ETHIOPIAN COFFEE POT

If you’ve ever been curious about the traditional Ethiopian coffee experience, know this: it all starts with the traditional coffee pot known as the jebena. The jebena’s position is more revered than that of the ordinary coffee maker. It’s the chief instrument of a ritual that brings people together in a celebration of coffee. 

In this guide, we’ll walk you through what the jebena is, how it’s used, and why it holds such a cherished place in Ethiopian coffee culture.

What Is a Jebena?

Jebena (Amharic: ጀበና, Arabic: جبنة) is a traditional Ethiopian and Eritrean coffee pot. It’s also used in Sudan. A jebena is typically handmade from clay, and it’s usually black but decorated with African paint. Often, the jebena is passed down through generations in the family. 

The jebena is used to brew coffee in the Ethiopian coffee ceremony, which is called a buna.

What Is a Jebena Made of?

The jebena coffee pot is usually made of clay. It typically has a neck and pouring spout, a handle that connects the neck to the lower part of the pot, and a spherical bottom. Jebenas from Ethiopia commonly have a spout while those from Eritrea do not. 

If you search for the jebena online, you’ll find full coffee pot sets which include the tea pot, the jebena stand, and (sometimes) small clay or porcelain cups.

Some jebenas have different-shaped bases.

Historical Roots of the Jebena 

The jebena has a long and varied history. It is believed to have originated in the Tigray region of Ethiopia in the year 1200 and is still in use today. 

Fun Fact: There is a small restaurant in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, that is shaped like an Ethiopian jebena. 

Cultural Roots of the Jebena

The jebena holds a very significant place in the cultures of Ethiopia and Eritrea. Most families have only one, and as described above, it is passed down from generation to generation. It is seen as more than a tool; it is an actual artifact because it represents shared cultural experiences and status in both Ethiopian and Eritrean cultures.

In Ethiopia, brewing coffee is often linked to womanhood. A young woman in the family starts this social event. The brewing process isn’t instant. As the beans are prepared and the coffee brews, the family comes together to chat and spend time with one another.

How Is a Jebena Used?

To brew coffee in the Ethiopian coffee ceremony:

1. You first roast green Ethiopian coffee beans until they’re dark and fragrant. Popular varieties include Harrar, Sidamo, and Yirgacheffe. 
2. If you don’t have access to green coffee beans, skip step 1. Go straight to grinding your roast beans using a mortar and pestle. 
3. Add the ground coffee and cold water to the jebena.
4. Place the clay coffee pot directly over medium heat on the stovetop or over hot coals. 
5. As the coffee heats, it will rise through the neck of the pot. Once it begins to bubble at the top, remove the jebena from the heat source and allow it to rest so the grounds can settle before pouring.

Before the coffee is poured from the jebena, a filter, usually made out of horsehair or similar material, is placed in the spout of the jebena to keep the coffee grounds from falling out as the liquid is poured into coffee cups. Since an Eritrean jebena has only one spout, it’s used both for filling the pot with water and grinds and for pouring out the coffee.

Traditionally, in Ethiopia, a small pottery cup called a sini or finjal is used to contain the coffee poured from the jebena. These are usually handmade and often come in sets that look like tea sets. These sets are also often passed down through generations of Ethiopian families.

Traditional Jebena Usage

The jebena is usually brewed three times a day: in the morning, at noon, and at night. To make coffee the traditional way, the water and coffee grounds are boiled on a fire pit made from hot coals, which can be located outside or indoors

Once the coffee has been brewed, it is poured into small cups and enjoyed with snacks, as mentioned above. Small cups are used so that each person can enjoy about three small servings.

What Is the Traditional Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony?

The Ethiopian coffee ceremony is a ritual that has been practiced for centuries. It is a way to honor coffee and the people who grow it. The ceremony can take many different forms but always involves brewing coffee in a jebena. It is a part of many special gatherings and can take place at different times of the day, depending on the purpose of the gathering and the intent.

The ceremony is usually performed in three phases: roasting the coffee, brewing it, and lastly, cupping the coffee. 

Here’s a short list of local terms related to the ceremony:

• Awel: the first word in Amharic for “coffee.” It is also the name of the month in which the ceremony takes place
• Kahleye: This is the coffee pot (jebena) that is used to brew the coffee. It has a long neck and narrow spout
• Bereka: This is the coffee cup that is used to drink the coffee. It is also called a “tasse.”

While the coffee is brewing, the young woman performing the ceremony sometimes lights incense to create a relaxing atmosphere and as part of the ritual of buna.

The host prepares cups for serving the coffee to the people taking part in the ceremony—who typically sit on the floor. Sometimes, the cups of coffee are paired with snacks like popcorn. In most cases, cups of Ethiopian coffee are consumed black, so the flavors can be truly appreciated unaltered.

The Ethiopian traditional coffee ceremony is a cultural practice, and while the act of preparing Ethiopian coffee has been Westernized, it is typically frowned upon to copy this traditional ceremony unless you have been invited into the culture by someone who is from it. You can still enjoy an Ethiopian coffee pot without the ritual attached to it, which is considered sacred by many.

Best 6 Ethiopian Coffee Pots (Jebenas) for Gifting, Brewing, and Ceremony

1. Best Ethiopian Coffee Pot for Bulk Gifting or Events

• Why we like it: It’s one of the few jebenas you can actually customize from top to bottom—logo engraving, surface graphics, even the packaging—so if you’re planning a large event and want people to go home with something that doesn’t feel mass-produced (even though it kind of is), this gives you control without needing to deal with ten different suppliers.
• Best for: Large events where the pot is doing more than just brewing coffee. Think weddings, milestone birthdays, or even high-end gifting where you want the item to carry a personal or branded touch.
• Material: It’s ceramic, factory-made in France. Not handmade, but the finish is reliable, and when you’re ordering 2,000 of something, consistency is probably more important than charming imperfections.
• Capacity: Between 1 and 1.3 liters per pot, which gives you enough volume for a small group without tipping into novelty-size territory.
• Design details: The seller lets you upload your own design files. They’ll handle customization preferences lol logos, prints, label instructions, packaging inserts in production. 
• Drawbacks to note: The MOQ is 2,000 units, so this isn’t a fit for small gatherings or casual gift bags. Also, although the product is manufactured in France, it’s listed by a Chinese seller, which may stretch shipping timelines or complicate back-and-forth communication if you’re on a tight schedule.
• Price: Starts at $7.98 per unit, but the per-unit cost drops if you order more than 2,000 pieces.
• Where to buy: Sold via Alibaba.

2. Best Jebena to Buy in Bulk for Reselling

• Why we like it: It’s not a regular plain black pot. The body is wrapped in a multicolor geometric pattern—green, red, yellow, white—that starts around the base of the neck and runs down toward the spout and handle. On top of that, the neck, handle, and spout are lined with tiny white bead-like dots that give it a handmade, almost ornamental feel. It’s visually busy in a good way that’s enough detail to stand out on a shelf, but still recognizably a jebena.
• Best for: Retailers or resellers looking to stock something a little flashier than the plain jebenas, without committing to an intimidating quantity.
• Material: Ceramic (not specified as handmade or factory), likely molded and painted. Finish quality will depend on the batch, but the listing photos look decent.
• Capacity: 1L, which is neither small nor oversized.
• Design details: The jebena comes with a matching cone-shaped lid, which helps it present well as a complete set. Not all models include lids, so this matters if you’re planning to sell it boxed or bundled.
• Drawbacks to note: Decoration might vary slightly from pot to pot. There’s no information on packaging or surface durability, so assume you’ll want to inspect a sample first before bulk ordering.
• Price: Varies by quantity, but the MOQ is only 300 units. This is far more manageable for new sellers or niche stockists.
• Where to buy: Available on Alibaba.

3. Best Alternative to Black Jebena (White, for Large Orders)

• Why we like it: Not everyone wants the classic black finish, and this porcelain version offers a clean white base with a subtle red, yellow, and orange kite pattern across the body. It’s a softer visual. It’s a great fit for clients who’re after something that still feels Ethiopian but is lighter and less imposing.
• Best for: Personal use or intimate gatherings. It’s the right size for customers doing daily coffee at home or serving two to four people.
• Material: Porcelain, which has a smooth surface, and easy to clean, but is also more fragile than clay or stoneware.
• Capacity: 800mL.
• Design details: The pot comes with a lid, and a kite motif wraps neatly around its midsection. 
• Drawbacks to note: Customization isn’t available unless you’re ordering at least 5,000 units. So if you’re a small brand or just want your logo on a few dozen, this isn’t for you.
• Price: Starts at $4.50 per unit if you’re ordering 1,000 or more, which is competitive for porcelain.
• Where to buy: Listed on Alibaba.

4. Best Handmade Jebena Set (with Ethiopian and Eritrean Pots)

• Why we like it: You get both the Ethiopian and Eritrean jebenas in one go. The pair costs $172.14 before taxes, which is pricey, but then again, you’re paying for tradition and duality, not mass production.
• Best for: The full ceremony setup: slow brewing, guests seated, incense maybe wafting, snacks nearby.
• Material: Clay, traditionally fired. The finish of each pot may vary slightly because these aren’t factory-perfect. 
• Capacity: Not disclosed, but both are standard-sized jebenas meant for group serving.
• Design details: Neither pot comes with a lid (sigh), but they do come with colorful straw stands that give them a home on the floor or mat during brewing.
• Drawbacks to note: No lid, which might disappoint you if you like to lock in the heat of your coffee. Also, the price isn’t low.
• Price: $172.14 for both, or you can buy one at a time. Shipping to the US is surprisingly manageable at $22.94.
• Where to buy: Available on Etsy. 

5. Best Small Jebena for Personal Use

• Why we like it: Honestly? It’s the jebena you take with you when you just want to disappear for a while and do nothing but boil water slowly and think about your life. It’s small, just enough for you or maybe one or two people if you’re feeling generous.
• Best for: Solo getaways. Or mini ceremonies where it’s just you, a friend, and maybe someone else who knows how to sit still. Also works as a gift if you want to give someone a pot that feels meaningful but not too “decorative shelf object that never gets used.”
• Material: Black, handmade clay. 
• Capacity: 16 oz, which is about 470 mL. It’s small. That’s kind of the point.
• Design details: A lid would’ve been nice. 
• Drawbacks to note: If you’re buying this hoping it’ll be some big ceremonial centerpiece, it’s not. It’s just a little clay pot that costs $45 and holds enough for one decent round of coffee.
• Price: $45. No bulk deal, no wholesale minimum—just buy the thing.
• Where to buy: Listed on Alibaba. 

6. Best Complete Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony Set

• Why we like it: Sometimes you don’t want to be digging around your kitchen trying to substitute a cereal bowl for a sugar dish. This set gives you everything: the jebena, the stand, the tray, the cup, the incense burner (yes), and the sugar bowl. Basically, if you want to do the full buna properly without improvising, this covers it.
• Best for: People who don’t just like coffee but are into the whole ceremony: the aroma, the incense, the time it takes. These coffee pots are also great as a gift if you’re buying for someone who’d appreciate the ritual.
• Material: No full specifications are listed, but the pots are hand-painted and ceramic, possibly clay-based. 
• Capacity: Not disclosed, but judging by the photo, it’s not oversized.
• Design details: Traditional patterns in bright, rich colors. Every piece has something going on visually, so it’ll stand out even when not in use.
• Drawbacks to note: You’re paying $234 and still don’t know the exact capacity of anything. So if measurements matter to you, this’ll probably stress you out.
• Price: Around $234 for the full set. No need to buy things separately or chase down matching pieces.
• Where to buy: Available on Etsy. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. What is an Ethiopian coffee pot called?

The Ethiopian coffee pot is called a jebena. The jebena is an iconic symbol of Ethiopian coffee culture. It is a clay pot with a long neck and narrow spout that is used to brew coffee in the traditional Ethiopian way.

It is considered a household staple in Ethiopia, and the decorations and designs on it are often used to represent social status.

Recommended Product: Fresh Roasted Coffee LLC Yirgacheffe.

2. How do you season a jebena?

There is no one right way to season a jebena. Some people say that you should never use soap to clean it, but rather scrub it with a brush and water. Others recommend using a light coating of vegetable oil before each use.

3. What is an Ethiopian coffee pot called?

It’s called a jebena. That’s the name used in Ethiopia and Eritrea. The spelling might vary (jebena, jabena, etc.), but whichever variation is used, it refers to the same thing: a round-bottomed clay pot with a long neck and a spout. In Ethiopia, jebenas have two spouts (one to pour coffee, one to add water), while in Eritrea, they usually have just one. So when someone says “Ethiopian coffee pot,” they usually mean a jebena, even if they don’t say the word.

4. What’s included in a traditional Ethiopian coffee pot set?

A full Ethiopian coffee pot set usually includes more than just the jebena itself. There’s the pot, of course, but also a matching cup (or several), a tray, a straw or clay stand to keep it stable when serving, and often a sugar bowl. Some full sets also include an incense burner, which is used during the ceremony. Not all sellers offer sets, though. Most vendors sell jebenas separately from other things used during the buna. 

5. Where can I find an Ethiopian coffee pot jebena for sale online?

You can find a jebena online in places like Etsy, eBay, or Alibaba. Some come directly from sellers in Ethiopia or Eritrea, and others are listed by shops in the U.S., UK, or elsewhere. Price and quality vary a lot. Some are handmade while others are mass-produced. Just make sure you check the size and other specifications. If the jebena’s capacity isn’t mentioned in the product description, please reach out to the seller to confirm before placing your order. 

6. How is a jebena Ethiopian coffee pot used in a traditional coffee ceremony?

It’s used to brew coffee. After the green coffee beans have been roasted and ground, they’re added to the jebena with water. The Ethiopian coffee pot is then placed over heat to boil slowly. When it starts bubbling up, you lift it off and let it settle, then pour it into small cups (usually with a filter like horsehair or a sieve at the spout). 

7. What’s the difference between a jebena and other Ethiopian coffee pots?

Ethiopian jebenas have two spouts (one for pouring, one for adding water), while Eritrean ones usually have just one. The designs, patterns, and even the clay color can vary depending on the region, but they all serve the same purpose: brewing coffee, slowly.

8. Is the Ethiopian clay coffee pot safe for stovetop use?

It depends. Some jebenas are fine on open flame or direct heat, especially the ones fired properly and made for brewing. But others are decorative, or the clay isn’t tempered enough to handle direct heat without cracking. Honestly, if the listing doesn’t say it’s stove-safe, it’s probably better not to risk it. Some people use a wire stand or diffuser to be extra safe. Also, sudden temperature changes (like pouring cold water into a hot jebena) can crack it.

9. Can I buy a handmade Ethiopian coffee pot jebena in bulk?

You can, but it takes some digging. Some sellers on Alibaba and Etsy offer bulk options, but handmade jebenas take time to produce, so the lead time might be long. Also, handmade doesn’t always mean uniform. If you need 50 identical pots, you might not get exact clones. If you’re buying for an event or a store, ask about customization and shipping protection (clay breaks easily in transit).

10. What size Ethiopian coffee pot should I get for home use?

It depends on how many people you’re making coffee for. If it’s just you, or you and one other person, something in the 400–600 mL range works fine. That’s around 14 to 20 ounces. For small gatherings or family coffee rounds, 1 liter is more standard. 

Conclusion

As you can see, there are many things to know about the jebena and how it is used in traditional coffee ceremonies in the region. Coffee from a jebena is usually taken black. But, in the West, people often add creamers, sugars, and other things to improve taste.

We hope we have answered all your questions about the Jebena. If you have any others, please let us know in the comments section below.