Coffee Ceremonies

No trip to Ethiopia is truly complete without experiencing the elaborate coffee ceremony, a vital aspect of Ethiopian social and cultural life. Being invited to a coffee ceremony signifies friendship and respect, showcasing the country’s renowned hospitality. This ceremony is typically performed in front of guests at any time of day, and it’s important to take your time, as it can last several hours—this is definitely not a quick process. The Ethiopian reverence for coffee is often intricate and always beautifully executed.

The ceremony is usually led by a young woman dressed in a traditional white dress adorned with colorful woven borders. The process begins with setting up the ceremonial items on a bed covered with freshly cut grass. Next, she roasts the coffee beans in a concave pan, shaking them to ensure even roasting. Once the beans are dark and shiny, she brings the pan to each guest, allowing them to enjoy the delightful aroma. Afterward, she retreats to another part of the house where the sound of grinding can be heard as she uses a mortar and pestle to crush the beans.

Returning with the ground coffee, she carefully mixes it with water in a black clay pot known as ‘Jebena’ in Amharic, which has a rounded bottom and a straw lid. She then boils the mixture for 10 to 15 minutes before serving it in small cups without handles. Sugar is added, and she serves the first cup to the eldest guest before offering it to others who have been patiently watching the process unfold.

The coffee is rich and flavorful, not bitter at all, and is often accompanied by traditional snacks like dough bread, popcorn, peanuts, or roasted barley. After everyone has enjoyed their coffee, she collects the cups, adds more water to the pot, and brews a second round using the same grounds, continuing this process up to a third round. The traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony serves as a significant social occasion within the community, providing an opportunity to discuss local issues, politics, and personal matters.

If you are invited to participate in this ceremony, it is considered impolite to leave before finishing at least three rounds, as the third round is thought to bring blessings. The completion of the three rounds—“Abol” (first round), “Tona” (second round), and “Baraka” (third round)—is believed to transform the spirit during this special gathering.