Kokeb Ethiopian Restaurant

By West Africa Cooks, 1 May, 2015

A meetup in North London. A dinner MeetUp was booked to take place at the wonderful 'Kokeb Ethiopian Restaurant' (45 Roman Way, N7 8XF): Sat 16 May 2015, 6pm. As this is an Ethiopian business West Africa Cook looks into the traditions of the countries most famous export coffee.

Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony

Unknown to many, coffee was discovered in the Ethiopian highlands in the 9th Century.
Ethiopia's coffee ceremony is an integral part of their social and cultural life. An invitation to attend a coffee ceremony is considered a mark of friendship or respect and is an excellent example of Ethiopian hospitality.

Performing the ceremony is almost obligatory in the presence of a visitor, whatever the time of day. Don't be in a hurry though - this special ceremony can take a few hours. So sit back and enjoy because it is most definitely not instant.

Coffee is taken with plenty of sugar (or in the countryside, salt) but no milk and is generally accompanied by lavish praise for its flavour and skillful preparation. Often it is complemented by a traditional snack food, such as popcorn, peanuts or cooked barley.

In most parts of Ethiopia, the coffee ceremony takes place three times a day - in the morning, at noon and in the evening. It is the main social event within the village and a time to discuss the community, politics, life and about who did what with whom. If invited into a home to take part, remember - it is impolite to retire until you have consumed at least three cups, as the third round is considered to bestow a blessing.

Location: How To Get There

45 Roman Way
London
N7 8XF
Kokeb Ethiopian
Nearest Tube Stations: Caledonian Road (Piccadilly, 3min walk)
Overground Station: Caledonian Road & Barnsbury
Bus: 17, 91, 259, 274

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