What Is Arabic Coffee? Traditional Middle Eastern Brew Guide

If you’ve ever wondered what makes Arabic coffee different from your usual espresso or pour-over, the answer lies in its unique spice blend and preparation style. Unlike filtered or espresso-based drinks, Arabic coffee is lightly brewed with a mix of warming spices and served unfiltered—a style deeply rooted in Middle Eastern hospitality and tradition.

Traditional Arabic coffee is made with slightly dark-roasted coffee (75cc), 10g of sugar, and a pinch each of ground cinnamon and cardamom, often brewed using a drip method today—but originally prepared in a brass or copper cezve-like pot.

What Is Arabic Coffee?

Arabic coffee, or Cafe Arabe, refers to a traditional coffee style originating from various Arabic-speaking countries. It is distinct from other regional coffee preparations due to its specific use of spices, sugar, and brewing technique. The coffee is typically lightly to moderately dark roasted, and served unfiltered, often in small cups.

Traditional Ingredients in Arabic Coffee

The standard ingredients for Arabic coffee include:

• Slightly dark-roasted coffee: 75cc (approx. 75ml of brewed coffee)
• Sugar: 10g (about 2 teaspoons)
• Ground cinnamon: a pinch
• Ground cardamom: a pinch

These ingredients are either added directly to the cup before pouring the coffee or brewed together in a traditional pot. The use of spices like cardamom and cinnamon is central to its distinctive flavour profile.

How Arabic Coffee Is Prepared Today

In modern practice, Arabic coffee is often prepared using a drip-style method. The sugar, cinnamon, and cardamom are placed directly in the serving cup, and then the brewed coffee is poured over them. This approach offers a cleaner presentation and easier preparation while retaining the traditional flavour elements.

This updated method is described as having a “modern taste,” making it more accessible for contemporary coffee drinkers while still honouring its cultural roots.

Traditional Brewing Method (Original Approach)

Originally, Arabic coffee was brewed in a special copper or brass pot known as a dallah or cezve. The preparation involved:

• Adding finely ground coffee
• Including pieces of cinnamon bark
• Adding cardamom seeds
• Pouring hot water over the mixture
• Slowly simmering or boiling the brew

This method results in a strong, spiced, unfiltered coffee, typically served in small servings as a gesture of welcome and hospitality.

Flavour Profile and Serving Style

Arabic coffee has a bold yet nuanced flavour, with the bitterness of slightly dark-roasted coffee balanced by the warmth of cinnamon and the citrusy, floral notes of cardamom. The addition of sugar softens the intensity and rounds out the spice.

It is usually served in small cups, without milk, and often accompanied by dates or sweets as part of a traditional offering.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Arabic coffee made of?

Arabic coffee is made with slightly dark-roasted coffee (75cc), 10g of sugar, and a pinch each of ground cinnamon and cardamom. Traditionally, these ingredients are brewed together in a copper or brass pot, but today they’re often added to the cup before pouring the brewed coffee.

Is Arabic coffee the same as Turkish coffee?

No, Arabic coffee is not the same as Turkish coffee, although both are unfiltered and spiced. Arabic coffee typically uses cardamom and cinnamon, while Turkish coffee may not include cardamom and is often made with a finer grind and a specific cezve method. The roast level and serving style also differ.

Do you put milk in Arabic coffee?

No, Arabic coffee is not served with milk. It is a black coffee, flavoured with sugar, cinnamon, and cardamom, and meant to be sipped plain.

What roast level is used for Arabic coffee?

Arabic coffee is made with slightly dark-roasted coffee. While the exact roast profile may vary, it is generally roasted to a medium-dark level to bring out body and complement the spices.

How is Arabic coffee traditionally brewed?

Traditionally, Arabic coffee is brewed in a copper or brass pot with coffee grounds, chopped cinnamon, and cardamom seeds. Hot water is poured over the mixture and slowly simmered or boiled before serving.

Can I make Arabic coffee with a drip method?

Yes, a modern drip-style method is commonly used today where sugar, cinnamon, and cardamom are placed in the cup, and brewed coffee is poured over them. This simplifies the process while maintaining the traditional flavours.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Arabic-Style Coffee

For an Arabic-style coffee experience at home, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Humbera—known for its bright citrus and floral tones that pair beautifully with cardamom. Alternatively, their Yirgacheffe offers juicy acidity and berry notes, complementing the spice blend. For a deeper base, their Lintong Mandheling brings earthy, spicy undertones that balance the cinnamon and sweetness. All three beans showcase distinct flavour profiles that work well when brewed as a spiced, slow-drip or traditional-style cup. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.