Welcome

Since Ethiopian cuisine is a hands-on affair, clean hands are a must. Many Ethiopian hosts will bring you a pan and a pitcher of warm water. 

You put your hands in the pan and wait for the host to pour water over them. If you’re at home or in a public venue such as a restaurant, washing your hands with soap and water at a sink may also be acceptable.

Left hands are considered unclean in Ethiopia, so never use yours while eating. Keep your left hand off of the table. You can use your right hand for everything else. 

Eating Ethiopian food is rather simple, since all you need is a piece of Budena (Injera), which is a type of bread, or a utensil. You won’t find much of a need to use both hands. 

• This is one of the most important rules to remember. Eating with your left hand is very rude, so don’t even consider doing it.
• Eating directly with your right hand is also acceptable, although using Budena (Injera) is cleaner and easier.
• Remember that everyone in Ethiopia eats this way. You may find it a little difficult at first, but you will get the hang of it if you don’t give up.

Typically, all Ethiopian food is placed on a single communal tray. You may wish to try the doro wat on the other side of the table, but reaching for it is considered rude. 

To access it, wait until everyone else takes their hands out of the tray. Then, spin the tray towards you so you can easily reach what you need.

• If you make a mistake, apologize right away.

Licking your fingers is both gross and dangerous. Remind yourself that you often are dealing with communal plates when it comes to Ethiopian food. 

Putting your hands in your mouth introduces germs into the food that can get everyone else sick.

• You will get food on your fingers at times, but resist the urge to clean yourself. You could try discreetly wiping your fingers on the strip of Budena (Injera) you tear off.Add a description about this item

Follow the rhythm set by other diners so you aren’t bumping hands throughout the meal. Limit the tray to no more than 2 hands at a time. If you see 2 people reaching for the tray, stop and wait for them to finish.

• After beginning the meal, you will quickly begin noticing when people reach for the food. As long as everyone takes turns, accessing the communal tray won’t be an issue.

 As a show of respect, honour the eldest members of your dining party by allowing them to reach for the food first. After they have taken their turn, everyone else can begin eating. 

Everyone then continues taking turns until the meal is finished. 

• If you are the oldest member of the party, you may be expected to go first. If any Ethiopians at the table are doing nothing but staring at you, that may be why!

The way you feed someone else is similar to how you feed yourself. Tear off a strip of Budena (Injera)with your right hand, then wrap it around some meat or curry. 

Gently place it in the other person’s mouth, trying not to touch their face. The larger the food, the stronger the bond is between 2 people.