Somaliland
Somaliland's coffee culture is rich and deeply rooted in Somali traditions, with a significant emphasis on spiced coffee and a growing influence of modern cafe culture, particularly in its capital, Hargeisa. The traditional way of preparing coffee is a central part of social life and hospitality.
Here are the different ways to order coffee in Somaliland and what's in them:
Traditional Somali Coffee (Qahwo / Bun):
This is the most authentic and culturally significant way to experience coffee in Somaliland. It's not just a drink but often a ritual of hospitality.
Qahwo (Qaxwo) / Spiced Somali Coffee:
What's in it: This is typically a strong, dark-roasted coffee (often made from Arabica beans, though imported beans are common). The distinguishing feature is the addition of aromatic spices during brewing or roasting. Common spices include:
Cardamom (Hawaash): This is almost always present and gives it a very distinctive, warm aroma.
Ginger (Sanjabil): Often included for a warming, slightly pungent kick.
Cinnamon (Qoronfil): Adds a sweet and woody note.
Sometimes cloves or other warming spices might also be used.
How it's made: The finely ground coffee and spices are often brewed together in a pot (similar to Turkish/Armenian coffee, though usually without the butter-roasting step of "Bun" for the beverage form) until a strong brew is achieved. It's served unfiltered, allowing the grounds to settle at the bottom.
How to order: You'd simply ask for "Qahwo" or "Somali coffee." Sugar is typically added to taste, and it's almost always served black in small, handle-less cups. It's often accompanied by dates or other sweets.
Bun (Fried Coffee Beans - often eaten, not just drunk):
What's in it: This refers to whole coffee beans, often with their hulls, that are deep-fried in ghee (clarified butter) or oil. While the term "Bun" can refer to the bean itself, the traditional preparation involves frying them. The fried beans are often served as a delicacy or snack, particularly during religious ceremonies or gatherings.
How it's made: The beans are washed, sometimes briefly boiled, dried, and then fried in hot oil or ghee until brown and fragrant.
How it's consumed: While the oil from the "Bun" can be used to flavor coffee, "Bun" itself is often eaten directly, sometimes mixed with sugar, corn nuts (daango), raisins, or candy to create a mixture called "toor." It's less common to order "Bun" as a beverage in the same way as "Qahwo." If you're offered "Bun," it might be the fried beans to chew on.
Modern Cafe Offerings (Increasingly Common in Hargeisa and other urban centers):
The return of the diaspora and modern influences have led to a flourishing cafe scene, especially in Hargeisa, where you can find international coffee shop staples. Many cafes import high-quality Arabica beans from Ethiopia or Kenya.
Espresso:
What's in it: A concentrated shot of coffee, the base for many modern drinks.
How to order: "Espresso" or "Double Espresso."
Americano:
What's in it: Espresso diluted with hot water.
How to order: "Americano." Can be served black or with milk and sugar. Also available iced.
Latte:
What's in it: Espresso with a large amount of steamed milk and a thin layer of microfoam.
How to order: "Latte." You can specify hot or iced ("Iced Latte") and often find milk alternatives like oat or almond milk becoming available.
Cappuccino:
What's in it: Espresso with steamed milk and a generous cap of frothed milk foam.
How to order: "Cappuccino."
Flat White:
What's in it: Espresso with velvety microfoamed milk, less foam than a latte or cappuccino, providing a stronger coffee taste.
How to order: "Flat White."
Mocha / Mochaccino:
What's in it: Espresso, chocolate syrup or powder, steamed milk, often topped with whipped cream.
How to order: "Mocha" or "Mochaccino."
Macchiato:
Espresso Macchiato: Espresso "marked" with a tiny dollop of foamed milk.
Latte Macchiato: Steamed milk "marked" with a shot of espresso, creating layers.
How to order: "Macchiato," clarifying which type if necessary.
Drip Coffee / Filter Coffee:
What's in it: Standard brewed coffee, typically made with a filter machine.
How to order: "Filter coffee" or "brewed coffee."
Cold Brew:
What's in it: Coffee steeped in cold water for an extended period, resulting in a less acidic, smoother concentrate, served over ice.
How to order: "Cold Brew."
Iced Coffee:
What's in it: Generally refers to a pre-sweetened or sweetened coffee concentrate mixed with milk and ice. Specific iced versions of lattes or Americanos are also common.
How to order: "Iced Coffee," or more specifically, "Iced Latte," "Iced Americano."
Other Coffee-Related Items:
Instant Coffee: Widely available in homes and less formal settings.
What's in it: Instant coffee granules dissolved in hot water, typically with sugar and milk (fresh or powdered) added to taste.
How to order: "Instant coffee."
When in Somaliland, trying the traditional Qahwo is a must for an authentic cultural experience. In urban centers, you'll have the flexibility to choose between this traditional brew and a wide array of modern espresso-based drinks.
*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.