The coffee ceremony.
Coffee the way it's made at home in Ethiopia: green beans roasted in front of you, brewed in a clay jebena, and poured in three rounds.
In Ethiopia, coffee isn't a quick stop. It's an invitation to sit down together.
Families and neighbors gather for it every day, and the ceremony can last an hour or more. There's no rush, and nobody leaves after one cup. Every Friday evening we set out the low table, light the incense and pour coffee the traditional way, for anyone who wants to pull up a chair.
What happens at the table.
The ceremony follows the same steps it has for generations. Each one takes its time.
Roast
Green beans are washed, then roasted in a pan over the flame. The pan is passed around so everyone can take in the smoke.
Grind
The roasted beans are ground by hand with a mortar and pestle, just before brewing.
Brew
The coffee simmers in a jebena, a round clay pot with a long neck, until it's ready to pour.
Pour
Coffee is poured from a height into small handleless cups, in three rounds, with snacks passed around the table.
- Frankincense burns while the coffee brews, filling the room.
- Fresh grass is scattered around the table to welcome guests.
- Popcorn and bread are shared between rounds.
Three rounds.
Abol
The first pour, and the strongest.
Tona
Brewed again from the same grounds, a little lighter.
Bereka
The last pour. Bereka means blessing.
Reserve a seat.
Seats are limited so everyone has a place at the table. Save yours and we'll have a cup waiting.
- All three rounds of fresh-roasted Ethiopian coffee
- Popcorn, dabo and something sweet between rounds
- About two hours at the table, Friday from 6 pm
- Pay at the café. Kids under 12 sit free
Your seat
Host a ceremony.
Bring the ceremony to your team, your family or your next celebration. We'll set the table, roast the beans and pour, at the café or at your place.
- Team and staff appreciation
- Birthdays and family gatherings
- Holidays and community events
Good to know.
Do I need to know anything before I come?
Not a thing. We'll walk you through each step as it happens. Just come curious and ready to sit for a while.
Is it family friendly?
Yes. Kids are welcome and sit free under 12. We'll have something other than coffee for the little ones.
Can I come for just one round?
You're welcome to, though most guests stay for all three. The third round, bereka, is considered the blessing.
Is there decaf?
The ceremony coffee is regular, but we'll happily make you a decaf or a spiced shay instead.
What if I can't make it?
Just reply to your confirmation email to cancel or move your seat to another Friday.