Know More About Rich Qatar Traditional Arabic Coffee

You must be aware that Arabic coffee is Qatar’s traditional hot beverage. It is so delightful to your taste buds and will awaken your all senses. The Arabic coffee is made from Arabic coffee beans and has a different taste from regular coffees. You won’t be able to leave the taste of this Arabic coffee as it is so delightful to our taste buds. Let’s know more about Arabic coffee.

History of Arabic Coffee

People believed that Arabic coffee came from Ethiopia during the 9th century. After six centuries later this delicious hot beverage made from the Arabica coffee beans became more cultured. During the 15th century, Arabica coffee became so prevalent at grand social functions and lavish dinners in the lands of North Africa and the Middle East. After a few centuries, it traveled around the world and became one of the favorite hot beverages. At present, every part of the world has witnessed the taste of this delicious coffee.

How does Arabic coffee come into being?

In time, coffee made from Arabica coffee beans evolved in different regions, giving it a unique flavor. Arabic coffee also known as ‘Qahwa’ in Qatar, is brewed from Arabica coffee beans and is a unique style of coffee that can only be found in Qatar and other parts of the Middle East, where it is brewed and made in a way that brings out its special aroma and enhances its taste.

When Arabic Coffee is served?

Arabic coffee is an essential symbol of Qatari hospitality and is traditionally served to guests in Qatar as a welcome drink during functions, gatherings, special occasions, etc. The coffee is also served in hotels too.

How is it served?

It is served from a traditional coffee pot ‘Dallah’ in a small delicate cup ‘Finjaan’, which does not have a handle. The cup should not be filled to the top as it is considered an insult. It should be sufficed up to 1/4th of the cup so that guests do not feel hot while sipping it. One cup of coffee is compulsory however 3 is a favored number.

It should be served from the right side of the group and move on to the left. It is important that younger individuals serve their elders. The individual who is serving the coffee must be standing straight while holding the ‘dallah’ in the left hand and then serving the ‘finjaan’ in the right hand to the guest. You should not serve it on the tray.

It is rude to refuse the coffee offered by the host. If the guest does not want to drink more he/she should shake the coffee cup towards the side. Arab coffee is not served with milk or sugar; it is mostly served with fresh dates, and you should sip the coffee while keeping a piece of the date in your mouth so the date’s sweetness balances out the coffee’s strength.

How healthy is it?

According to research, Arabic coffee has many health benefits. The coffee is fat-free and minimum of calories of around 16. It is beneficial to fight against dementia, Type II Diabetes, and Cardiovascular disease. It is also helpful to prevent some kinds of cancer. It is beneficial for healthy-looking skin and can be helpful in relieving headaches, flu symptoms, and chest congestion.

However, don’t forget that coffee also contains lots of caffeine that may cause you insomnia.

Recipe

Ingredients

Water- 3 cups
Ground Arabica coffee- 3-4 teaspoons
Freshly ground green cardamom- 1-2 teaspoons
A pinch of saffron is optional

Method

Boiled the water in ‘dallah’.
Turn off the heat and add the coffee & the cardamom and mix.
Put the heat on low and let the coffee brew for about 10 minutes or until foam forms.
Off the heat.
Add the saffron strands after removing the ‘dallah’ from the stove.
Remove the ‘dallah’ from the stove and add the saffron strands.
Set the coffee aside for 5 minutes to allow the cardamom remains to settle.
You can either strain the Arabic coffee so that any leftover residue/grounds do not enter the finjaans, or you can strain it from the dallah or thermos before serving.