እንብላ (pronounced – “e-ne-b-la”) is a courteous word that you would hear walking into a family home or restaurant while people are eating meals. It means “let us eat together” or “join us for this meal”. It is a profound way of inviting the person to join them to share a meal. As sharing is the center of the communal Ethiopian culture, the word reflects on similar aspect. Similar to expressions like “the more; the merrier” you would hear the word repeatedly being said to friends, family, or even strangers during meals. It is a heartfelt gesture, and whether there is enough food to accommodate is irrelevant-as meal of any size is meant to be shared.