Today we’d like to introduce you to Menal Kidane
Menal, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I arrived in the U.S. as a refugee from Eritrea in 2019. After spending six months in detention, I was granted asylum and released. Since then, I’ve been living in Los Angeles, working as a cashier at LAX and improving my English at the ESL class at Venice Skill Center. I also work as a chef at Flavor From Afar.
About a year ago, I discovered my passion for starting an Eritrean coffee ceremony business, which I named Jebena Joy Café. I’m currently in the process of publishing it and have had the opportunity to host coffee ceremonies for various events like weddings and baby showers. It’s been an exciting journey, and I’m grateful for the opportunities that have come my way.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road hasn’t been entirely smooth. One of the significant challenges was navigating the transition from detention to adjusting to life in a new country. It took time to adapt to a new culture and language while managing the uncertainties of starting over.
Building my business, Jebena Joy Café, also presented its own set of challenges. From securing the necessary resources to overcoming the initial hurdles of establishing credibility and gaining clients, it required perseverance and dedication. Despite these obstacles, the support from my community and my passion for sharing Eritrean coffee culture have been crucial in overcoming these difficulties.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Jebena Joy Café is dedicated to sharing the rich tradition of Eritrean and Ethiopian coffee ceremonies. We specialize in performing these traditional ceremonies, which involve roasting, grinding, and brewing coffee in a Jebena pot. This meticulous process not only brings out the unique flavors of Eritrean coffee but also provides an immersive cultural experience that fosters connection and celebration.
What sets Jebena Joy Café apart is our commitment to authenticity and the personal touch we bring to each event. I carefully curate every aspect of the ceremony to ensure a memorable and meaningful experience for my clients. My attention to detail and dedication to preserving the cultural significance of the coffee ceremony make Jebena Joy Café unique.
I am most proud of how Jebena Joy Café has grown from an idea into a platform for celebrating and sharing Eritrean culture. The brand represents not just a service, but a cultural journey that brings people together through the art of coffee. I want readers to know that Jebena Joy Café is about more than just coffee; it’s about creating meaningful connections and celebrating traditions in a personal and distinctive way.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
In addition to our current offerings, I am excited about expanding Jebena Joy Café’s reach and exploring new ways to engage with the community. I’m also open to collaborations and partnerships that align with our mission of celebrating Eritrean culture.
We’ve received wonderful feedback from clients who appreciate the authenticity and warmth of our ceremonies, which inspires me to continue refining and enhancing the experience we offer. I hope readers will consider Jebena Joy Café not only for its unique coffee ceremonies but also as a way to connect with and celebrate Eritrean and Ethiopian traditions.
What is a Coffee Ceremony?
The Eritrean coffee ceremony is a traditional and highly social ritual that plays a significant role in the culture and daily life of Eritrea. Here’s a brief overview:
1. Preparation: The ceremony begins with the roasting of green coffee beans over an open flame. The beans are stirred continuously until they are dark and fragrant. This roasting process is often done in front of guests, allowing everyone to enjoy the aroma.
2. Grinding: Once roasted, the coffee beans are ground, traditionally using a mortar and pestle.
3. Brewing: The ground coffee is then brewed in a special pot called a “jebena,” which is typically made of clay. Water is added to the jebena, and the coffee is brewed over a charcoal stove until it reaches the desired strength.
4. Serving: The coffee is poured into small, handleless cups called “finjal” from a height, which allows the coffee to mix well. The first round of coffee, known as “awel,” is the strongest. It is followed by two more rounds, called “kale’i” and “bereka,” with each subsequent round being slightly weaker.
5. Accompaniments: The coffee is usually served with snacks like popcorn, bread, or a traditional type of bread called “himbasha.” Incense, often frankincense, is burned during the ceremony, adding to the sensory experience.
6. Social Aspect: The ceremony is a time for conversation, storytelling, and bonding. It’s a way to show hospitality and respect to guests, and it often lasts for several hours. The process is seen as an important way to connect with others and take a break from daily routines.
The Eritrean coffee ceremony is similar to those found in other parts of East Africa, particularly in Ethiopia, but it has its unique touches that reflect Eritrean culture and traditions.
What Jebena Joy Café Provides
At Jebena Joy Café, we offer a complete Eritrean coffee ceremony experience for your events. Our services include:
1. Authentic Eritrean Coffee Ceremony: Jebena Joy Café offers a traditional Eritrean coffee ceremony experience, complete with the roasting, grinding, and brewing of coffee beans right in front of guests. This ceremony is a cultural ritual that brings people together, offering a deep connection to Eritrean heritage.
2. Freshly Roasted Coffee: The coffee beans are freshly roasted during the ceremony, filling the space with a rich and inviting aroma. This ensures that the coffee served is fresh and full of flavor.
3. Traditional Brewing with a Jebena: The coffee is brewed in a traditional clay pot known as a “jebena,” which is an essential part of the ceremony. The brewing process is slow and deliberate, allowing guests to savor the moment and the rich taste of the coffee.
4. Cultural Immersion: Beyond just serving coffee, Jebena Joy Café provides an immersive cultural experience. Guests are introduced to the customs and significance of the coffee ceremony in Eritrean culture, making it an educational as well as a social experience.
5. Accompaniments: Along with the coffee, traditional snacks like popcorn, bread, or himbasha (Eritrean sweet bread) are served, enhancing the overall experience.Our ceremony is more than just coffee; it’s an immersive cultural experience that includes traditional dress, bringing a touch of Eritrean heritage to your event.We offer this unique service for various occasions, ensuring a memorable and enriching experience for all guests.
6. Social Connection: The coffee ceremony is a time for guests to engage in conversation, share stories, and enjoy each other’s company. It’s more than just drinking coffee; it’s about building connections and experiencing a moment of togetherness.
7. Customizable for Events: Jebena Joy Café can tailor the coffee ceremony to fit various events, from intimate gatherings to larger celebrations like wedding, a corporate event, or a family gathering, our service offers a unique blend of warmth, hospitality, and cultural storytelling that leaves a lasting impression.
Invite your guests to savor not just the coffee, but the culture and tradition behind every cup with Jebena Joy Café.
or cultural events.
Pricing:
- Basic Coffee Ceremony Package: From $499, suitable for up to 15 guests.
- • Package 2: $899, accommodates up to 25 guests.
- • Package 3: $1,599, designed for 30-50 or more guests.
- Package 4: $3,000, for 50-100 guests.
- • Package 5: $4,500, for 100-300 guests
Contact Info:
- Website: https://blinq.me/fLq6if8pWtyBfxDGIctf
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/jebenajoycafe
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@jebenajoy
Image Credits
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