Buna Qalaa: A Unique Take on Coffee by the Oromo people of Ethiopia
Discover this Oromo delicacy made from coffee and butter, and learn how to make it
The Oromo Coffee Ceremony (2022) by Abinet TeshomeVisit Oromia
What is Buna - Coffee ?
In Oromia, brewing black coffee is one of the most popular ways to enjoy the cherry which grows in many parts of the region. The Oromo drink black coffee out of small cups called Shinii with a little bit of sugar, salt, or butter.
Buna Qalaa by Moti PicturesVisit Oromia
A tasty coffee snack
An unusual way in which the Oromo enjoy coffee is called Buna Qalaa and it is a fascinating delicacy that illustrates the deep tie the Oromo people have with coffee.
What is Buna Qalaa?
Buna Qalaa is an Oromo delicacy that is prepared by frying raw coffee beans in clarified butter. The raw coffee beans are consumed whole and the word Qalaa (slaughter) in the name comes from the small holes at the top of the cherry that are forced open to let butter in.
Coffee as a Dish (2022) by Abinet TeshomeVisit Oromia
The makings of a rich coffee drink
The butter that is now imbued with the flavor of the coffee is added to milk making for a very rich coffee drink.
The Coffee Ceremony (2022) by Aron Simeneh and Berhanu beyeneVisit Oromia
Buna Danfisuu - Brewing black coffee
The Oromo across Oromia are ardent coffee drinkers and drink several small cups a day at ceremonies succeeding mealtimes.
Traditional Oromo Household Item (2022) by Aron Simeneh and Berhanu beyeneVisit Oromia
One beverage drunk many ways
Coffee is mostly drunk out of small porcelain cups in Oromia, but the Oromo have several items made out of gourd, such as the Quluu seen here, or wood used to drink different types of coffee including a popular version with a splash of milk.
Skilfully carved gourd items like the Mooyyee and Muktumaa (on the left), used to grind the coffee, Qorii Buna Qalaa (on the right) in which the delicacy is served and Okkotee Buna Qalaa (middle) in which the coffee and butter are fried make coffee drinking a beautiful and delicious experience.
Buna Qalaa by Moti PicturesVisit Oromia
Buna Qalaa brings us together
Buna Qalaa is a popular delicacy that ties together many Oromo ceremonies. It is a beloved snack that is prepared for special occasions and, like Black Coffee, is shared with friends, family, and all those that grace the Oromo home.
Brought to you by the Oromia Tourism Commission in partnership with Laurendeau & Associates.
Written by Outdoor Ethiopia
Photographed By Berhanu Beyene, Abinet Teshome, & Aron Simeneh
Produced by Metasebia Yoseph & Lidya Gebrehanna for Laurendeau & Associates.
Music by Manuhe Negesse Gudina
Special Thanks To
Oromo Cultural Center for sharing their archive and artifacts.
Guzo Technology
Eternal Media
Nega Wedajo Werete
Hickson Debele
Cultural Foods recreated by Saaraa Duubee.
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