Ethio Cafe and Restaurant

Ethiopian cuisine characteristically consists of spicy vegetable and meat dishes,usually in the form of wat, a thick stew, served atop injera, a large sourdough  flatbread, which is about 50 centimeters (20 inches)in diameter and made out of fermented teff flour. Ethiopians eat with their right hands, using pieces of injera to pick up bites of entrées and side dishes. No utensils are used. Traditional Ethiopian cuisine contains many vegetarian dishes. Ethiopian cuisine is also known for its spiciness. Spices grown in Ethiopia include fenugreek, cumin, basil, coriander, ginger, saffron, mustard, cardamom, “Red pepper”(Capsicum annuum) and thyme.

The favorite drink of many Ethiopians is bunna (coffee). Bunna is drunk in Ethiopia in a unique and traditional way known as a “coffee ceremony”. First the coffee is roasted, then ground and placed in a Jebena (coffee pot) with boiling water. When ready it is then served to people in little cups, up to three times per ceremony.

Traditional clothes in Ethiopia are made from cotton cloth and generally called yahager lebs (National Dress), Cotton woven together in long strips are sewn together. Sometimes shiny threads are woven into the fabric for an elegant effect (see left photo). It takes about two to three weeks to make enough cloth for one dress.  The bottom of the shirt may be ornamented with patterns.Men wear pants and a knee-long shirt with a white collar, and perhaps a sweater. Women’s dresses are called habesha qemis. The dresses are usually white with some color above the lower hem.

The culture of Ethiopia is steeped in tradition and very multi-faceted, reflecting the ethnic diversity of the country. Among many traditional customs, respect (especially of one’s elders) is very important. In Ethiopian culture it is customary to rise up out of one’s seat or give up one’s bed for an older friend or family member, even if they may be just a year older. As soon as the child is capable of understanding he is made aware that all individuals older than he is, and all those in higher social positions, must be shown the most fastidious deference.

The Church of St. George, one of several rock hewn churches in Lalibela, is a symbol of Ethiopia’s rich tradition.