Arabic coffee

This article is about methods of preparation of a drink. For the species of coffee plant, see Coffea arabica.
Arabic coffee
A dallah, a traditional Arabic coffee pot, pictured with cups and unground coffee beans.
Alternative namesQahwah arabiyya
TypeCoffea arabica
CourseDrink
Place of originMokha
Region or stateYemen
Associated cuisineArab cuisine
Invented15th century
Serving temperatureHot

Arabic coffee, also called Qahwa (Arabic: قهوة), is a version of the brewed coffee of Coffea arabica beans. Most Arab countries throughout the Middle East have developed distinct methods for brewing and preparing coffee. Cardamom[1] is an often-added spice,[2] but it can alternatively be served plain or with sugar.

There are several different styles to brewing the coffee depending on the preference of the drinker. Some methods keep the coffee light whereas others can make it dark. Arabic coffee is bitter, and typically no sugar is added. It is usually served in a small cup that is adorned with a decorative pattern, known as a finjān. Culturally, Arabic coffee is served during family gatherings or when receiving guests.

Arabic coffee originated in the Middle East, beginning in Yemen[3] and eventually travelling to Mecca (Hejaz), Egypt, the Levant, and then, in the mid-16th century, to Turkey and from there to Europe[4] where coffee eventually became popular as well.[5] Arabic coffee is an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Arab states confirmed by UNESCO.[6] Every year on March 3, Yemenis celebrate “Yemeni Coffee Day,” a national festival to encourage coffee cultivation.[7]

  1. ^ "How Can You Use Cardamom Spice In Your Cooking?". The Spruce Eats. Retrieved 2023-05-23.
  2. ^ "Ingredients Arabic Coffee". Archived from the original on 2018-12-28. Retrieved 2017-10-06.
  3. ^ Mokha, Al. "Yemen Coffee History". Al Mokha. Retrieved 2023-05-23.
  4. ^ "Coffee and qahwa: How a drink for Arab mystics went global". BBC News. 2013-04-18. Retrieved 2023-05-23.
  5. ^ Cite error: The named reference Bennett was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  6. ^ "Arabic coffee, a symbol of generosity - intangible heritage - Culture Sector - UNESCO". www.unesco.org. Archived from the original on 2017-05-10. Retrieved 2017-04-04.
  7. ^ "Yemen Wakes up to Coffee as Farmers Cut Qat". www.goethe.de. Retrieved 2024-09-28.