Interesting, Delicious, Hearty, Surprising, Yummy!

 I asked all my fellow interns this afternoon to describe, in one word, Ethiopian food. The words I received were; interesting, delicious, hearty, surprising and yummy (that last one was mine). 

Prior to yesterday, I had never eaten Ethiopian food. But given that this summer I would be working with Ethiopian Jews, at the Ethiopian National Project (ENP), researching Ethiopian life and culture and the importance and impact of the work carried out by ENP, that trying out the food on day one wasn’t a bad idea. Me and some of the other interns walked to a place nearby and ordered two veggie platters. In a matter of minutes we received a huge platter, filled with vegetables, spices, and lots of different beans and lentils. Thankfully, one of the interns stepped in and explained the process of eating this food. With no utensils in sight, we started scooping up veggies and beans with the Injera (a sponge-y Ethiopian bread). At first the experience was very much about the food, looking out for the spicier options, and scooping things up to get the perfect blend of bread, lentils and fresh veggies. 

However, what I found to be the most enjoyable part of the experience, was that after we all figured out how to eat this new cuisine, the focus shifted from the novelty of the food to connecting with one another. Not only were we all sharing a summer internship experience at ENP-- There was absolutely something special about all of us sharing one large platter, and getting to experience it together. In more Western style cuisines, everyone gets their own dish. Sometimes appetizers or maybe a salad is split, but for the most part you have your food that no one else touches. Family style can become a little more intimate, but you still have your own plate. 

The difference with this food, at least for me, was getting to sit around a platter, all together, experiencing the food with one another and getting to talk about our day. It felt more intimate and more connected than the food that I am used to. There was definitely something unique about experiencing this food in the capacity that I did, and I’m very excited to eat it again.