A first-timer's guide to Habesha food ·እንኳን ደህና መጡ

Everything arrives on one big round of injera, the soft, slightly sour teff bread that is your plate and your fork at once. Tear a piece with your right hand, pinch up some stew, and eat. Nobody minds if it takes a few tries.

If you are not sure what to order, ask for beyaynetu, a spread of vegetable and lentil stews that is entirely plant-based, then add one meat dish: doro wat (the slow chicken stew with an egg), tibs (sauteed beef or lamb) or kitfo (minced beef with spiced butter and mitmita; ask for it leb leb if you want it lightly cooked).

And if someone at the table folds a bite and offers it to you, that is gursha. It is a gesture of affection, and accepting is part of the meal.