ISLAMABAD: Ethiopian coffee has made its formal debut in Islamabad and Rawalpindi with the opening of what the Ethiopian Embassy described as the first dedicated Ethiopian coffee cafe in the twin cities.
Ethiopian Ambassador to Pakistan Dr Oumer Hussien Oba inaugurated the cafe, named Habasha, on Sunday. The opening was preceded by a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony attended by members of the Ethiopian community, embassy staff and media representatives.
Speaking after the ceremony, the ambassador said the launch represented a new cultural connection between Ethiopia and Pakistan and reflected the growing relationship between the two countries.
He said Ethiopia is widely regarded as the birthplace of Arabica coffee and described the country as the “Land of Origins,” linking its coffee heritage with its broader historical and cultural identity.
Cafe Reflects Growing Ethiopia-Pakistan Cultural Ties
The ambassador said the cafe’s ownership by an Ethiopian-Pakistani couple gave the initiative additional significance, describing it as another example of growing people-to-people relations between the two countries.
He also highlighted the historical meaning of the name Habasha, an old name associated with Ethiopia. He noted its resonance among Muslims in Pakistan because of the historical links with Hazrat Bilal Habashi (R.A.) and King Nejashi, who provided refuge to early Muslim migrants during the First Hijra.
Dr Oba said greater cultural exchanges could help deepen bilateral relations beyond traditional diplomatic and economic cooperation.
Habasha Aims to Showcase Ethiopian Culture
Cafe owner Naeem Hashmi said the venue was designed as more than a place to serve Ethiopian coffee.
He said Habasha aims to provide a platform where people from Pakistan and Ethiopia can discover and share each other’s art, culture, music and tourism.
The opening adds a new cultural dimension to growing Ethiopia-Pakistan engagement, with Ethiopian coffee now gaining a dedicated presence in the twin cities.
Also Read: Pakistan, Ethiopia Join Hands to Unlock Untapped Potential in Agriculture and Livestock
