Sweet Times: Ethiopian Coffee ceremony at Kefita Coffee
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👋 Shafaq here with a coffee experience and recommendation.
Dig in: Kefita Coffee, opened just over six months ago in Midtown, serves up Ethiopian coffee and some Ethiopian pastries.
The intrigue: Once a month, they host an Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony led by the owner's mother. Dozens are huddled around, connecting with each other, all getting a glimpse of Ethiopian culture.
- She brews coffee in jebena (a traditional vessel) and pours it into classic Ethiopian cups. She lights incense and shares the cultural roots of the ritual — how usually women gather for three rounds of coffee, with time for conversation (read: gossip), community and calm.
- It's strong black coffee that gets slightly weaker with each round. Try it with sugar — or salt, if you're curious about a more traditional variation. Snack on barley and nuts while you're at it.
My experience: The ceremony feels intimate and grounding. The space is casual and cozy, set in what used to be a house. While the minimalist decor leaves my maximalist heart wanting a bit more, the comfy sofas and warm energy make up for it.
What to order: Go for the bunna flight ($12) to sample three lattes: the house blend Kefita, the smooth Addis (a tribute to the owner's mom) and the bold, spice-forward Abyssinia.
- I'll be getting the Addis again.
- The butter croissant ($6) and sambusa with lentil ($4) were also good.