Meet Eskinder Zewdu and Ayda Biru | Co-Founders, Balè Moya

We had the good fortune of connecting with Eskinder Zewdu and Ayda Biru and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Eskinder | Ayda, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
We started Balè Moya out of a place of necessity. We needed a hub to learn about Ethiopian food and coffee culture so that we could preserve recipes and culinary traditions – and that hub didn’t exist! The preservation of culture in diaspora communities is something we deeply believe in so it made perfect sense to start with our own culture. Our aim is to present the culture in ways that both our parents and peers can be proud of. It’s this aim that’s driven us to launch exciting things like The Jebena Studio Experience – the first-ever pottery workshop for jebenas (Ethiopian coffee pot), our clothing line “Gurshas Vol. 1” with the legendary, LA-based designer Mikhayel Tesfaye, and our annual immersive dinner with Olu of Earthgang at Dreamville Festival.

The second question should be: Please tell us more about your business. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today business-wise? Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way? What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
We’re super proud about the paths that we’ve created to share and celebrate Ethiopian food and coffee culture. You can wear an item from our merch collection, Gurshas Vol.1, available on thebalemoya.com, book an experience with us like The Jebena Studio Experience where you can make your own jebena, and learn new recipes from our Instagram or YouTube channel. We’re extremely excited about our upcoming immersive dinner series and online cooking classes that we’ll be announcing on our socials and website soon. Balè Moya taught us the importance of doubling down on the community that we’ve built. For almost every challenge we’ve faced, the solution was within our community. That’s why we make a point to constantly engage our community – whether it be online or in-person.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Day 1: Flavorful Beginnings

Brunch: Start with a delicious Ethiopian brunch at Buna Ethiopian Restaurant in Little Ethiopia on Fairfax.
Shopping: Explore unique finds at Friendship Terminal on Beverly Blvd.
Lunch: Enjoy a vibrant meal at Wah Gwaan Jamaican Kitchen & Bar.
Dinner: Indulge in a delicious Oaxacan dinner at Guelaguetza.
Drinks: Relax with a drink at The Dime on Fairfax.

Day 2: Culture and Scenic Views

Nature: Take a scenic morning hike on the Temescal Rivas Trail in the Pacific Palisades.
Breakfast/Brunch: Have a hearty brunch at CJs Cafe for an American Diner-Mexican fusion twist.
Arts & Entertainment: Visit The Getty Museum to admire art and explore the gardens.
Dinner: Experience Mediterranean flavors at Open Sesame.
Drinks: Head to Perch Rooftop DTLA for stunning views and great drinks.

Day 3: Beach and Shopping

Lunch: Enjoy a laid-back lunch with incredible Taiwanese flavors at Pine and Crane DTLA.
Nature: Relax and enjoy the beach at Playa Del Rey.
Dinner: Treat yourself to tacos at Tacos Tu Madre.
Drinks: Head with us to The Gathering Spot for a few drinks and make some new friends after a long day outside.

Day 4: Arts and Vibrant Eats

Breakfast/Brunch: Start the day with tasty brunch and an amazing juice selection at Kreation Kafe & Juicery.
Lunch: Enjoy a delicious meal at Mayura Indian Restaurant in Culver City.
Arts & Entertainment: Catch the beloved Jazz on Fridays at LACMA
Dinner: Savor Ethiopian cuisine at Emma Habesha Restaurant in Inglewood
Drinks: Cap off the night with a glass of your favorite wine at 1010 Wine Bar in Inglewood.

Day 5: Final Adventures

Breakfast/Brunch: Enjoy a final brunch at Urth Caffé Melrose.
Shopping: Hunt for eclectic finds at Black Market Flea if you’re lucky enough to be in town at the same time – it happens once a month!
Dinner: Enjoy a one-of-a-kind global menu at Flavors from Afar, crafted by refugee chefs.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First off, shoutout to our parents, particularly our moms who were our first introduction to Ethiopian food and coffee. When we started Balè Moya, we wanted to be able to recreate their delicious dishes that we grew up eating so we’d call them begging to let us measure ingredients and document family recipes. Shoutout to all of the food entrepreneurs, creatives, and community members that shared our vision and supported us when we were first starting out. Whether it was sitting down for an interview, giving us space for events, or sharing appreciation and words of encouragement – it’s their support that fueled us as we grew the Balè Moya community.

Website: https://thebalemoya.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/balemoya

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/balemoya/

Twitter: https://x.com/bale_moya

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebalemoya

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@balemoya/

Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@balemoya
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/balemoya/