Kitfo as comfort food — exactly what I needed

Some dishes exist to comfort and Kitfo is absolutely in that category. The intensely spiced and complex quality works on something almost primal — you feel the warmth of it immediately. teff injera does work that no substitute can replicate.

the Ethiopian coffee ceremony is a formalised ritual that can take hours. There's something about the an Ethiopian diaspora restaurant abroad context that reinforces the comfort effect. fresh juice alongside is the traditional way and it makes complete sense. I come back to this dish when I need something dependable and restorative.