Libya
Libya has a rich and distinctive coffee culture, deeply influenced by both its Arab heritage and its period as an Italian colony. This has created a unique blend of traditional spiced coffee and popular Italian-style espresso drinks.
Here are the different ways you can order coffee in Libya and what's in them:
Libyan Coffee (Qahwa Libiya - قهوة ليبية):
This is the quintessential Libyan coffee, central to hospitality and social gatherings.
What's in it: Finely ground light-roasted coffee beans (often described as "blonde roast" or "Arabic ground"), cardamom (a key ingredient, sometimes even ground with the beans), sugar (often added during brewing, but you can specify the sweetness level), and sometimes a few drops of orange blossom water for aroma. Some variations may also include a pinch of saffron or anise.
How it's made: Traditionally prepared in a small, long-handled pot (similar to a Turkish cezve or dallah). Water is brought to a boil, then removed, and coffee, sugar, and spices are added. It's then returned to the heat, brought to a foam-forming boil, and removed multiple times to develop a rich foam without over-boiling. The grounds settle at the bottom.
How it's served: In small, handleless cups called finjaan. It's typically served strong and black, often with dates or sweet pastries on the side. Fortune-telling (tasseography) with the coffee grounds is a common practice after drinking.
Espresso (إسبريسو):
Thanks to Italian influence, espresso is very popular in urban areas, particularly in cafes.
What's in it: A concentrated shot of dark-roasted coffee, made by forcing hot, pressurized water through finely ground coffee.
How to order: Simply "Espresso." You can also specify "Doppio" for a double shot.
Cappuccino (كابتشينو):
Another widely enjoyed Italian-style coffee drink.
What's in it: Equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam.
How to order: "Cappuccino."
Latte (لاتيه):
Similar to a cappuccino but with more steamed milk and less foam, making it creamier.
What's in it: Espresso, a large amount of steamed milk, and a thin layer of foam.
How to order: "Latte" or "Café Latte."
Macchiato (ماكياتو):
Popular in Libya, especially during the Gaddafi era when it was seen as a workaround for the "forbidden" Italian espresso.
What's in it: An espresso shot "stained" or "marked" with a small amount of steamed milk or foam.
How to order: "Macchiato."
Americano (أمريكانو):
A common choice for those who prefer a longer, less intense coffee than pure espresso.
What's in it: Espresso diluted with hot water.
How to order: "Americano."
Filter Coffee / Drip Coffee (قهوة فلتَر):
While not as prevalent as espresso or Libyan coffee, some modern cafes or hotels might offer filter coffee.
What's in it: Brewed coffee, typically black, made by pouring hot water over ground coffee beans held in a filter.
How to order: You might ask for "Filter coffee" or simply "Black coffee" (قهوة سادة - qahwa sada).
Instant Coffee (نسكافيه):
Widely available for convenience, especially in homes, offices, and smaller eateries. "Nescafé" is often used as a generic term for instant coffee, regardless of brand.
What's in it: Soluble coffee granules dissolved in hot water. Often prepared with milk and sugar.
How to order: "Nescafé" (نسكافيه). You can specify "with milk" (مع حليب - ma' haleeb) or "with sugar" (مع سكر - ma' sukkar).
Important Considerations for Ordering Coffee in Libya:
Sweetness: Libyans generally enjoy their coffee on the sweeter side. If you prefer less sugar or no sugar, make sure to specify. For Libyan coffee, sugar is usually added during the brewing process.
Hospitality: Coffee is a significant part of Libyan hospitality. If you're a guest in a home, you'll almost certainly be offered Libyan coffee.
Tea: While coffee is loved, tea (especially strong, sweet black tea, often served in small glasses with foam) is also incredibly popular and a staple at social gatherings.
The coffee scene in Libya offers a delightful journey from traditional, spiced brews to modern, globally recognized espresso drinks, reflecting the country's unique cultural tapestry.
*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.