FAQ

Everything we make is small-batch, so please allow 2–3 weeks from order to doorstep. Orders typically ship within 1–2 weeks, and you'll get an email with a tracking number the moment yours is on the move.

Log in at your account with the email you used at checkout — no password, we email you a one-time code — and every order appears with its live tracking. Full walkthrough on our Track Your Order page.

If your order hasn't shipped yet, usually yes. Reply to your order confirmation email or message us in chat with your order number within 24 hours and we'll do our best to catch it before it's packed.

We'll make it right. Send us your order number and a quick photo within 7 days of delivery — we review every case personally, and when the problem is on our side we'll resolve it with a replacement, store credit, or refund. Details in our refund policy.

Because our goods are food and handmade items we can't restock once they ship, all sales are final — we're a small team without the capacity to process returns. The exception: if your order arrives damaged, wrong, or incomplete, that's on us and we'll make it right (see above).

Across the United States, and internationally to most countries. US shipping is weight-based with Economy and Standard options; international orders get live USPS or DHL Express rates calculated at checkout for your exact address. International customers: any import duties or customs fees your country charges are your responsibility — details in our shipping policy.

Berbere is warm and deep — medium heat that builds flavor, not pain. Mitmita is the fiery one: noticeably hotter, use it with respect. Afrenje and Alicha Kimem are our mild, aromatic blends — all flavor, gentle heat. If you're heat-shy, start with alicha dishes and work your way up.

Most of the pantry is naturally vegan — spices, coffee, teff, shiro. The exception is anything made with kibbeh (Ethiopian clarified butter), which is dairy. Teff is a naturally gluten-free grain, which is why injera made purely from teff is a gluten-free flatbread. Every product page lists what's inside.

Airtight, away from heat and light — a cupboard beats a windowsill. Our blends are ground in small batches, and flavor is at its peak for about 12 months (they're safe well beyond that, just gentler). Whole spices like korerima keep even longer.

Start with our recipes: berbere wants to become Misir Wot, mitin shiro becomes the 20-minute shiro of your dreams, and teff flour is Injera 101. Or skip ahead and come cook with us.

Traditionally in a jebena — the clay coffee pot — poured in rounds. Our Jebena Studio Blend works beautifully in one (we sell a Mini Jebena), and it's just as happy in a pour-over or French press. Come to a Saturday coffee ceremony to taste it done properly.

None. Classes are hands-on and beginner-friendly — we provide ingredients, tools and aprons. You bring your appetite; you'll eat what you make.

Bookings aren't refundable — every seat we hold is one we've prepared for. But plans change, so up to 48 hours before the date you can send a friend in your place (just tell us their name) or move your booking to a future date. If we ever cancel, you choose a full refund or a seat at the next one. Details in our refund policy.

Possibly, yes. We often photograph and film our classes, ceremonies, and events, and we use that media on our website, social channels, and marketing. Booking a ticket (or attending in someone's place) means you consent to appearing in it — we're a small team and can't offer recording-free accommodations, so if you'd prefer not to appear on camera, our events may not be the right fit. Full terms in our event policy.

Yes — private coffee ceremonies, cooking classes, and catering for teams, universities and celebrations. Start with private ceremony booking, corporate & university classes, or book a 1:1 consultation to plan something custom.

Absolutely — a Balè Moya Gift Card covers anything in the store, classes and experiences included.

Our referral table. Join free, get a personal link, and every friend who shops through it gets 10% off their first order — while you climb the Gursha Ladder: $5 off, $10 off, free tees, spice boxes, all the way to a private coffee ceremony. Everything's explained on the Get a Gursha page.

Delivered by email, never expire, and spend like cash on anything — spices, coffee, merch, classes. If a gift card doesn't cover the whole order, you pay the difference at checkout.

We do — small-batch spices and coffee for kitchens and shelves that care where flavor comes from. Details and inquiry form on our wholesale page.