Dining in Ethiopia is characterized
by the ritual of breaking injera and eating from
the same plate, signifying the bonds of loyalty
and friendship. The quintessence of those bonds
are often demonstrated in the form of gursha-that
is, the placing of food in the mouth of another
diner from one’s own “hand.”
Injera, the traditional Ethiopian bread, is part
of every entrée. It is a large crepe/pancake
upon which the various stew-like dishes are served.
The traditional way of eating is with the fingers,
which is in itself a delicate art.
Something
about Ethiopian Food Culture
Ethiopian food is eaten with fingers because it
is tasteful and intimate. Traditionally, in Ethiopia,
one does not eat food alone or in a separate plate.
Ethiopians say, "Food tastes better when they
eat it together." Therefore, food is generally
eaten in a group sitting around a wide serving basket,
feeding not only oneself but also hand-feeding (giving
gursha to one another, especially guests, as an
expression of love and hospitality.
