Mamaye
Welcome at Mamaye in Leuven, an Ethiopian restaurant located opposite the abbey and parish church of Sint-Geertrui (one of the seven wonders of Leuven). Mamaye is located in the former restaurant "Onder De Toren" and is run by a passionate couple Betel and Johan who want to offer you an exquisite and authentic cuisine, culture and hospitality from one of the oldest countries in the world, Ethiopia, a country with more than three thousand years of history.
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The name Mamaye is given to me, Betel, from my grand mother. I grew up in a warm, loving and hospitable family in Ethiopia. Ethiopian culture also has a strong sense of community, and it is not uncommon for people to open their homes to strangers or guests. Hospitality is a core value of the Ethiopian culture. it's my background and my way of living. It's the reason why we decided to open an Ethiopian Restaurant in Leuven.
About Mamaye
At Mamaye we bring the authentic flavors of Ethiopian cuisine made with great delicacy and passion.This typically includes dishes made with a variety of spices, herbs, and other ingredients that are common in Ethiopian cooking, such as berbere, injera, and various types of meat and vegetables. The food is often served in a communal setting, with diners sharing platters of food and eating with their hands using injera as the utensil. Our aim is to create a cultural atmosphere and the traditional way of serving and sharing food, which is a central part of Ethiopian culture.
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Eat and chat café
Indeed. A nice cup of coffee, a pleasant chat, a delicious glass of wine, a fresh pint, a quick bite, an great dinner, an after-work talk, a buffet evening, a night out, and all that embedded in an East African atmosphere is what you can find at our place. ​
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Traditional Coffee Ceremony
An event not to be missed is the Ethiopian coffee ceremony!
The Ethiopian coffee ceremony is a traditional ritual that is deeply ingrained in the culture of Ethiopia. It is considered a symbol of hospitality and friendship, and is often performed in the home or in special coffee houses.
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The ceremony typically begins with the roasting of green coffee beans over an open flame. The aroma of the roasting beans is considered an important part of the ceremony, and it is believed to be a sign of good luck. Once the beans are roasted, they are ground and then brewed in a special pot called a "jebena". The coffee is then served to guests in small cups, typically accompanied by popcorn or other snacks.
The ceremony is typically led by a woman, who is responsible for preparing and serving the coffee. The ceremony is considered a sacred ritual that is performed with great care and attention to detail, and it is not uncommon for the ceremony to last several hours.
The coffee ceremony is more than just a way to serve coffee, it's a way to make guests feel welcomed, honored and respected. It is also an opportunity to socialize, connect and build relationships. The ceremony is an integral part of Ethiopian culture, so dont miss our Sunday afternoon Ethiopian coffee roasting ceremony with traditionally fresh roasted & brewed Ethiopian Coffee.
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We look forward to welcoming you to our dining and chat café and wish you a great experience and a lasting impression of Ethiopian culture.
Betel & Johan
