How to Make Saudi Arabia Coffee at Home
If you have ever stepped into a traditional home in the Middle East, the first thing to greet you wasn’t a handshake, but the warm, spicy aroma of cardamom and saffron. This is the world of saudi arabia coffee—a symbol of generosity that transcends mere caffeine consumption.
For coffee lovers in the USA, moving away from the standard dark roast to the golden, tea-like consistency of Saudi coffee (often called Qahwa) is a journey for the palate.
In 2022, the Kingdom officially designated the year as the "Year of Saudi Coffee," distinguishing this unique brew from the general umbrella of "Arabic coffee." But you don’t need a plane ticket to Riyadh to experience it. With the right technique and the high-quality beans available in our Coffee Section, you can recreate this ancient ritual in your own kitchen.
In this guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about saudi arabia coffee, from selecting the perfect roast to understanding the etiquette of the Dallah and Finjal.
What is Saudi Arabia Coffee?
To the uninitiated, saudi arabia coffee might look more like tea. It typically features a light-to-medium roast, which gives it a golden or "blonde" color. Unlike the filtered black coffee common in American households, Saudi coffee is unfiltered but boiled to let the grounds settle.
The true magic lies in the "Hamsa" (the roast) and the "Tahwija" (the spice blend). The coffee is rarely drunk black; it is almost always brewed with cardamom and often enhanced with saffron, cloves, or rose water.
The Beans Matter
The foundation of a great cup is the bean. Historically, the coffee traveled north from Yemen. For an authentic experience, we recommend using our Yemeni Kholani Coffee or the premium Coffee Forests Beans. These Arabica beans provide the high-quality acidity and fruit notes required for a light roast that doesn't taste bitter.
The Essential Ingredients for Saudi Arabia Coffee
Making saudi arabia coffee is more like cooking a broth than brewing an espresso; it requires layering flavors. Before you start, gather these essentials:
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Green or Lightly Roasted Coffee: You can buy green beans and roast them yourself in a pan until they are yellowish-brown (blonde) or use a pre-roasted mix like our ready-to-use Saudi Coffee blend.
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Water: 1 Liter (approx. 4 cups) of fresh, filtered water.
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Cardamom: This is non-negotiable. You will need about 2 tablespoons of roughly ground green cardamom.
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Saffron: A generous pinch gives the coffee its golden hue and earthy aroma.
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Cloves (Optional): Used sparingly in different regions.
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Sweetener: Saudi coffee is never sweetened with sugar inside the pot. The sweetness comes from the dates served alongside it.
Browse here to shop all Coffee Spices on Bennhail.
Step-by-Step Authentic Recipe
Here is how to brew saudi arabia coffee perfectly every time.
Prep Time: 5 Minutes
Cook Time: 20 Minutes
Servings: 4-6 people
Step 1: The Boil
Pour 1 liter of water into a stove-top kettle or pot. Bring it to a rolling boil.
Step 2: Add the Coffee
Lower the heat slightly. Add 3 to 4 heaping tablespoons of ground coffee (coarse grind, similar to French Press). If you are using our Yemeni Kholani Coffee, ensure it is roasted to a light "blonde" level first.
Step 3: The Long Simmer
Let the coffee boil quietly on low heat for about 10 to 12 minutes. This is crucial. Unlike Italian coffee which is brewed fast, saudi arabia coffee needs time to extract the flavors from the lightly roasted bean.
Step 4: Add Spices
Add 1 teaspoon of ground cloves (if you like a spicy kick) and a pinch of high-quality saffron threads. Let it boil for another 2-3 minutes.
Step 5: The Cardamom Finish
Turn off the heat. This is the secret pro-tip: Do not boil the cardamom for too long. Add the coarse cardamom to the pot (or directly into your serving thermal flask) and let the coffee steep for 5 minutes. This ensures the cardamom flavor stays fresh and aromatic rather than becoming bitter.
Step 6: Strain and Serve
Pour the coffee into a distinctive Arabic coffee pot (Dallah) through a strainer to catch the coffee grounds and spice sediment. Serve immediately in small, handleless cups known as finjals.
For those who want the authentic flavor without the hassle of measuring spices, our Najdiya Saudi Coffee is pre-blended to perfection, capturing the taste of the Central region.
Regional Variations: How Taste Changes Across the Kingdom
When discussing saudi arabia coffee, it is important to note that the recipe changes depending on where you are.
The Central Region (Najd)
In Riyadh and the central region, the coffee is known as Najdi coffee. It usually has a golden color and relies heavily on saffron and cardamom. If you want to replicate this specific style, the Najdiya Saudi Coffee from Bennhail is your best choice.
The Southern Region
In the south (near the Yemeni border), the roast might be slightly lighter, but the spices are more intense. It is common to find ginger, cinnamon, and sometimes Ajwain seeds added to the mix.
The North
In the northern regions, the coffee might be boiled longer (up to 30 minutes), resulting in a slightly darker, heavier brew, focusing on the pure coffee taste with less emphasis on additives like saffron.
Western Region (Hejaz)
Here, you might find Mastic added to the coffee, giving it a piney, resinous finish that is incredibly refreshing.
Comparing Coffee Styles: Saudi vs. Turkish
A common misconception in the US is confusing saudi arabia coffee with Turkish coffee. While both are unfiltered, they are polar opposites in profile.
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Turkish Coffee: Uses a dark roast, ground into a fine powder (almost like flour). It produces a thick, dark foam and is very heavy. If you prefer this robust, chocolatey profile, check out our Mehmet Efendi Turkish Coffee.
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Saudi Coffee: Uses a coarse grind and a light roast. It is translucent, tea-like, and spicy. It creates no foam and is consumed in larger quantities over long conversations.
The Art of Serving: Traditions and Etiquette
Brewing the coffee is only half the battle; serving it is an art form rooted in Bedouin heritage.
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The Pour: Hold the Dallah (pot) in your left hand and the Finjal (cup) in your right.
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The Amount: Never fill the cup to the brim. Fill it only 1/3 full. This serves two purposes: it allows the coffee to cool enough to sip, and it signals to the guest, "I am here to serve you repeatedly." Filling a cup to the top implies you want the guest to drink it and leave!
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The Shake: When you have had enough caffeine, you shake your small cup side-to-side. If you simply hand the cup back to the host, they will automatically refill it.
Beyond the Bean: Coffee Husks (Qishr)
Did you know there is a lighter, sweeter alternative to saudi arabia coffee? It is called Qishr (or Qeshir). It is made not from the bean, but from the dried cherry husks of the coffee fruit.
Popular in Yemen and parts of Saudi Arabia, this drink tastes like a fruity, spiced ginger tea. It is packed with antioxidants and has less caffeine than roasted coffee. You can try this unique beverage by picking up our Qesher Qahwa Coffee Husk. It is often consumed in the evening or by new mothers for its health benefits.
What to Serve with Saudi Coffee?
Because saudi arabia coffee contains no sugar, it pairs perfectly with sweet treats to balance the bitterness of the cardamom and the acidity of the light roast.
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Dates: The classic pairing. Succari or Ajwa dates are best.
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Maamoul: Shortbread cookies filled with date paste or pistachios.
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Kleija: A cardamom-spiced molasses cookie famous in the Qassim region.
FAQ regarding Saudi Coffee
Q: Is Saudi coffee high in caffeine?
A: Yes. Because the beans are lightly roasted, they retain more caffeine than dark roasts. However, because it is consumed in tiny cups, the intake is paced out.
Q: Can I use espresso beans for this recipe?
A: Generally, no. Espresso beans are roasted dark. Using them will result in a bitter, muddy drink that lacks the floral, golden character of authentic Saudi coffee. Stick to light-roasted Yemeni Kholani Coffee for the best results.
Q: Why is my coffee green?
A: If your coffee looks greenish-yellow, you have done it right! This comes from the very light roast and the addition of saffron.
Conclusion
Making saudi arabia coffee at home is a rewarding experience that brings a piece of Middle Eastern culture to your living room. It invites you to slow down, smell the spices, and enjoy the company of friends and family.
Whether you are looking for the raw authenticity of Coffee Forests Beans or the convenient, perfectly spiced blend of Najdiya Saudi Coffee, Bennhail has everything you need to start your brewing journey.
Ready to brew? Visit our Coffee Section today and bring the taste of Arabia to your doorstep.
