Sip into Tradition with Tej!

by surend626 | Nov 6, 2024 | Blogs

Every occasion gives us an excuse to drink our favorite beverage – ALCOHOL! And that’s what we’re talking about this midweek!

They say that 𝐠𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐨𝐝 puts you in a 𝐠𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐦𝐨𝐨𝐝. </p>
<p>Have you ever gotten into a fight with your boyfriend/girlfriend, but after enjoying a delightful meal, the atmosphere surprisingly became lighter? … because SAME! </p>
<p>This blog features an Ethiopian and Eritrean dish that will not brighten up your feeling alone, as this meal was able to go on for many centuries and 𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐠𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐠𝐚𝐩𝐬 between nations beyond East Africa.</p>
<p>An article by CNN in 2023 featured the best Ethiopian food, and to no surprise, Tibs was one of the displayed dishes! When it comes to Ethiopian and Eritrean cuisine, Tibs is among the most popular given its 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐭𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞, 𝐡𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞.</p>
<p>The origin of Tibs was rooted in the rich history of Ethiopia and Eritrea. Tibs was primarily served to honor guests and celebrate important events. Generally, serving good food to your visitors is a sign of 𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭 in almost all cultures in the world.</p>
<p>It is relatively customary that a host would want to showcase the quality of meat available in their home, as this often indicates their 𝐰𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐬. Similarly in the United States, it is a common American culture to serve turkey when hosting Thanksgiving.</p>
<p>Both Tibs and Turkey are for sharing because aside from showing generosity, these dishes are often the centerpiece of family gatherings, social events, and religious occasions. The act of sharing food symbolizes 𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐨𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 in both cultures.</p>
<p>The preparation of Tibs is more than just a communal activity. It is an act that brings family members and loved ones together. And that’s what we were doing at 𝐑𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐞𝐚 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭 & 𝐁𝐚𝐫 when we first established our restaurant in the ‘80s!</p>
<p>At 𝐑𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐞𝐚 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭 & 𝐁𝐚𝐫, we have always taken pride in serving Tibs, honoring its amazing past while celebrating its place in modern cuisine. Come and experience the tibs-tastic dish and 𝐬𝐚𝐯𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐡𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐛𝐢𝐭𝐞!<br />

Many of us may agree that an occasion without alcohol may be a little … boring! Almost all parts of the world have their very own traditional alcoholic drink, and for Ethiopia and Eritrea, it’s TEJ!

Since Tej is served at special gatherings like weddings and religious holidays, it is proven that this strong sweet golden drink is more than just a beverage. Tej is a symbol of hospitality, celebration, and cultural heritage!

Tej is a type of mead made by fermenting honey with water. More than that, a unique ingredient called gesho leaves and sticks is added. Gesho is a plant, which is mostly used for beer-making in the region of Ethiopia and Eritrea. It has a bitter undertone that balances the sweetness of the honey.

Sip into Tradition with Tej!

In the Ethiopian and Eritrean rural areas, Tej is often homemade – and what makes it more unique than any other honey wine is that each household (or community) may add their touch to the brewing process.

Making Tej requires patience – and this practice is just one of the shared experiences in the Ethiopian and Eritrean cultures that brings people together and strengthens their bond and tradition.

Stay tuned for more of Red Sea Restaurant & Bar’s Wednesday Weblogs as with words, we want to show you the rich heritage of Ethiopia and Eritrea. See us at our restaurant and create a memorable and unique experience with your family!