Syria
Syria has a deeply ingrained coffee culture, heavily influenced by its historical ties to the Ottoman Empire and its position within the Levant. Traditional unfiltered coffee is paramount, but like many modernizing countries, Western-style cafes have also gained popularity in urban centers.
Here are the different ways to order a coffee in Syria and what's in them:
Qahwa / Ahweh (قهوة - Syrian Coffee / Turkish Coffee)
What it is: This is the most common and culturally significant coffee in Syria. It's a strong, unfiltered brew, very similar to what's known as Turkish or Greek coffee throughout the region. It's a staple of Syrian hospitality, offered to guests in homes and enjoyed in traditional "qahwa khaneh" (coffee houses).
Ingredients:
Finely ground dark-roasted coffee beans: Typically Arabica beans, ground to an extremely fine, powdery consistency. The grind is crucial for the sediment to settle effectively.
Cold water:
Sugar (optional): Sugar is typically added during the brewing process, not afterwards. You must specify your sweetness preference when ordering:
Saada - plain/without sugar (often considered bitter)
Mazbout - medium sweet ("just right" or balanced)
Helwe - sweet
Cardamom (هيل - "Hail" or "Heel") (optional but common): A very popular and defining addition, especially in Syria. Ground green cardamom is added with the coffee for a warm, aromatic, and slightly spicy flavor. This is what often distinguishes "Syrian coffee" in terms of preferred flavor profile.
Other spices (less common): Occasionally, subtle hints of clove, cinnamon, or even rosewater might be added, reflecting regional or family preferences.
Preparation: Made in a "rakwe" or "cezve", a small, long-handled pot. The coffee, water, and sugar/spices (if desired) are combined and slowly heated. The key is to bring the coffee to a near-boil multiple times, allowing a thick, rich foam (often called "bwish") to rise, without letting it boil over completely. This process creates layers of foam and a concentrated flavor.
Serving: Served in small demitasse cups ("finjan"). The coffee grounds settle at the bottom and are not consumed. It's often accompanied by a glass of water, and sometimes a sweet (like rahat al-halqum - Turkish delight) or chocolate. There's an etiquette to drinking it, often involving shaking the cup gently when you've had enough.
How to order it: You would ask for "Qahwa" or "Ahweh." Then, explicitly state your sugar preference: "Ahweh saada," "Ahweh mazbout," or "Ahweh helwe." If you have a strong preference for cardamom, you could add "ma'a hail" (with cardamom), though it's often a default inclusion in traditional Syrian coffee.
European/Western-Style Coffee
In Syrian cities, particularly Damascus and Aleppo (pre-conflict, and now slowly re-emerging), modern cafes have been popular, especially among younger generations. These cafes offer a range of international coffee drinks.
Espresso (اسبريسو - Espresso): A strong, concentrated shot of coffee, forming the base for many other drinks.
Americano (امريكانو - Americano): Espresso diluted with hot water.
Cappuccino (كابتشينو - Cappuccino): Espresso with steamed milk and a generous layer of foamed milk.
Latte (لاتيه - Latte): Espresso with more steamed milk and a thin layer of foam. Often comes in various flavored versions (e.g., vanilla, caramel).
Mocha (موكا - Mocha): Espresso with chocolate syrup and steamed milk, often topped with whipped cream.
Macchiato (ماكياتو - Macchiato): Espresso "stained" with a dollop of foamed milk.
Iced Coffee / Iced Latte (آيس كوفي/آيس لاتيه - Ice Coffee/Ice Latte): Chilled versions of popular coffee drinks.
Filter Coffee / Drip Coffee (قهوة فلتر - Qahwa Filter): Less common than espresso-based drinks but available in some establishments, especially those catering to a more international palate.
How to order these: You would generally use their English names, often with a slight Arabic accent, as they are widely understood in modern cafes. For example, "Latte, min fadlak" (Latte, please, if addressing a male) or "Latte, min fadlik" (if addressing a female). Milk and sugar are usually added by the customer.
Important Cultural Notes:
Hospitality: Offering coffee is a fundamental act of hospitality in Syria. Refusing it can be considered impolite.
Fortune-telling: The "mud" (grounds) at the bottom of the "finjan" are often used for coffee-cup reading (tasseography), a popular form of fortune-telling.
"Daime": After finishing your coffee, a polite way to signify you're done and express gratitude is to gently shake your cup, and sometimes say "Daime," meaning "always," implying "may your home always be prosperous enough to serve coffee."
Experiencing traditional "Qahwa" in Syria is a must for anyone wanting to delve into the country's rich cultural heritage.
*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.