Because Ethiopian families traditionally purchase green coffee beans and roast them at home, Folklores sells beans this way to meet the needs of the Ethiopian and Eritrean residents that live nearby. Folklores also makes fragrant micro batches of coffee beans using its small in-house roaster, packaging the beans in bags for customers to buy and take home. Blends range from fairly acidic lighter roasts, with hints of lemon peel and white flowers, to warmer dark roasts with notes of tobacco and chocolate.
Folklores’ full-bodied whole-milk latte with hints of cinnamon wakes me up most mornings. Gideon rightly chuckles at me when I ask for medium strength—fair warning, Folklores’ brew will fuel you for hours. Try the Ethiopiano, a squat piccolo latte topped with a shot of espresso and a dollop of foamed milk. If you’re looking for a slower, more traditional coffee experience, the jebena is a quiet morning treat: You’ll receive a medium-ground rich brew served in the type of spouted clay pot that’s typically used in Ethiopian coffee ceremonies.
