Tag Archives: Fetlework Tefferi

On a Quest to Preserve Traditional Ethiopian Spices

It is hard to overstate the importance of spice blends in Ethiopian dishes. Far from adding a sprinkle of flavor at the end of cooking, they constitute the deep soul of the cuisine, and their creation is considered an art. Fetlework Tefferi of Oakland’s Cafe Colucci is on a quest to preserve and promote traditional spice harvesting in her native Ethiopia. Continue reading

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Drink up the Culture at a Traditional Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony

Invited to attend a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony, I smell the incense, sip the coffee and share in the centuries-old ritual. Continue reading

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Eat with Your Hands for a Sensuous, Intimate, Mindful Meal

Eating with the hands is more than just a way to maneuver food to the mouth. It embodies cultural values including, a sensuous connection to the food, the feeling of sharing and community, practicality avoiding waste, even prolonging a delicious meal by enjoying the lingering aroma of it on the fingers. Many cultures, such as Indian, Arab and African have dined this way for thousands of years. In a video-clip, the writer receives a hands-on lesson in eating with the hands — Moroccan style.
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Posted in Ethiopian food, Indian food, Morocco, Politeness | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment