Middle Eastern Coffee Culture: Origins and Traditions

By 1511, coffee drinking was common in Mecca, and from there it spread west to Egypt, Syria, and the Ottoman Empire, and east to Iran. This rapid diffusion was driven largely by pilgrims and merchants. The first known coffeehouse opened in Istanbul, established by two Syrian traders. It became an instant success, and coffee soon became a staple beverage across the region, lasting well into the 19th century.

Coffee Arrives in Europe—Despite Initial Skepticism

Early European accounts of coffee were far from flattering. In 1585, the Vatican’s ambassador to Istanbul described coffee drinkers as idle and vulgar, sitting around sipping a black liquid from seeds called 'coffee.' Similarly, English traveller George Sandys, visiting Turkey in 1610, mocked the practice, calling the drink 'black as coal' and unpleasant tasting.

Nevertheless, coffee caught on. The first coffeehouse in Europe opened in Vienna after the second Turkish siege. Its founder, an Armenian spy turned coffeehouse owner, was granted a monopoly as payment for his services. Coffee, mainly imported from Yemen, quickly became a key export commodity for the Middle East and a beloved drink abroad.

Why Coffeehouses Matter in the Middle East

In much of the Islamic world, alcohol is prohibited, and public drinking is not socially accepted. Unlike the West, where bars and pubs serve as social hubs, the Middle East has long relied on coffeehouses and teahouses for public gathering. This cultural gap explains why coffee plays such a central role in daily life across the region.

Arab communities have been drinking coffee for roughly 500 years, making it as deeply rooted as it is in Europe or America. When Brits 'take a break,' they might have tea; Americans or Taiwanese might opt for either. But in Arab cultures, that break almost always means coffee.

What Makes a Middle Eastern Coffeehouse Unique?

Walk into a traditional Middle Eastern coffeehouse, and you’ll notice several distinct features:

• Gender dynamics: Women are rarely seen in public coffeehouses, unlike in Taiwan or the West. Most female coffee drinkers enjoy their brew at home.
• Atmosphere: Expect the sound of Arabic music, the scent of tobacco from water pipes, and men gathered to chat, play chess, or simply relax. Reading or using computers is uncommon.
• Seating: Patrons sit on cushions or low sofas, often draped in rugs or woven fabrics, rather than on Western-style chairs.
• Serving style: Food and drinks are served from intricately designed metal trays. Walls are decorated with traditional Islamic art.
• Drinks: Turkish coffee is the most common brew, unfiltered and served with a side of water. It’s boiled, not dripped or espresso-based.
• Water pipes: In casual cafes, it’s common for men to sip coffee alongside a 20-minute shisha session, returning multiple times a day.

What About Women and Coffee in the Middle East?

While public coffeehouses are male-dominated, women do drink coffee—just not usually in public venues. One Tunisian woman interviewed for this piece said, 'I drink coffee at home almost every day.' In wealthier or more cosmopolitan settings like high-end hotels or restaurants, you may spot women enjoying coffee, often in more Westernised environments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where did coffee originate?

Coffee originated in Ethiopia, likely from the region of Kaffa. Wild coffee plants still grow there, and it spread to Yemen in the 15th or 16th century. From Yemen, it entered the wider world through trade and religious travel.

How did coffee spread to Europe?

Coffee reached Europe in the 16th century, despite initial negative perceptions. The first European coffeehouse opened in Vienna after the Turkish siege, and coffee—mainly from Yemen—became popular across the continent.

Why are there so few women in Middle Eastern coffeehouses?

Due to cultural norms, public coffeehouses in much of the Middle East are male-dominated. Women typically drink coffee at home, though they may be seen in cafes in hotels or upscale restaurants.

What is Turkish coffee, and how is it served?

Turkish coffee is boiled, unfiltered coffee traditionally served in small cups with a side of water. It’s a thick brew, meant to be sipped slowly, often accompanied by conversation or games like chess.

Do people in the Middle East only drink coffee in cafes?

No. While men often gather in public coffeehouses, many Arabs, including women, drink coffee at home. It remains a daily ritual across all social classes and both genders.

What makes Middle Eastern coffee culture different?

Middle Eastern coffee culture revolves around social gathering in cafes where alcohol is not consumed. Coffeehouses serve as hubs for conversation, chess, and relaxation, often featuring traditional decor, Arabic music, and water pipes alongside coffee.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Middle Eastern Brewing

For exploring coffee traditions akin to those in the Middle East, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Yirgacheffe—bright, floral, and tea-like, echoing the region’s early coffee preferences. Also consider their Ethiopia Humbera, known for its juicy blueberry notes and clean acidity, reflecting the fruity profiles of Yemeni heirloom varieties. For something closer to traditional roasted styles, their Classic Blend offers balanced body and mild roast tones, suitable for filter or immersion brewing. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.