Praise-shout for Asfaw, the best cook in Africa!
Lips-on-fire! is his spicy lamb
tummy-in-heaven! is his mango jam
awo! he is Mister Cook
our Mister Happiness Cook
his face is rounder than stew-pots
but his fingers run fast as billy goats
his t'ibs cut crisp as a shoe-shine
his fenugreek water, araa! cooler than limes
when he's shredding a fitfit, he whistles
when it's fasting and hushhush, he whispers
dogs howl for his gristly bones
sheep sidle up with muzzling and moans
how can I praise the man who feeds me?
he is my father because he feeds me!
I stand at the iron gates and shout:
Asfaw is the secret I will never let out!
do you know Asfaw, the husband of Almaz?
negus of kitchens and sons?
he cooks all day to feed his families
he is a hundred wooden spoons!
t'ibs: fried meat
fitfit: injera (moist unleavened bread) mixed with spicy stew
hushhush (shifinfin in Amharic): stew hidden under a layer of injera, to be ordered under one's breath during one of the many religious fasts!
negus: king
