Serving Arabic coffee is an integral part of hospitality in Arab cultures and is considered a celebratory gesture of generosity. Throughout the Middle East, most Arab countries developed their own methods for preparing and brewing coffee from Coffea arabica beans.
Arab coffee has long been ingrained into the culture and traditions of the Middle East. It originated in Yemen, then traveled to Mecca (Hejaz), Egypt, later the Levant, and finally to Turkey. From there, it migrated to Europe, where it eventually became popular as well.
The Arabic culture has long associated coffee with hospitality. To provide good service in Saudi Arabia, the tradition of offering a cup of coffee is important. This coffee is known as Al-Qahwa, and it is served at events, social gatherings, weddings, and other events.
The traditional way to prepare coffee is in front of the guests. To make coffee, beans are first roasted in a shallow pan over a fire, then placed into a copper mortar and ground with a copper pestle. Ground coffee and water are placed into a large copper coffee pot and the pot is placed on the fire. Once the water is boiled, it is poured into a smaller coffee pot, and then into small cups.
As a tradition, Saudi coffee is either served by the host of the event or the youngest person present. The server holds the Saudi coffee pot in their left hand and must distribute the cups with their right hand. This is considered good manners. The guest of honor or the highest-ranking individual should be served first. The server fills each cup to one third. If there is too much filling, it indicates an inhospitable server.
The norm is to drink at least one cup of Arabic coffee, but not more than three. Men and women of all social classes drink Arabic coffee, especially at home. Arabic coffee is traditionally served by tribal and sheikh leaders, elderly Bedouins, and owners of coffee trading businesses.
Observation and practice are essential to the transfer of knowledge and traditions within the family. Young family members are also encouraged to accompany their elders to the market to learn how to choose the best beans.