Saudi Coffee (Gahwa) in Makkah: A Guide
دليل القهوة السعودية
2 min readUpdated 30 Sept 2026
Saudi coffee — gahwa (قهوة) — is much more than a drink. It is the first thing offered to a guest, a sign of generosity, and a daily ritual in homes, offices and mosques across the Kingdom. In 2015 Arabic coffee was added to UNESCO's list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, and the Saudi Ministry of Culture named 2022 the 'Year of Saudi Coffee'.
If you are visiting Makkah, you will be offered gahwa many times. Here is how it is made, how to drink it politely and where to find it.
What makes Saudi coffee different
Unlike dark-roasted Turkish or espresso coffee, Saudi coffee uses lightly roasted Arabica beans, giving it a golden-green colour and a light, slightly herbal taste. It is brewed in a dallah (the traditional long-spouted pot) with a generous amount of cardamom.
- Cardamom — the essential spice.
- Saffron — added for colour and aroma, especially in the Hejaz.
- Cloves or ginger — common in some regions.
- No sugar and no milk — sweetness comes from the dates served alongside.
How to drink gahwa: etiquette
- Coffee is poured in small handle-less cups called finjan, only a little at a time.
- Hold and receive the cup with your right hand.
- The host will keep refilling your cup. When you have had enough, gently shake the cup from side to side before handing it back.
- It is customary to drink at least one cup when it is offered.
- Eat dates between sips — they balance the bitterness.
Saudi coffee inside the Haram
During Ramadan, iftar spreads in and around Masjid al-Haram traditionally include dates, Zamzam water and Saudi coffee. At other times, volunteers and families sometimes share coffee and dates with worshippers in the mosque courtyards.
Where to find gahwa in Makkah
Local Saudi coffee brands serve gahwa by the cup or in thermos flasks to share. Darat Alqahwa and Camel Step are two local names on Feast Makkah; ordering a flask to your hotel is a popular way to host family or an Umrah group in the evening.
Modern Saudi café culture
Alongside traditional gahwa, Saudi Arabia has a booming specialty coffee scene. The Spanish latte — espresso with sweetened condensed milk — is the signature drink of Saudi cafés. Ratio, Cafe Moment, GR8 and Starbucks are among the cafés you can order from on Feast Makkah.
Frequently asked questions
What is Saudi coffee made of?
Lightly roasted Arabica coffee brewed with cardamom, often with saffron or cloves, and served without sugar or milk alongside dates.
How do you say no more coffee in Saudi Arabia?
Gently shake your small cup from side to side when handing it back to the host — that signals you have had enough.
Is Saudi coffee strong?
It is light in colour and flavour compared with espresso, but it does contain caffeine, so the small cups add up.
