On January 7th, we hosted our very first Cooking Across Cultures dinner experience at Addis Ababa Ethiopian Restaurant. We had a great turnout of people who were curious and excited to learn more about Ethiopian culture and cuisine.
The all-you-can-eat buffet was a hit. Guests enjoyed authentic Ethiopian dishes including red lentils, split peas, cabbage, collards, green beans, potatoes, and the classic Doro Wat (spicy chicken stew). There was plenty of injera– the spongy bread that Ethiopian food is traditionally eaten with. Many guests tried eating with their hands for the first time and learned that injera is no quick recipe; it takes several days to prepare due to its fermentation process.
One of the most meaningful parts of the evening was hearing directly from the owners of Addis Ababa, who shared their story and how they opened the restaurant to build community after moving to Rochester. What stood out to me most was their intentionality around cooking healthy, nourishing food that brings people together. For them, food is more than a meal. It’s a way to connect, build relationships, and create daily moments of togetherness.
We also had the opportunity to experience a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony, learning how important sharing coffee is within the culture. I was especially impressed by how many guests enjoyed the coffee as-is, even those who don’t normally drink black coffee. If you ever visit an Ethiopian restaurant, I highly recommend ordering the coffee or tea. You’ll be amazed by how pure and flavorful it is.
That night, I had the pleasure of meeting so many people who love trying new foods and exploring different cultures. Seeing guests connect, ask questions, and genuinely engage with one another was incredibly rewarding.
This first dinner confirmed why Cooking Across Cultures exists. My hope is that this community continues to grow and that we can keep exploring the many incredible ethnic restaurants throughout the Rochester area. There is so much we can learn from one another and food is a beautiful place to start.
Want to be part of the next experience?
If you’re interested in attending future dinners, learning directly from local chefs, or exploring new cuisines with us, I’d love for you to join the community. Follow along on our FB page, sign up for email updates, and let me know what cuisines or cultural food experiences you’d love to see next.
Thank you again to everyone who attended and supported this experience. I’m so grateful and I can’t wait to continue sharing meals, stories, and culture together.
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