Read to learn about the people, places and traditions that make Ethiopia the incredible country that it is, and some tips and info that will make your transition to a new place a little easier. Be prepared: you might be quizzed!

Greetings

As you meet people, here are some customs that you should be aware of: 

• Especially among women or meeting somebody for the first time, it is common to share a kiss on the cheek. You can expect to “bump cheeks” between 2-4 times. 

• As you shake hands: place your left hand, palm up, below your right elbow. This is a sign of respect, and just as you should remember to do it,  you will observe others doing it as they meet you.

Coffee (Buna) Ceremony

A coffee ceremony is an integral part of Ethiopian culture.  It can last 45-90 minutes and customarily has 3 rounds of coffee, especially when visiting someone’s home. 

Coffee or buna is served in very small cups, with sugar and occasionally milk or a sprig of herbs that you swirl for added flavor. Buna is very strong, which is evidenced by the small cups it is served in. It can be served at any time of day, normally after lunch or in the evening (as late as 9 p.m.).  

Although we would consider this the most authentic coffee experience in the world, as Ethiopia is the birthplace of coffee, we understand if  you are not a coffee drinker. Hosts will want to share something with you, and you can feel comfortable asking for shai (tea), which is also delicious! 

Ethiopian cuisine is unique and very delicious! 

The staple food is Injera, a large and round piece of bread that is pancake thin. Made from Teff, the smallest grain in the world and native to Ethiopia, the dough is fermented for several days before cooking, and can have a slight sourdough taste to it.  This bread serves as both plate and utensil, and you will pick up Injera with your hands, and use it to eat the other food. This may take practice, and we suggest observing how they eat, or even asking for them to show you. Please make sure to eat only with your right hand, as it is not culturally accepted to eat with your left.  

It is very common in Ethiopian culture for many to share from one plate or share gursha, the practice of feeding each other as a sign or honor or respect.

Common Foods:

• Shiro wat - Ground chickpeas, made into a spicy stew. Can be thin and runny, or thicker

• Misir wat - Lentils, made into a stew (red is spicy, yellow is more mild)

• Meat - When it is eaten, it is commonly goat or chicken

• Vegetable dishes - Commonly made with potatoes, green beans, cabbage, carrots, beets etc.

• Rice

• Bread

• Salad - Primarily made of tomato, onion and spicy peppers.  You should feel comfortable eating uncooked vegetables at any Selamta house, although we recommend you use abstain from uncooked vegetables when traveling and eating out.

• Spaghetti - Served with oil, tomatoes and berbere 

• Popcorn - Topped with salt and sugar, and is commonly served with coffee.

Shops

Within the Bethel community, there are many storefront shops called ‘suks’  that you can walk to and purchase daily essentials. They carry many common food and cleanliness items. 

Tipping

At restaurants, a “normal” tip is 5-10 Birr (probably more in  certain occasions). Tips are not calculated by percentage of the bill, and instead a flat rate is usually fine. If you are accompanied by a local person, it is best to double check with them. 

However, remember that giving tips is also a way to empower those that are working and doing a great job. Don’t forget that you are there as a visitor, and by purchasing goods or tipping, you are boosting the local economy. 

Time, clock and calendar

Ethiopia is 8 hours ahead of the U.S. in the winter months, and 7 hours ahead in the summer, dependent on Daylight Savings Time. 

Time seems to hold a different meaning in Ethiopia, and it may seem to move a bit more slowly. If you have a meeting at an agreed upon time, do not be surprised if their arrival time is flexible. Please remember to be patient, and accommodating. Remember that you are in their culture and they have different practices than we do. 

The Ethiopian clock is set differently than the rest of the world. Because they are so close to the Equator, the sun rises at 6 a.m. and sets at 6 p.m. consistently throughout the year. 

Their clock is 6 hours different than ours. (This does not refer to time change or jet lag...) 

Quite literally, they start their day, counting from 12. So at sunrise, what we would call 6 a.m., they would call 12. 

• 7 a.m. is 1. 

• 8 a.m. is 2.

This is very important to remember, as you are setting appointments or schedules with National Ethiopians. Always clarify, “who’s clock,” you are referring to, and remember that if it is theirs, you must add 6 hours.

Language

Amharic is a very phonetic language. The Amharic language has 231 letters, and each one consists of two sounds. Word endings designate gender and/or plural speech. Sounds that they do not have include th and the short a sound. 

Restrooms

Toilets are not as commonly found throughout the city  as they are in the U.S. Most are squatty style, and the “western” toilets that you will find, may not always flush. 

Please, do not flush toilet tissue at any location in Ethiopia. The sewage systems cannot handle it, and it will back up toilets. Toilet tissue always goes in the trash.

There will be tissue provided at the Community Center. If you need to ask for more or buy some, most locals call it “soft.”

Please remember that you will not find toilet tissue in most public places (including the airport) or in people’s homes. You should always carry your own tissue, and baggies also. 

We recommend carrying hand sanitizer with you.