The Traditional Eritrean Coffee Ceremony & More on Habesha Coffee

READ ALSO: Coffee Ceremony in Ethiopia PDF & More

Traditional Eritrean Coffee Ceremony/Traditional Coffee Eritrea/Eritrean Coffee Tradition/Eritrean Traditional Coffee/Eritrea Coffee Ceremony

The Eritrean coffee ceremony is a traditional cultural practice that holds great significance in Eritrean society.

Similar to the Ethiopian coffee ceremony, it is a social event where coffee is prepared, brewed, and served to guests. The ceremony is a symbol of hospitality, friendship, and community bonding.

Here are some key aspects of the Eritrean coffee ceremony:

1. Preparation: The coffee ceremony is typically conducted by a designated host or hostess. The process begins with the washing and roasting of green coffee beans over a charcoal fire. The roasted beans are then ground using a mortar and pestle.
2. Incense: During the ceremony, incense (typically made from frankincense or other aromatic resins) is burned to create a fragrant ambiance and ward off evil spirits. The pleasant aroma of the incense adds to the sensory experience of the ceremony.
3. Traditional Coffee Pot: The coffee is brewed in a traditional clay coffee pot called a “jebena.” The jebena has a distinct shape with a narrow neck and a wide base. It is often adorned with colorful patterns or decorative elements.
4. Brewing Process: The coffee is brewed using the jebena, typically placed on hot charcoal or an open flame. Water and the freshly ground coffee are added to the pot, and the mixture is brought to a boil. The brewing process is carefully monitored to achieve the desired strength and flavor.
5. Three Rounds of Serving: Eritrean coffee ceremonies typically involve three rounds of coffee serving, each with a different name: “awel,” “kala’i,” and “bereka.” The first round, “awel,” is considered the weakest and is often served to children. The second round, “kala’i,” is stronger and is served to adults. The final round, “bereka,” is the strongest and is believed to bring blessings and good fortune.
6. Serving with Snacks: Alongside the coffee, traditional snacks such as popcorn, peanuts, or roasted barley (known as “kolo”) are served to guests. These snacks provide a delightful accompaniment to the coffee and enhance the social aspect of the ceremony.
7. Symbolism and Social Bonding: The Eritrean coffee ceremony is more than just a beverage preparation. It holds deep cultural and social significance, symbolizing friendship, hospitality, and community. It is a time for people to come together, share stories, and strengthen relationships.

The Eritrean coffee ceremony is not merely about the consumption of coffee but rather a celebration of Eritrean culture, traditions, and values. It is an opportunity for people to connect, engage in conversation, and appreciate the importance of community and social bonds.

READ ALSO: Top Eritrean Food and Drink Tours & More

Eritrean Food Near Me

I do not know of any Eritrean restaurants in Dar es Salaam, but for Habesha food in general, I recommend Rohobot Ethiopian Restaurant in Msasani.

Ethiopian Cultural Coffee Ceremony (Habesha Coffee Ceremony)

The growing and preparing of coffee is a longstanding tradition in Ethiopia.

The buna Ethiopian traditional coffee ceremony is practiced all over Ethiopia.

Ethiopia is where Coffea arabica, the coffee plant, originates from.

Although coffee is now grown in various parts of the world; Ethiopia is the largest coffee producer in Africa and the fifth largest producer in the world. Coffee grown in Ethiopia accounts for 4.2% of global coffee production.

Today, I’d like to tell you about how I first discovered Ethiopian traditional coffee and how it came to be my favorite coffee of all.

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At university, I used to drink coffee all the time.

During the day, I drank coffee to get me through boring lectures.

At night, I’d drink coffee to keep me awake while studying.

It was during this time that I developed a taste for the way I drink coffee today: dark, sweet, and preferably with no milk.

It’s that particular taste for coffee that led me to what I’d like to tell you about today: Ethiopian traditional coffee.

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As an (older) adult, I no longer drink coffee as much as I used to.

I don’t usually drink coffee in the morning.

In fact, I generally try to stay away from coffee because it makes me a little jittery.

Nonetheless, after a heavy meal or when I need some pepping up, I often turn back to trusty coffee.

How I Discovered Ethiopian Traditional Coffee

In recent years, there’s one coffee that I have come to love above all others.

That’s Ethiopian coffee served the traditional way.

Habesha Coffee

The first time I  drank this kind of coffee was at Habesha Restaurant (in fact, the first time I ever ate at Habesha), when an Ethiopian colleague suggested ordering Ethiopian coffee to wash down the huge wonderful meal we had just had.

Ethiopian Coffee Tradition

Ethiopian coffee is served very strong, just the way I like it, and without milk.

It is usually accompanied by burning incense which (for me) is half the experience of drinking traditionally brewed Ethiopian coffee.

I love the simplicity of Ethiopian coffee, which allows you to truly savor the  wonderful flavor of the coffee itself.

Traditional Coffee Ceremony in Ethiopia/Ethiopian Cultural Coffee Ceremony

Until very recently, I had often heard about a famous ceremony surrounding how Ethiopians drink and serve coffee: the Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony.

On a recent visit to Addis Ababa, I had the chance to witness this ceremony (or a summarized version of it) in the lobby of the Hilton Addis Ababa Hotel.

I saw the process through which everyday Ethiopians take dried Ethiopian coffee beans and turn them into their potent flavorful brew.

As if I wasn’t sufficiently enamored with Ethiopian coffee before witnessing this ceremony, the ceremony gave me more background with which to further enjoy the drink.

Watch the video below to learn more about how Ethiopian coffee is drunk in Ethiopia.

Making Traditional Ethiopian Coffee

Are you a fan of Ethiopian coffee? Or do you rather prefer the coffee of the coffeehouse culture, complete with complicated Italian-inspired names?

If you have never tasted Ethiopian coffee before, I recommend it highly.

Simply ask for it at an Ethiopian restaurant near you (FYI, the best Ethiopian coffee I’ve ever had was from Habesha Restaurant in Nairobi so try it there if you are in that city).

Let me know what you think when you do.

Until the next time,
Biche

 Photo Credits: aiic2015assembly.org