The Art of Arabic Coffee

Discover the true magic of Arabic coffee.

Arabic coffee is not just a drink. It is a cultural institution, and the cornerstone of Middle Eastern hospitality. In this new edition of The Art of Arabic Coffee, follow coffee expert Medina Ilyas on a fascinating journey of culture, ritual and togetherness.

Arabic coffee, or qahwa, traces back to the 15th century Arabian Peninsula, where it was first brewed in Yemen before spreading north to the outskirts of the Ottoman Empire, taking on different variations in each community that embraced it. It was not long before it became an indelible component of Arab culture. In The Art of Arabic Coffee, its hundreds of years of rich cultural heritage are laid out in the delicate process of cultivating, roasting and preparing this much-loved beverage.

Tasting Arabic coffee for the first time on a trip to Oman, Medina Ilyas was mesmerised by its taste and intrigued by its ceremony. Praised for her cross-cultural vision and multidisciplinary curiosity, Ilyas has spent the past 15 years researching Arabic coffee in all its variations, with the ambition to make it more accessible to those who have never tried it. Enlivened by the responses to its ingredients, history and health benefits, The Art of Arabic Coffee is a gift that will only keep on giving.

Featuring a wealth of unique and flavourful recipes, from a delectable Arabic Latte to the experimental Affogato Qahwa and Yemeni Moka Pot, Ilyas documents the tips, tricks and secrets that are essential to beginning and enjoying a lifelong relationship with Arabic Coffee.

This season, fall in love with a ritual that encourages connecting with friends, family, and the surrounding community. Light-hearted and deeply insightful, The Art of Arabic Coffee will inspire you and those around you to get together, sharing this delicious drink that is steeped in history and whose diversity reflects the remarkable diversity of the Arab world.