Welcome, explorer! Are you ready for an unforgettable journey into the world of Arabic coffee?
Arabic coffee (Qahwa) isn’t just a morning drink; it’s a symbol of generosity and hospitality and a fundamental part of Middle Eastern culture. In this article, we’ll get to know its rich history, how to prepare it, and its importance in our social customs.
History and Origin of Arabic Coffee
The story of coffee began on the Arabian Peninsula. The origin of coffee dates back to the 15th century in Yemen, where Sufi monks used it to help them stay awake during worship. From Yemen, Arabica coffee beans began to spread to Mecca, then to Cairo, Damascus, and Baghdad, and eventually to Istanbul, becoming an integral part of people’s lives.
Arabic Coffee Habits
The method of preparing and serving coffee is an art in itself. Here are the most important customs:
- Generosity and Hospitality: Hosts are keen to offer coffee to guests as the first thing upon their visit, as a sign of welcome and respect.
- Serving: Coffee is served in small, handleless cups called finjans. The host holds a special pot called a Dallah and pours a small amount into each cup.
- Social Rituals: Coffee is drunk on various occasions, such as holidays, at funerals as a form of consolation, and even in fortune-telling sessions by reading coffee grounds.
The Art of Sipping Arabian Coffee
Drinking Arabic coffee isn’t just a habit; it’s a ritual with its own etiquette.
- With the Right Hand: Always take the cup with your right hand, as the right hand is considered blessed in Arab culture.
- The Amount: The host doesn’t fill the cup completely; this is a sign of generosity because the guest will ask for more.
- Shaking the Cup: When you finish drinking your coffee, shake the cup slowly from side to side. This simple movement tells the host that you are satisfied and don’t want any more. If you don’t shake the cup, the host will continue to pour more coffee.
How to Order Your Coffee
When you are in an Arab country, knowing how to order your coffee is important. You can ask for different types of coffee based on how much sugar you want.
How to order Arabic coffee:
Arabic coffee is almost always made with cardamom. It is traditionally served with no sugar. The key to ordering is asking for it by name:
- Qahwa (قهوة): This is the general name for coffee.
- Qahwa saada (قهوة سادة): This literally means “plain coffee” and is the traditional way to drink it—with no sugar.
How to order Turkish coffee:
Turkish coffee is different because you can choose how much sugar you want. You must specify your sugar level when you order:
- Saada (سادة): No sugar at all.
- Mazboot (مضبوط): “Just right,” meaning a medium amount of sugar. This is the most popular choice.
- Ziyada (زيادة): “Extra,” meaning a lot of sugar.
Remember: Arabic coffee is traditionally unsweetened. Turkish coffee is the one that you can order with different sugar levels.
Arabic Coffee Recipe
The ingredients of Arabic coffee are simple, but its preparation requires some precision to get the best taste.
Ingredients:
- Lightly roasted and coarsely ground Arabica coffee beans.
- Ground cardamom.
- Saffron, cloves, and ginger (optional).
- Water.
Preparation (prepare delicious Arabic coffee):
- Boil water in a coffee pot.
- Add the ground coffee and let it simmer on low heat for 10 minutes.
- Add the cardamom, saffron, and cloves.
- Pour the coffee into the Dallah and let it sit for a few seconds to allow the grounds to settle at the bottom.
- Serve it hot in small cups with dates.
Turkish Coffee vs. Arabic Coffee
What’s the difference between them?
- Bean Type: Arabic coffee uses a light roasted bean, while Turkish coffee uses a dark roasted bean.
- Preparation: Sugar is never added to Arabic coffee, while sugar is added to Turkish coffee during preparation.
- Consistency: Turkish coffee is very thick and has foam, while Arabic coffee is light and has no foam.
Benefits of Arabic Coffee
Drinking coffee in moderation has many health benefits:
- It stimulates the body and mind due to the caffeine.
- It aids digestion.
- It contains antioxidants.
Conclusion
Arabic coffee is much more than a simple beverage; it’s a living tradition that embodies the hospitality, history, and social fabric of the Middle East. From the specific way it’s prepared and served to the etiquette of drinking it, every detail tells a story about Arab culture.
By learning about these customs, you get a deeper understanding of the Arabic language and its people. If you’re ready to continue your journey and explore more cultural topics, download the Kaleela App today. Kaleela makes learning Arabic fun and easy, helping you discover a rich world of traditions and language.
