlands.

8. Handwoven baskets and reed mats

Why pick this up: Colorful, tightly woven baskets and functional floor mats made by lowland and highland artisans are practical décor that recall village life.
What to look for: Even weaving, natural dyes, and sturdy rims — smaller baskets pack well, larger mats make striking wall hangings.
Price bracket (2025): Nfk 40–700.
Where to find it: Keren and Barentu markets, and cooperative stalls in Asmara.

9. Berbere, sesame oil and local spice blends

Why pick this up: Bring home the backbone of Eritrean cuisine — berbere’s smoky heat and toasted sesame oil will transform your kitchen into an Eritrean table.
What to look for: Freshly ground berbere in airtight packets, pure sesame oil (til), and labeled blends rather than loose, unbranded piles.
Price bracket (2025): Nfk 20–200 per packet or bottle.
Where to find it: Asmara Central Market, spice sellers in Massawa, and neighborhood grocers.

10. Pottery, carved wooden spoons and olive‑wood bowls

Why pick this up: Functional pottery and hand‑carved utensils are made for daily use — they age beautifully and carry a tactile memory of Eritrean homes.
What to look for: Food‑safe glazes on pottery, tight grain in olive‑wood pieces, and smooth finishes that show skilled carving.
Price bracket (2025): Nfk 100–900.
Where to find it: Artisan workshops in Massawa’s old town, Asmara craft shops, and roadside stalls en route to the Dahlak boats.

Tip: Pack small — many Eritrean souvenirs like coffee, spices, and silver crosses travel well and make perfect gifts. ✈️
(Eritrean souvenirs are compact reminders of a country where landscape, faith, and craft meet.)

Let me know in the comments if you have any other top ‘what to buy’ ideas!

About the Author 

Colin is the founder of SouvenirsIdeas.com and a passionate traveller with a soft spot for ceramics, markets, and food tours. He writes practical, first-hand guides to help you bring home souvenirs that actually mean something — not just more clutter!