South Sudan
South Sudan has a fascinating, yet often overlooked, coffee heritage. It's considered a potential center of origin for Arabica coffee, and it also cultivates Robusta and the unique, drought-resistant Excelsa variety. Despite its potential, decades of conflict have impacted its coffee industry, but there are ongoing efforts to revive and grow the sector. The coffee culture itself is a blend of traditional African methods, Sudanese influences, and the emerging modern cafe scene, particularly in Juba.
Here are the different ways to order a coffee in South Sudan and what's in them:
Traditional South Sudanese Coffee (Guhwah / Jabana Coffee):
This is the most culturally significant and widely prepared coffee, especially in homes and local communal settings. It shares similarities with Ethiopian and Sudanese coffee ceremonies.
What's in it: Locally sourced Arabica, Robusta, or Excelsa coffee beans, often roasted fresh in a large pan over an open flame (sometimes with a pinch of sugar added during roasting). The beans are then ground (traditionally with a pestle and mortar) to a fine consistency. Crucially, black pepper or ground ginger are often added to the coffee before boiling, giving it a distinctive spicy kick. Sugar is usually added during the brewing process, making it quite sweet. Milk is less common in this specific preparation unless requested.
How it's made: Prepared in a jebena (a special tin or red clay flask with a long spout, similar to an Ethiopian jebena). The coffee, water, and spices are boiled together, allowing the flavors to meld and the grounds to settle.
How it's served: Poured from a height into small, handleless cups or tiny glasses. The act of pouring from high up is believed to enhance the aroma and create a nice foam.
How to order: You can ask for "Guhwah" or "Jabana coffee." If you prefer less sugar or no sugar, you would need to specify, as it's typically served sweet and spiced.
Instant Coffee (Nescafé):
Extremely popular and convenient across South Sudan, found in homes, offices, and small local eateries. "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 powdered milk (like Nido) or fresh milk if available.
How to order: "Nescafé" or simply "instant coffee." You can specify "with milk" or "with sugar."
Espresso:
In the capital, Juba, and other larger towns, modern cafes and hotels are starting to become more prevalent. These establishments will have espresso machines. Some are even beginning to explore using South Sudanese-grown coffee for their espresso.
What's in it: A concentrated shot of dark-roasted coffee, made by forcing hot, pressurized water through finely ground coffee beans.
How to order: "Espresso" or "Single Espresso." You can also ask for a "Double Espresso" or "Doppio."
Cappuccino:
A popular espresso-based drink, increasingly available in the newer cafes in urban centers.
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."
Iced Coffee / Iced Latte:
Given the warm climate, cold coffee options are starting to appear in more modern 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 South Sudan:
Spiced Coffee is Traditional: If you want an authentic local experience, try the traditional Guhwah with its distinctive ginger or black pepper flavor.
Sweetness: South Sudanese coffee, especially the traditional style, is often served sweet. If you prefer less sugar or no sugar, make sure to specify.
Local Beans: There's a strong effort by organizations and local initiatives to revive and promote coffee cultivation, including the unique Excelsa and local Arabica varieties, especially in regions like Yei and Nzara. If you get a chance to try coffee made with locally grown beans, it's a unique opportunity.
Tea Culture: While coffee is enjoyed, tea (shaah), particularly the spiced milk tea (shaah cadeeys), is extremely popular and often consumed throughout the day.
Language: English is an official language and is widely used in urban areas and for commerce. Arabic is also common, and many local languages are spoken.
Developing Market: The coffee market is still developing due to past conflicts. Don't expect the same wide variety or availability as in established global coffee hubs, but embrace the unique local flavors and the growing potential of South Sudanese coffee.
*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.