Is there a traditional Ethiopian birthday food?

[gfron1]

The title says it. I am making Ethiopian food this week for my dinner special and I know of at least one birthday that is coming in. Does anyone know if there is a traditional food or ceremony that might be appropriate?

[rooftop1000]

here is an Ethiopian bakery....

Chez Hareg

1915 Ninth Street, NW

Washington, DC 20001

Phone: 202-332-6000

[melamed]

here is an Ethiopian bakery....

Chez Hareg

1915 Ninth Street, NW

Washington, DC 20001

Phone: 202-332-6000

←

I am surprised that there is an Ethiopian bakery, the Ethiopians and Yemenite traditionally eat few sweets. In fact, diabetes has risen in these populations because of changing diets. I will ask my Ethiopian friend and get back to you.

[gfron1]

thank you. I had actually been to that bakery before and its much more traditional French pastry with a little flair.

[Busboy]

Having once been to an Ethiopian birthday party (my daughter's friend), I can confidently report that doro wat would be an excellent choice.

[melamed]

Having once been to an Ethiopian birthday party (my daughter's friend), I can confidently report that doro wat would be an excellent choice.

←

Ok, spoke to my Ethiopian friend (she comes from Gonder near the border of Sudan), they don't have cakes. For birthdays they eat popcorn or Dabo bread.

In the villages they seldom have cakes but in the cities (Adis Ababa) they adopted cake eating from Europe.

[gfron1]

Thank you Sarah - I'll find a recipe

[Lior]

I don't know if this is too late but...

Here there is an Ethiopian restaurant. At the end of Passover the Ethiopian Jews celebrate a return to "bread" and say good bye to Matza by a celebration called "Gdeft", which includes traditional dancing and traditional breads and foods. The dessert at this restaurant, which is also served for the Gdeft celebration is called Engotcha, a bread sweetened with honey.

I am attaching a video of it. Basically the person is explaining about Gdeft. When the bread gets cut the usual blessing is said in Hebrew and a piece is passed around to all (a custom in all Jewish cultures). Then you are given an explanation about the salty form of the bread, called Dabeh, and a sweet honey version, called Engotcha. Honey is used because of the connotations of sweetness, and also because of the stickiness, which represents family togetherness. A sweet drink called Tej is also served and is made from barley and honey, for celebrating love and life!

I can find you a recipe for the Engotcha if you would like.Gdeft at Habash restaurant

Edited May 5, 2009 by Lior (log)

[melamed]

I don't know if this is too late but...

Here there is an Ethiopian restaurant. At the end of Passover the Ethiopian Jews celebrate a return to "bread" and say good bye to Matza by a celebration called "Gdeft", which includes traditional dancing and traditional breads and foods. The dessert at this restaurant, which is also served for the Gdeft celebration is called Engotcha, a bread sweetened with honey.

I am attaching a video of it. Basically the person is explaining about Gdeft. When the bread gets cut the usual blessing is said in Hebrew and a piece is passed around to all (a custom in all Jewish cultures). Then you are given an explanation about the salty form of the bread, called Dabeh, and a sweet honey version, called Engotcha. Honey is used because of the connotations of sweetness, and also because of the stickiness, which represents family togetherness. A sweet drink called Tej is also served and is made from barley and honey, for celebrating love and life!

I can find you a recipe for the Engotcha if you would like.Gdeft at Habash restaurant

←

Wow, lior, where did you learn all this? I learned something new today.

[Lior]

I also learn something new everyday!

CLick on the link I gave above!!