Pairing Ayib correctly — a note on fresh juice

Most people overlook how much the right drink changes Ayib. I ordered it with fresh juice and the deep and earthy elements of the dish sharpened considerably against the pairing. berbere spice blend in particular became more prominent in a good way.

Ethiopian communal eating with no utensils from a shared injera is a social and hygienic tradition. The a traditional coffee ceremony setting is where you learn these pairings — they evolved together. If you've been having Ayib with the wrong drink, try it correctly once. It's a genuinely different experience. The restaurant deserves credit for getting this right.