Arabic Coffee: Origin, Flavor, Caffeine, and Brewing

Arabic coffee, known as qahwa, gahwa, or kahwa, is a traditional Middle Eastern brew made from lightly roasted Arabica beans and cardamom. Arabic coffee symbolize hospitality across the Arab world and served without sugar in small cups during cultural rituals, especially in the Gulf and Levant.

Arabic coffee traditions include making the coffee with light roasted beans and cardamom in a special pot called a dallah. Arabic coffee has a smooth, mildly bitter, and aromatic taste with moderate acidity, and a delicate profile. The caffeine content in Arabic coffee ranges from 4 to 40 mg per 30–60 ml, due to lightly roasted beans, small servings, and traditional brewing. To make Arabic coffee, simmer finely ground lightly roasted Arabica beans with cardamom in water using a dallah or briki, repeating the heating process 2–3 times to build foam, then let grounds settle and serve unsweetened in small cups with dates.

The best coffee for Arabic coffee uses lightly roasted 100% Arabica beans—ideally from Yemen, Ethiopia, or Brazil—for a floral, mildly acidic profile. Arabic coffee differs from other methods, offering a lighter, spiced brew unlike Turkish coffee’s thick body or American coffee’s bold, filtered taste.

What is Arabic Coffee?

Arabic coffee is a traditional Middle Eastern coffee brewing method and beverage made from lightly roasted Arabica beans, cardamom, and sometimes saffron. Arabic coffee originated in Ethiopia and Yemen. It is brewed without sugar in a dallah and served in small finjan cups without milk. This cultural beverage is usually served with dates and represents hospitality in Arabic countries.

Arabic coffee with cardamom is considered the most traditional preparation across the Arabian Peninsula. Cardamom adds a distinct aroma and flavor that defines the cultural identity of Arabic coffee, especially in countries like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar, where it is served during hospitality rituals and ceremonies. The Majlis is a traditional Arab sitting room used for hosting guests and serving Arabic coffee.

Arabic coffee is associated with Middle Eastern cuisine, particularly the traditional food cultures of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and other Gulf countries. Other names for Arabic coffee include qahwa, gahwa, or kahwa, depending on the region. In the Gulf, it is commonly called Gahwa. In the Levant, it is referred to as Qahwa Arabiyya. In North Africa, it may be called Qahwa Sada (plain coffee).

What is the Meaning of Arabic Coffee?

Arabic coffee symbolizes hospitality, respect, and social connection in Arab culture. Arabic coffee is traditionally served to guests as a sign of welcome and generosity. This cultural practice is especially prominent in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and parts of Jordan and Iraq.

Arabic coffee etiquette includes serving elders first, holding the cup in the right hand, and offering coffee with the left hand behind the back. Guests should shake the cup slightly to signal they’ve had enough. Refusing a cup of Arabic coffee without reason is considered impolite in many Arab cultures. Hazza (هزة) is the act of shaking the finjan from side to side to signal to the host that you have had enough coffee and do not want a refill.

The Arabic word for coffee is قهوة (pronounced qahwa). In the context of Arabic coffee, it is often called قهوة عربية (qahwa arabiyya), meaning “Arabic coffee.” Other regional names include قهوة سعودية (qahwa sa‘udiyya) in Saudi Arabia and قهوة مرّة (qahwa murrah) for its bitter variant. In Egyptian Arabic, coffee is also قهوة ('ahwa), and in Lebanese Arabic, it’s قهوة ('ahwe), both with different pronunciation but the same spelling.

What is the History of Arabic Coffee?

Arabic coffee originated in the Arabian Peninsula in the 15th century, particularly in Yemen, where Sufi monks used it to stay awake during long prayers. Arabic coffee spread through the Islamic world via trade routes, reaching the Ottoman Empire and later Europe by the 17th century, becoming a symbol of hospitality in Arab culture.

The first Arabic coffee houses appeared in Mecca in the 15th century. Known as qahveh khaneh, these coffeehouses served as social hubs where people discussed politics, listened to music, and played games. They spread quickly across the Ottoman Empire, reaching Cairo, Damascus, and Istanbul by the 16th century.

The modern history of Arabic coffee began in the early 20th century as global trade increased. Arabic coffee evolved from a regional Bedouin tradition into a cultural symbol across the Arabian Peninsula. Governments in the Gulf formalized it as part of national identity, and UNESCO listed it as Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2015.

What are the Different Variations of Arabic Coffee?

Arabic coffee features regional styles like Qahwa Safra, Ahmar, Khaleeji, and Al-Laban, each with unique preparation and flavor traditions across Yemen, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.

• Qahwa Safra (Yellow Coffee): Qahwa Safra, or Yellow Coffee, is a traditional Arabic coffee made from lightly roasted green coffee beans. It has a golden-yellow color, a mild flavor, and is typically brewed with spices like cardamom and saffron. This coffee is popular in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf region during social and ceremonial gatherings.
• Qahwa Ahmar (Red Coffee): Qahwa Ahmar, or Red Coffee, is a traditional Yemeni beverage made from lightly roasted coffee husks called "qishr." Unlike regular coffee, it has a reddish color, mild flavor, and is often infused with spices like ginger and cinnamon. It is caffeine-light and commonly served during social gatherings.
• Qahwa Khaleeji (Gulf Coffee): Qahwa Khaleeji, or Gulf coffee, is a traditional Arabic coffee known for its light roast and infusion of cardamom, saffron, and sometimes cloves. While it is a type of Arabic coffee, it differs in preparation and flavor from Levantine or North African variants. Qahwa Khaleeji is specific to Gulf countries.
• Qahwa Al-Laban (Milk Coffee): Qahwa Al-Laban, or Milk Coffee, is a traditional Hijazi drink made by blending Arabic coffee (qahwa) with warm milk. Unlike standard Arabic coffee, which is served black and spiced, Qahwa Al-Laban has a creamy texture and milder flavor. Both use similar spices, but Qahwa Al-Laban includes milk.

What are the Traditions Surrounding Arabic Coffee?

Traditions surrounding Arabic coffee refer to the cultural rituals and etiquette practiced during its preparation, serving, and consumption. Arabic coffee traditions include serving coffee in small cups with dates, preparing it with cardamom and lightly roasted beans, and presenting it in a dallah (coffee pot). Guests are served from the right, and the cup is refilled unless shaken to signal no more. Fortune reading from coffee grounds is also practiced. The three most important traditions are listed below.

1. Arabic Coffee Ceremony
2. Serving Arabic Coffee and Dates
3. Arabic Coffee Reading

1. Arabic Coffee Ceremony

The Arabic coffee ceremony is a traditional ritual of hospitality where coffee is brewed from lightly roasted Arabica beans, spiced with cardamom, and served in small cups. Arabic coffee ceremony evolved from Bedouin desert customs into a formal social practice. Bedouin ceremonies are tribal and minimal, Abu Dhabi versions are formal with dates and incense, while Saudi Arabia emphasizes hierarchy and etiquette.

The main difference between Arabic, Turkish, and Qatari coffee ceremonies is in preparation and presentation. Arabic coffee uses lightly roasted beans with cardamom and is served in small cups without sugar. Turkish coffee is thicker, unfiltered, and often sweetened. Qatari coffee emphasizes saffron and rose water, adding unique local flavor.

2. Serving Arabic Coffee and Dates

Serving Arabic coffee and dates symbolizes hospitality, respect, and generosity in Arabic traditions. Dates are sweet fruits from the date palm tree, rich in natural sugars, fiber, and nutrients. In Arabic coffee culture, dates are important because they balance the coffee’s bitterness with natural sweetness. Serving dates with Arabic coffee is a centuries-old tradition rooted in generosity and respect.

Arabic coffee and dates are allowed during Ramadan but only after sunset. Muslims must fast from dawn to sunset, which means no food or drink during daylight hours. After sunset, breaking the fast with dates and coffee is a common and culturally significant tradition.

3. Arabic Coffee Reading

Arabic coffee reading is a traditional form of fortune telling where a reader interprets symbols formed by coffee grounds left in a cup after drinking. Practiced primarily in Middle Eastern cultures, the Arabic coffee reading ritual involves intent-focused brewing, swirling the cup, and deciphering patterns believed to reflect the drinker’s thoughts, future, or energy.

Arabic coffee reading symbols include animals, letters, numbers, and shapes formed by coffee grounds. A bird may symbolize good news, a snake warns of deception, and a circle represents continuity. Interpreters analyze these patterns to reveal insights about relationships, career, or future events.

What Does Arabic Coffee Taste Like?

Arabic coffee tastes smooth, mildly bitter, and aromatic, with notes of cardamom, saffron, and sometimes floral or fruity hints. The flavor depends on roast level, spice blend, and regional preparation techniques. Arabic coffee is mildly bitter and not typically sweet due to its light roast and lack of sugar. The bitterness is balanced by added spices like cardamom and saffron, which enhance aroma without increasing sweetness. Arabic coffee has moderate to high acidity, which gives it a bright and lively flavor. The acidity level varies depending on the bean origin and roast but contributes to its distinct profile.

Is Arabic Coffee Strong?

No, Arabic coffee is not considered strong in caffeine or flavor intensity. Unlike dark roasts, Arabic coffee uses light roasts for a delicate, aromatic taste. It uses more water and small servings, creating a milder brew than espresso or Turkish coffee. Arabic coffee is low to moderate in caffeine due to its use of lightly roasted Arabica beans and smaller serving sizes. It contains less caffeine than espresso or dark roast coffee, making it milder in stimulant effect.

How Much Caffeine is in Arabic Coffee?

Arabic coffee contains about 15 to 40 milligrams of caffeine per 30 to 60 ml serving, although some studies showed even lower amounts; a 2018 study published in the African Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology by Naser Rezk titled "Comparative evaluation of caffeine content in Arabian coffee with other caffeine beverages" found it to contain as little as 4.1 mg per cup.

The final caffeine content in Arabic coffee depends on several factors, such as the type of beans, roast level, and brewing method. The use of Arabica beans, which are common for this type of coffee, results in lower caffeine levels. The traditionally light roast and the small serving sizes also contribute to its lower caffeine content compared to other coffee beverages like espresso.

How to Make Arabic Coffee?

To make traditional Arabic coffee at home, follow the nine steps outlined below.

1. Measure water (about 100–400 ml, depending on servings) and pour it into a small pot or traditional Arabic coffee pot (briki or dallah).
2. Heat the water on medium until it starts warming (do not let it boil aggressively).
3. Add finely ground Arabic coffee (about 2 tablespoons per 400 ml water) and ground cardamom (about 1/2 to 1 tablespoon).
4. Stir the mixture gently to combine, then bring it to a gentle boil or until foam forms on top.
5. Remove the pot from heat just as the foam rises, let it settle briefly.
6. Repeat the heating and foam formation 2–3 times for the best flavor and foam texture.
7. Let the coffee grounds settle before pouring. Some prefer to add a little cold water after the final boil to help settle the grounds.
8. Pour carefully into small cups, avoiding the coffee grounds at the bottom. Optionally, use a fine strainer.
9. Serve strong, often unsweetened or lightly sweetened, with dates or Middle Eastern sweets.

What are the Traditional Tools Used for Arabic Coffee?

Traditional tools used for Arabic coffee include a dallah (coffee pot), mihmas (roasting pan), and finjān (small serving cup), often accompanied by a mortar and pestle for grinding spices.

1. Dallah: A dallah is a traditional Arabic coffee pot with a curved spout and decorative handle, used for brewing and serving Arabic coffee. It is typically made of brass or steel and placed on a stove or open flame to boil water and steep ground coffee with spices like cardamom.
2. Mihmas: A Mihmas (or Mehmas) is a traditional Arabic coffee roasting pan made of metal, often with a long handle. It is used to roast green coffee beans over an open flame, allowing manual control of the roast level. The Mihmas is essential in Gulf coffee rituals and ensures a fresh, custom roast.
3. Finjān: A finjān is a small, handleless cup traditionally used to serve Arabic coffee. It holds a few sips and emphasizes hospitality. Hosts pour Arabic coffee into the finjān without filling it completely, offering multiple small servings as a sign of respect and generosity.

What Ingredients are Needed to Make Arabic Coffee?

To make authentic Arabic coffee, several key ingredients and elements are required to ensure the traditional flavor and preparation method. Here are the main ingredients needed:

• Fresh Coffee Beans: Fresh coffee beans are recently roasted beans with intact oils and full aroma. They are best for traditional Arabic coffee because they retain essential flavors, allowing spices like cardamom to blend naturally. Using fresh roasted beans from specialty brands like Colipse enhances the smoothness, aroma, and clarity of the coffee’s taste.
• Cardamom: Cardamom is a spice that you add to Arabic coffee to give it a distinctive taste and fragrance. You usually grind it and mix it with the coffee while brewing. This addition creates a warm, spicy flavor in the coffee. While cardamom improves the beverage, too much can overpower the coffee’s natural taste.
• Water: Fresh, cold water is necessary for brewing Arabic coffee because it helps extract flavors well. The water should be filtered to remove impurities that might change the taste. The quality of water has a large impact on the final result, as tap water with high mineral content can create unwanted flavors in the coffee.
• Optional Sweeteners: You can add sweeteners like sugar or honey based on your preference. Sugar makes the coffee taste better by providing a balanced sweetness. However, too much can cover the complex flavors, so using moderation is important for traditional preparations.
• Dates: Dates are often served with Arabic coffee. They balance the drink's bitterness and represent hospitality in Arab culture. Dates provide natural sweetness and a chewy texture. However, having too many dates can create a sweetness that overshadows the coffee experience.

What are the Best Coffee Beans for Making Arabic Coffee?

The best coffee beans for Arabic coffee are lightly roasted 100% Arabica beans sourced from Yemen, Ethiopia, or Brazil. These beans offer a mild body, floral aroma, and bright acidity. Light roasting preserves delicate flavors, while beans with low bitterness enhance the spiced brew's complexity.

Top coffee brands for Arabic coffee include Al Ameed, Najjar, Qasr Al Diwaniya, and Colipse Coffee. Colipse Coffee is a good choice because it offers lightly roasted beans ideal for Arabic brewing, with cardamom-infused blends, consistent grind size, and premium Arabica quality sourced from high-altitude farms.

Where to Buy the Best Coffee for Arabic Coffee?

You can buy the best coffee for Arabic coffee from specialty brands offering light to medium roast Arabica beans with cardamom-friendly profiles. Colipse Coffee offers a wide range of coffee beans, including whole bean, fine ground, decaf, dark roast, medium roast, espresso blends, and single-origin varieties from regions like Colombia, Sumatra, and Mexico. Customers can choose by roast level, origin, flavor profile, and caffeine strength. Colipse coffee prices range from $20.50 to $27.99 per bag, depending on size, roast level, and origin. Additional discounts are available through subscriptions, with savings on larger bags and free U.S. shipping included on all orders.

How Does Arabic Coffee Compare to Other Brewing Methods?

Arabic coffee differs from other brewing methods for coffee by using lightly roasted beans, cardamom, and sometimes saffron, producing a spiced, golden brew. Unlike espresso or French press, it is boiled repeatedly and served unfiltered in small cups. The flavor is less acidic and more aromatic than Western styles.

Arabic coffee and Turkish coffee are not the same. Arabic coffee uses lightly roasted beans and is often flavored with cardamom, while Turkish coffee uses finely ground dark roast beans and is brewed unfiltered. Each has distinct preparation methods, flavors, and cultural traditions.

What is the Difference between Arabic Coffee and American Coffee?

The main difference between Arabic coffee and American coffee is in preparation, roast, and flavor. Arabic coffee uses lightly roasted beans with cardamom and no sugar, resulting in a spiced, golden brew. In contrast, American coffee (drip coffee) uses medium-to-dark roasts, brewed black or with cream and sugar, and has a stronger, bolder taste.