San Diego's Ethiopian community brings a slice of their homeland's traditions to the city with a weekly coffee ceremony that promises an experience far richer than your average caffeine fix. Addis Restaurant, located on El Cajon Boulevard, serves up an authentic Ethiopian coffee ceremony every Saturday - shareable amongst friends and family, deeply rooted in Ethiopian culture, where the brew is deeply respected as a symbol of togetherness and communication.
Owners Fekadu Engedaw and Alemtsehay Dagne, who immigrated from Ethiopia in 1985, are determined to stay connected to their heritage while introducing the vibrant culture to San Diego. “This is traditional Ethiopian coffee. This is a coffee ceremony,” Dagne emphasized in an interview obtained by KPBS. Over a specialized pan, she roasts coffee beans. She invites customers to gather around to be regaled with tales about Ethiopia and the significance of the coffee they're about to savor.
The ceremony isn't just about the taste but also the collective experience. “We're here for everybody. This is welcoming for everybody. This is everybody's house,” Dagne told KPBS, highlighting that the ritual goes beyond coffee and into discussing life, akin to group therapy. Engedaw revealed that the ceremonies reflect a daily Ethiopian ritual where families and friends come together to talk, share advice, and support each other. According to the couple, having a dialogue over coffee is intrinsic to their societal fabric.
Engedaw further notes the robust nature of their traditional coffee, "This is stronger. This is like four times Starbucks," he described, alluding to the intense flavor profile that guests can expect. A standard ceremony involves profoundly grounding beans directly into the water, resulting in that characteristic potent kick. A KPBS article highlights that the ceremony is a leisurely three-cup process designed to engage the senses fully, with traditional Ethiopian snacks accompanying each cup.
For those looking to experience this curated slice of Ethiopian culture, Eventbrite details reveal two one-hour ceremonies available every Saturday, at 10 am or 11 am. With reservations highly recommended, the event costs $9 per person, which includes up to three cups of coffee each, alongside snacks. The heat from the freshly roasted beans and the camaraderie of new friends can just be the perfect start to a weekend morning.
As outlined on their website, "Food is a core part of community in Ethiopia, and at Addis, we want you to feel like part of our community." The story of Addis Restaurant isn't just about the delightful Ethiopian cuisine but about the essence of community it aims to cultivate, as expressed through their own words shared on Addis's website.
