Qahwa culture

The hospitality surrounding Saudi coffee (qahwa in Arabic) is as unique as a fingerprint, identifying an integral part of the national identity. Whether it be celebrations or sombre moments, serving coffee is found on every occasion. Travelling throughout the Kingdom, you will find different spice bouquets unique to each region, city and household. A deep, dark and rich spiced coffee in the northern territories is a stark difference from the pale roasted coffee with a more complex blend of spices in the southern regions. Traditionally, coffee is served in finjan, special handleless demitasse cups that are easy to hold with one hand and are usually made of ceramic, glass or clay, allowing the warmth of the coffee to radiate to the touch. Typically, the head of the household brews the coffee, while the youngest in the room serves it. The first cup is always offered to someone in high regard, such as the eldest or a special guest of honour. Serving coffee follows a respectful routine: after pouring the first cup, each subsequent cup is offered in a circular path from the right side. The cup is filled only a quarter or third of the way, and previously, it was limited to three or rarely four servings. The people of Arabia have always deeply valued two vital treasures: water and dates, often referred to as the “two blacks”. Water is a precious commodity in the arid landscape of the nomadic Bedouins, serving as the lifeblood of communities, while dates symbolise sweet hospitality and abundance. The limited amounts and servings are rooted in a form of social unification and equality, where whether you were rich or poor, households that did not have enough for guests could be just as hospitable as the wealthier ones. Generation after generation is taught that serving a guest begins with a smile and leaving a distance of a few feet with a slight bow is ensured while pouring the coffee. These interstices and gestures between the coffee server and guest are crucial, showcasing respect and connection. In Saudi Arabia, guests honour this tradition by drinking the first cup as a gesture of gratitude and trust, regardless of the desire for coffee. These elements come together, weaving a circle of hospitality that defines a culture of hospitality.