The Ethiopian coffee ceremony is not a single venue but a cultural practice found throughout the country and in many cafes and restaurants in Addis. Green coffee beans are roasted over charcoal in front of guests, ground by hand, and brewed in a clay jebena pot. The ceremony involves three rounds of coffee — abol, tona, and baraka — representing strength, blessings, and grace respectively.
Asking for a coffee ceremony at your guesthouse or a traditional restaurant is one of the most genuine experiences available in Addis. Many restaurants in the Piazza and Bole areas offer it as a standalone experience. The popcorn and frankincense that typically accompany the ceremony are not decorative — they are the same offering made at weddings, funerals, and celebrations throughout Ethiopia.