Somalia
Somalia has a rich and distinct coffee culture, deeply intertwined with its history and hospitality. While tea (shaah) is arguably more prevalent in daily life, especially the spiced milk tea (shaah cadeeys), traditional Somali coffee (qahwa) holds significant cultural value. Furthermore, a modern cafe scene is burgeoning in cities like Mogadishu, blending traditional flavors with international trends.
Here are the different ways to order coffee in Somalia and what's in them:
Traditional Somali Coffee (Qahwa / Kahwa):
This is the most authentic and culturally significant way to experience coffee in Somalia. It's known for its strong, aromatic, and often milky and spiced character.
What's in it: Finely ground coffee beans (often imported, though historically Somalia has cultivated coffee, including Coffea Arabica and possibly bun or local varieties). The defining feature is the inclusion of aromatic spices such as cardamom, cloves, and sometimes cinnamon and ginger. Crucially, it's almost always served with a generous amount of milk (often fresh milk, reflecting Somalia's pastoral heritage). Sugar is a key ingredient and usually added during the brewing process.
How it's made: Typically brewed by boiling the ground coffee and spices directly with water and milk in a pot. The mixture is brought to a boil, then simmered to allow the flavors to meld, and the grounds to settle.
How it's served: In small, handleless cups (finjaan or similar). It's a symbol of hospitality, offered to guests without asking, and is a staple at social gatherings.
How to order: Simply "Qahwa" or "Kahwa." You might specify "qahwa caano" (coffee with milk) if you want to be very clear, though milk is generally expected. If you prefer less sugar or no sugar, you would need to communicate that.
"Bun" (Traditional Coffee Beans Roasted in Butter):
This is a very unique and historical Somali coffee preparation. "Bun" refers to the traditional Somali coffee, and the preparation involves roasting the beans with butter.
What's in it: Freshly roasted Arabica beans are a key component. The unique aspect is that the coffee beans are roasted with clarified butter (ghee), which imparts a rich, creamy flavor and smooth texture. It can also be infused with spices like cardamom, cinnamon, or cloves.
How it's made: The roasting process with ghee is distinctive. The prepared coffee is then brewed, often strong.
How it's served: In small cups, often accompanied by dates or sweets, especially during gatherings.
How to order: You might ask for "Bun" if available, or inquire about coffee roasted with butter.
Instant Coffee (Nescafé):
Widely consumed for convenience in homes, offices, and smaller local eateries across Somalia. "Nescafé" is often used as a generic term for any instant coffee brand.
What's in it: Soluble coffee granules dissolved in hot water. Typically served with sugar and often with milk (powdered milk or fresh milk) added to taste.
How to order: "Nescafé." You can specify "with milk" or "with sugar."
Espresso:
Mogadishu and other urban centers have seen a revival and growth of modern cafes. These establishments are equipped with espresso machines and cater to a more contemporary taste.
What's in it: A concentrated shot of dark-roasted coffee, made by forcing hot, pressurized water through finely ground coffee.
How to order: "Espresso" or "Single Espresso." You can also ask for a "Double Espresso" or "Doppio."
Cappuccino:
A popular espresso-based drink, readily available in the new wave of modern cafes.
What's in it: Equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam.
How to order: "Cappuccino."
Café Latte (or "Latte"):
Also found in contemporary cafes.
What's in it: Espresso with a larger proportion of steamed milk and a thin layer of foam, making it creamier.
How to order: "Latte" or "Café Latte."
Americano:
For those who prefer a longer, black coffee from an espresso base.
What's in it: Espresso diluted with hot water.
How to order: "Americano."
Mocha:
A coffee-chocolate combination, available in many modern cafes.
What's in it: Espresso, steamed milk, and chocolate (syrup or cocoa powder).
How to order: "Mocha" or "Café Mocha."
Iced Coffee / Iced Latte:
Given Somalia's warm climate, cold coffee options are becoming popular in cafes.
What's in it: Chilled brewed coffee with ice (for iced coffee), or espresso with cold milk and ice (for iced latte).
How to order: "Iced Coffee" or "Iced Latte."
Key things to remember when ordering coffee in Somalia:
Spices are Key: Traditional Somali coffee (Qahwa) is defined by its spices (cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, ginger). Expect a fragrant and flavorful experience.
Milk is Expected: For traditional Qahwa, milk is almost always included and considered essential. If you prefer black coffee, you would need to specify clearly.
Sweetness: Somali coffee is generally served sweet. If you prefer less sugar or no sugar, make sure to communicate that.
Language: Somali is the national language. Arabic is also widely spoken. English is increasingly understood, especially in urban areas and among younger generations in cafes. Using terms like "Qahwa" for traditional coffee, or the English/Italian terms for modern drinks, will be understood.
Reviving Coffee Culture: There's a strong movement, particularly by entrepreneurs in Mogadishu, to revive and modernize Somalia's coffee culture, offering a unique blend of traditional flavors and contemporary cafe experiences. Cafes are becoming vital social and community hubs.
*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.