Discovering Ethiopia’s Coffee Tradition in Lalibela

In Ethiopia, coffee ceremonies are a cultural tradition that has deep historical roots and remains an essential part of daily life. These ceremonies are not only a daily ritual for Ethiopians but also an intriguing experience for curious tourists who want to immerse themselves in the country’s rich culture.

My own encounter with this tradition happened in Lalibela, a town in Ethiopia’s Amhara Region. My host was a warm and welcoming woman, and she shared her humble mud hut with her young son and her teenage nephew.

What I remember most was the meticulous care she put into crafting the coffee from scratch, something I hadn’t witnessed before, as I’m not much of a coffee drinker myself. I watched in fascination as she meticulously washed, roasted, and ground the beans over an open flame, filling the air with that distinctive comforting aroma.The ground beans were placed into a clay pot with water, slowly brewing over an open fire. Upon serving, a pinch of sea salt was added to mellow the bitterness and enhance the coffee’s inherent sweetness. To my surprise, I found it enjoyable, something I hadn’t expected but did. Even her young son had his own specially sized cup.

Beyond the taste, the Ethiopian coffee ceremony provided a distinct chance to connect with local culture, interact with Ethiopians, and savor some of the world’s finest coffee. It combined sensory delight, cultural immersion, and warm hospitality, and also offered me an opportunity to capture interesting photographs.