What's the difference between Arabic and Turkish coffee - history, ingredients, and preparation

Arabic coffee and Turkish coffee... both have a rich history, but the difference between them is significant! Whether you want to know what the well-known Arabic coffee is, the crescent of coffee for Ramadan breakfast, or what Turkish coffee, loved by all Egyptians, is, here you'll learn everything about them. From the history of Arabic coffee, its ingredients, and preparation method, to the history of Turkish coffee, its roasting, and its distinctive preparation method.

What is the historical difference between Arabic coffee and Turkish coffee?

Arabic and Turkish coffee are part of our heritage, but each has its own story. Here you'll understand how the love of coffee spread from the desert to the palaces of sultans and to the common people:

The History of Arabic Coffee: From a Bedouin Drink to a Symbol of Hospitality

Arabic coffee began in Yemen in the 15th century, where Bedouins used it as an energy drink during their travels in the desert. Over time, Arabs added cardamom to the recipe, not just for its taste, but because its aromatic scent perfumed gatherings and made guests feel welcome. Arabic coffee became more than a drink... it became a language of generosity, and it is always the first thing offered to a guest to say: "You are among your people here."

These rituals spread with trade caravans to Hejaz and Sham, evolving to become part of Arab identity. Even the tools used in its preparation (like the copper dallah and small cups) became cultural symbols, and are still found in most Arab homes today.

In the past, Arabic coffee was roasted on hot sand, ground with a "mihbash" (wooden pestle), and served without sugar as a sign of pure generosity. ☕

To become an expert in coffee and the differences between its types, learn more about the history of coffee among Arabs

The History of Turkish Coffee: From Yemen to the World through Turkish Hands

Turkish coffee, which the whole world adores today, began in the 16th century, when Yemeni traders presented coffee beans as a "precious gift" to the Ottoman Turks. However, the Turks – known for their artistic taste – were not convinced by the traditional method of preparation, so they developed a special method that transformed coffee from an ordinary drink into a work of art!

The Turks introduced 3 revolutionary modifications:

• Very fine grinding: Coffee beans were ground to a fine powder (finer than flour!), to extract every flavor of the coffee.
• Preparation in a Cezve: A small copper pot that allows a golden foam to form – the distinctive mark of authentic Turkish coffee.
• Unique boiling method: The coffee is boiled over low heat once or twice until it forms the beautiful coffee foam that we all love.
  

This method spread like wildfire: in the palaces of the Ottoman sultans, Turkish coffee was a symbol of luxury, served with Oriental sweets such as baklava. In the 17th century, Turkish coffee reached Europe via traders, and the first coffeehouse opened in Vienna named "Café Türk". To this day, Turkish coffee is recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage!

What is the best type of coffee bean in Egypt? Discover the best online coffee store in the Egyptian market to prepare your favorite coffee

The Difference Between the Ingredients and Preparation Method of Arabic Coffee and Turkish Coffee:

Arabic coffee is not just a drink... it's an art of hospitality passed down through generations!

Arabic Coffee Ingredients:

The ingredients for Arabic coffee are found in every home, and they are:

• 3 spoons of lightly roasted Arabica coffee
  
• Half a teaspoon of ground cardamom (هيل)
  
• Lukewarm water to ensure very slow flavor extraction
  
• Optional additions: saffron, cinnamon, or rose water (in some Gulf regions).

Arabic Coffee Preparation Tools:

• Copper Dallah: helps in even heat distribution.
• Small Arabic coffee cups for pouring the coffee when finished.

Arabic Coffee Preparation Method:

The method for making Arabic coffee is easy, and it is as follows:

1. Place the water over medium heat until it boils.
   
2. Add the coffee and let the mixture boil for 12-15 minutes until a light foam appears.
   
3. Add the cardamom and optional additions and let the mixture simmer for a few minutes over low heat.
   
4. After turning off the heat, add rose water, cover the dallah, and leave it for 10 minutes before serving.
   
5. Serving: Pour the coffee into small cups without stirring, and serve with dates or nuts.
   

Also know: The difference between Arabica and Robusta coffee

Ingredients and Preparation Method of Turkish Coffee:

Turkish coffee, the daily ritual for coffee lovers in Egypt, let's look at its ingredients and preparation method.

Turkish Coffee Ingredients:

The ingredients for Turkish coffee are found in every home in Egypt, and they are:

• Finely ground Arabica or Robusta coffee (depending on preference). For an ideal taste, try a blend that combines Arabica and Robusta.
  
• Cold water: to ensure better flavor extraction.
  
• Sugar (to taste): "sada" (without sugar), or "ala reeha" (light sugar), or "mazbout" (medium sugar). Know coffee names by sugar content
  

Turkish Coffee Preparation Method:

The method for preparing Turkish coffee is very simple, and it is as follows:

1. Put water in the copper cezve + coffee + sugar.
2. Stir the mixture over low heat until the foam reaches 80% of the cezve.
   
3. Remove it from the heat and repeat the boiling once more to create a larger foam, but avoid letting it boil completely or overflow.
   
4. Serving: Serve the coffee in a cup with a sweet treat or a piece of chocolate and a glass of water.
   

Want to make a cup of Turkish coffee at home better than cafes? Najjar Coffee will tell you the best types of coffee beans in Egypt

Conclusion: Coffee is a language... what do you think your dialect is?

Arabic and Turkish coffee are two different worlds: one expresses authenticity, and the other gives you a European taste with an Oriental touch. Try both and take yourself on a coffee journey that will set your mood and elevate your happiness!

Articles you might find interesting:

The difference between plain coffee and spiced coffee

The difference between light, medium, and dark roasted coffee

The difference between Brazilian and Colombian coffee

Frequently Asked Questions

Here you'll find answers to questions on your mind about Arabic and Turkish coffee:

What is the difference between Arabic coffee and Turkish coffee beans?

Arabic coffee beans: Lightly roasted Arabica beans mixed with ground cardamom in a higher proportion than spiced Turkish coffee.
Turkish coffee beans: Arabica or Robusta beans roasted to varying degrees, without additives if it's plain coffee, and with few additives if it's spiced coffee.

Can I use a Dallah for Turkish coffee?

No, the Dallah is specifically for Arabic coffee. Use a Turkish Cezve to achieve the desired foam.

Why is Arabic coffee not sweetened?

Because it's inherited that Arabic coffee without sugar is considered pure and a symbol of hospitality and generosity. Cardamom also adds a natural sweetness, but you can add sugar if you prefer.