Arabic Coffee (Gahwa) Recipe
Gahwa is the lightly roasted Arabic coffee served in small cups at majlis gatherings and hospitality in the UAE and across the Gulf. It is flavoured with cardamom, and sometimes saffron, and is served with dates.
Prep 5 minBrew 10 minMakes about 6 small cups
Ingredients
- 4 cups (1 L) water
- 4 tbsp light roast Arabic coffee, coarsely ground
- 1 tsp ground cardamom, or 6 cardamom pods, lightly crushed
- Pinch of saffron (optional)
- Dates, to serve
Method
- Bring the water to a boil in a dallah (Arabic coffee pot) or small pot.
- Add the coffee, cardamom and saffron. Stir once.
- Lower the heat and simmer gently for 3 to 5 minutes. Do not let it boil hard.
- Remove from the heat and let the grounds settle for 2 minutes.
- Pour into small cups, filling each one only a third of the way. Serve with dates.
Tips
- Arabic coffee is light and flavoured, not bitter, so do not use dark espresso roast.
- Guests traditionally take one or two small cups; shake the cup gently to signal you have had enough.
Frequently asked questions
What coffee is used for gahwa?
Light roast Arabic coffee, often roasted with cardamom. Ground coarsely.
Is it served with sugar?
No. It is traditionally unsweetened and served with dates.
What is a dallah?
A traditional Arabic coffee pot with a long spout, used for brewing and serving.