Liyuwork Ayalew
Bushwick, Brooklyn
Bunna Cafe has stayed a staple for not only Bushwicknites, but anyone living in New York since 2011. The pictures of their beyaynetu, colorful different dishes of vegan sides served with injera were some of the first eye catching images we saw on social media as this restaurant was making its descent up.
What many people don’t know, in addition to their famed beyaynetu is that their restaurant roots itself in coffee. Bunna, which translates to coffee is the foundation of this establishment and the coffee ceremony is still an anchor in their brick and mortar today. There is a coffee set up right in the middle of a tatch roof stage in the dining room and they serve fresh coffee, complimentary throughout the week. Coffee is shared, meals are shared and at the end of the day, when one dines at Bunna, it is a time to build community, tell stories and feel as part of one. As Bunna Cafe’s motto states, Everything is Eshi!
Full name, age, where are you from?
Liyuwork Ayalew, 39 years, from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
What is your title and where do you currently work?
Bunna Cafe co-owner/manager
Was food a big part of your upbringing?
Definitely.
What are your earliest memories of dining out?
Going out for breakfast with my father before heading to school.
If you could give a piece of advice to someone who wanted to pursue your career, what would it be?
Make sure you work in the industry, at different levels. Put in at least two or three years before you look into starting your own place.
What do you think working in this industry has taught you?
Very fast problem solving and improvisation.
What’s your favorite dish on the menu?
We serve entrees in combination platters so most people get everything on the menu. But if i have to name one then it will be our Feast for Two, which is all nine entrees plus injera for two people.
What is your favorite place to go out and eat at and what are you ordering?
Yemen Cafe on Atlantic Ave. I would order the Massloug or Haneeth.
You’re on a desert island, what are the 5 kitchen items you need to run your business?
Knives, cutting board, metal pot, stirring spoon, and big platters.
