4. Coffee Jebena & Sini Cups
Now that the Etan is wafting through the air and your guests have had their appetites stirred, it’s time to prepare for the Buna ceremony.
What You’ll Need:
Jebena: The Jebena, made from clay, has a round base, a long neck, and a spout for pouring. It’s used to brew the coffee directly over hot coals or a small stove.
Rokobot: This is a small, often wooden or woven tray used to carry and present the coffee cups. It adds elegance and structure to the ceremony, keeping everything organized and beautiful.
Sinis: These are small, handleless, tulip-shaped cups used to serve the coffee. They are customarily lined up in neat rows and columns on the rokobot, forming a rectangular layout.
Mankeshkesha and portable stove: Mankeshkesha is a small whisk used to roast the coffee beans on a postrable or regular stove.
5. Injera & Wot
No Ethiopian gathering is complete without injera. Lay the injera out on a big tray, then start adding the good stuff: misir (spiced lentils) and gomen (braised greens) if it’s tsom (fasting season), or go all out with tibs, kitfo, gomen be siga and a scoop of ayib (Ethiopian cottage cheese) if it’s a regular day.
Once everything’s ready, gather your people, dig in with your hands, and say it together: Enebla!
6. Cake
You know it’s not a real celebration without something sweet, so don’t forget the cake! Ethiopians love cake, and let’s be honest, they can be some of the toughest critics when it comes to getting it just right. So make sure you bring your best! If you’re feeling sentimental, add a little message on the cake. It’s a sweet way to make your dessert feel even more special and close out the get-together with warmth and joy.