Arabic coffee, “gahwa,” is an essential part of Saudi hospitality. In the US, I came to expect it at any event my Saudi students or colleagues attended. Here, they bring thermoses of the hot beverage on road trips, picnics, to work, and house visits. Basically any time there’s a gathering of people, Arabic coffee is there. ☕️
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If you’re imagining a variation of American coffee, you’re far off. Arabic coffee is its own delightfully bitter beast. Ground beans are mixed with cardamom and other spices like cinnamon or saffron to produce a spicy, robust flavor.
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The coffee is poured in small cups the size of a shot glass and typically refilled multiple times. You sip it slowly as you munch on dates or other sweet treats that help to counteract, or rather compliment, the bitterness. Saudis are usually surprised we like it, but that’s because a lot of them can’t stand plain American coffee (sweet lattes and frappes are becoming more popular though).
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Turkish coffee is another common beverage here – for those who don’t want to sleep and like to chew on coffee grounds. ☺️ It’s a super intense, unfiltered coffee, but its presentation is just as beautiful as Arabic coffee with special glasses and pots/thermoses (photo above is Turkish coffee).
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The formality of having Arabic coffee at every occasion is something I’ve come to love. It symbolizes the generosity of the people here, and helps to fuel their late night culture. 🌙
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