Ethiopian Coffee Culture and History

Quick answer

Ethiopia is the birthplace of coffee. According to legend, a goat herder named Kaldi discovered it in the 9th century. Coffee remains central to daily life through the coffee ceremony, in which green beans are roasted, ground by hand and brewed in a clay jebena, then served over three rounds: abol, tona and baraka.

From legend to daily ritual—explore how coffee shaped Ethiopian life.