A Taste of Qatari Hospitality: Traditional Arabic Coffee
With its strong cardamom aroma and yellowish, tea-like consistency, Arabian coffee is a ubiquitous symbol of hospitality throughout the Gulf countries, not least in World Cup host Qatar.
Photo source: bamagz.com
The traditional hahwa, made by roasting coffee beans with the addition of cardamom and saffron, is usually served at the majlis of Qatar, an assembly of men that is the centerpiece of social life in the country.
According to custom, the hot drink is prepared in the presence of guests by the head of the family and served by his eldest son.
But in recent years, the drink has transcended its traditional boundaries, making its way into commercial establishments and houses of culture, offering Qataris and visitors a taste of Qatari culture.
Гостеприимство Катара. Photo source: kuwaittimes.com
С момента появления кофе в регионе около 600 лет назад он приобрел свой собственный ритуал и церемонию, которые в настоящее время являются неотъемлемой частью культуры страны и региона.
Разлитый из золотых или серебряных горшочков “даллах”, он пьется из маленьких чашечек, которые всегда наполняются лишь частично, чтобы не обжечь пальцы пьющих.
Гахва. Photo source: archanaskitchen.com
The coffee keeps coming until the drinker makes a certain gesture with his hand, indicating that he has had enough - a relic of an era when it was often poured by deaf waiters to prevent confidential information from leaking out of the majlis.
In 2015, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Oman and Qatar initiated the inclusion of Arab coffee in the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage.
According to UNESCO, "serving Arab coffee is an important aspect of hospitality in Arab societies and is considered a ceremonial act of generosity".
