Ethiopia and the origins of coffee
Ethiopia is widely considered the place coffee originally came from, and it holds a different place there than it does in the West. Buna, which means coffee in Amharic, is not only a drink but a social occasion - something done together, slowly, not on the way out.
That culture connects directly to the way an Ethiopian meal is eaten: shared, and in no hurry.
What we serve at Balinjera
There are two options on our menu. Buna coffee is served as a single cup, and alongside it there is a buna pot - served in a pot, for anyone who wants to sit with the coffee for a while or share it with others around the table.
Alongside the coffee there is also spiced tea, and spiced tea with ginger - a good option for anyone who prefers to finish without caffeine.
When to order it
The most natural moment is at the end of the meal. After a shared platter, coffee is what stretches the sitting out a little longer - which is exactly its role in the Ethiopian tradition.
If you are coming as a group, the pot is the logical choice: it is made for sharing, just like the rest of the meal.