Egypt
Egyptian coffee culture is rich and deeply rooted in tradition, primarily revolving around what's often referred to as "Turkish coffee," though Egyptians have their own distinct methods and preferences. It's usually served in small cups (finjans) and is known for its strong, thick consistency with grounds settling at the bottom.
Here are the different ways to order coffee in Egypt, and what's in them:
Traditional Egyptian Coffee (Ahwa / Turkish Coffee)
This is the most common and traditional way to order coffee in Egypt, especially in local coffeehouses (ahwas). The key differentiator is the amount of sugar added during the brewing process. It's brewed in a small pot called a "cezve" or "kanaka."
Ahwa Sada (قهوة سادة):
What's in it: Finely ground coffee beans and hot water, with no sugar.
How it's ordered: "Ahwa sada." This is traditionally served at funerals as a sign of respect and solemnity, but it's also ordered by those who prefer their coffee bitter.
Ahwa 'ala Reehah (قهوة على الريحة):
What's in it: Finely ground coffee beans, hot water, and just a hint or "a whiff" of sugar. It's still quite bitter but with a subtle sweetness.
How it's ordered: "Ahwa 'ala reehah."
Ahwa Mazboot (قهوة مضبوط):
What's in it: Finely ground coffee beans, hot water, and a medium amount of sugar (the "just right" amount). This is often considered the standard or most popular way to have Egyptian coffee.
How it's ordered: "Ahwa mazboot."
Ahwa Ziyada (قهوة زيادة):
What's in it: Finely ground coffee beans, hot water, and extra sugar. This is for those with a very sweet tooth, and it contains a significant amount of sugar.
How it's ordered: "Ahwa ziyada."
Ahwa Sari'a (قهوة سريعة) / Sari'a Masry (سريعة مصري):
What's in it: This literally means "quick coffee" or "Egyptian quick." It's sometimes used for extra, extra sugar, beyond even "ziyada." It's highly sweetened.
How it's ordered: "Ahwa sari'a" or "sari'a masry."
Spiced Variations (Optional Additions):
Ahwa Muhawwaga (قهوة محوجة):
What's in it: Traditional Egyptian coffee with cardamom (and sometimes other spices like cloves or nutmeg) ground in with the coffee beans. This adds an aromatic and slightly floral note to the strong coffee.
How it's ordered: "Ahwa muhawwaga." You can still specify the sugar level (e.g., "muhawwaga mazboot").
Other Coffee Options in Egypt
While traditional "Ahwa" dominates, especially in local settings, modern cafes in urban areas offer a wider range of coffee types:
Ahwa Faransawy (قهوة فرنساوي) / Ahwa bi Haleeb (قهوة بحليب):
What's in it: This literally translates to "French coffee" or "coffee with milk." It's typically a milder, less concentrated coffee, often brewed with milk instead of water, or with a significant amount of milk added. It's closer to a milky American-style coffee or even a basic latte.
How it's ordered: "Ahwa faransawy" or "ahwa bi haleeb." You would then specify your sugar preference.
Nescafé (نسكافيه):
What's in it: Instant coffee, widely popular and easily available everywhere, from homes to small cafes. It's quick, easy, and often served with hot water and milk on the side, allowing you to customize it.
How it's ordered: Simply "Nescafé." You'll usually be given sugar and sometimes milk or creamer to add yourself.
Gabbana Coffee:
What's in it: This is a specific traditional coffee of the Bishareen and Abdaba tribes in the southern part of Egypt's Red Sea region. It involves roasting green coffee beans over fire, then crushing them in a wooden grinder, sometimes with ginger, cardamom, cloves, or pepper, before brewing them in a special clay pot called a "Gabbana." It's often very strong and served in small cups.
How it's ordered: This is a regional specialty and less common in mainstream cafes. You'd seek it out in specific tribal communities or specialized cultural spots.
Espresso-based Drinks (Latte, Cappuccino, Americano, etc.):
What's in them: Standard espresso shots with steamed milk, foamed milk, or hot water, as found in international coffee chains and modern independent cafes, especially in Cairo, Alexandria, and tourist areas.
How they're ordered: By their English names (e.g., "Latte," "Cappuccino," "Americano").
When ordering traditional Egyptian coffee, remember that the sugar is added during the brewing process, so you need to state your preference upfront.
*The content in this document was generated using artificial intelligence, drawing from various online sources, and subsequently refined for accuracy and conciseness in 2025. Users are advised to consult multiple sources to corroborate information and should not rely solely on this document for comprehensive research.