Shabbat is a day of rest and enjoyment.

Ethiopian Jewish households bless wine and dabo. Then, they enjoy a nutritious meal surrounded by family and friends. 

Among Ethiopian Orthodox Christians, who comprise an approximate majority of the Ethiopian population in the Horn of Africa and whose traditions grew out of Judaism, fasting is an important religious practice throughout much of the church-calendar year.

Ethiopian Orthodox Christian adherents fast by abstaining from meat and dairy (viz., avoiding all animal products). These dietary restrictions are precisely why Ethiopians embrace vegan and vegetarian options in their flavorful national cuisine. In the absence of meat, people who regularly consume Ethiopian food are still well-nourished.  

Ethiopia has produced exquisite vegan and vegetarian foods for centuries precisely due to the religious constraints, as a result of their fast and way of life. Abstinence led to excellence. 

In the west, many people consume meat daily, which is not a healthy and sustainable practice for an individual or the environment. 

If more people give up meat or decrease the amount of meat consumption, it would positively impact our physical health by eliminating disease and it would improve our global climate. 

May Ethiopian traditions spread. May we learn from the ancient wisdom of Ethiopian culture and cuisine. 

As the world catches up to Ethiopia by promoting the now popular plant-based diet, we hope you’ll join in the celebration with us at Tsion Cafe. Ethiopian culture is here today for everyone to benefit from. As we’ve learned, popular culture extols the benefits of a plant-based diet. It’s a current trend. So, try the tasty veggie-variety available in Ethiopian cuisine! Your taste buds will thank you!

Letenachin! (To our health!)