Enjoying the local flavour
Around the world coffee speaks the language of warmth and togetherness. It holds a special place in the Arab world as well. Arabian coffee houses offer a unique version of the coffee experience.
The story of how coffee spread around the world starts in Ethiopia, where the coffee tree probably originated. Authorities in Yemen initially encouraged coffee drinking, as it was considered preferable to the extreme side effects of kat, a shrub whose buds and leaves were believed to be intoxicating.
The first few coffeehouses were opened in Saudi Arabia and their popularity quickly spread throughout the Arab world as they became places where chess was played, information exchanged, and singing, dancing and music were enjoyed.
It was also the first venue where society and business could be conducted in comfortable surroundings. The doors were open to anyone who could pay the price for a cup of coffee.
Arabian coffee houses have continued to be the meeting ground for friends and families, offering people a chance to sit together over a strong coffee. Gina Serapon, Operations Manager, Aroma Garden Caffé says, "An Arabian coffee house offers visitors a unique taste of the regional cuisine. It is seen as a place where one can not only drink coffee but share a taste of the local cuisine as well."
Built in Dubai over five years ago, the Aroma Garden Caffé has become an important landmark in the city. What makes this coffee house different is its natural décor, which resembles an Arab home. "There are few coffee shops designed with so much greenery. We wanted to make our coffee house a safe haven for those battling with the pressures of modern life. The setting is thus more soothing to the eye. The café is also cooler as the inner walls are made of natural clay," says Serapon. Most Arabic cafés share a similar exotic quality.
Radwan Masri General Manager, United Restaurant Development, which runs three franchises, Cinnabon, Seattle's Best Coffee and Zaatar W Zeit, believes that Arabic cafés are here to stay. He says, "The difference between Arabic cafés and other coffee shops is very wide, For one, the type of clientele in an Arab café is quite different and is mostly made up of Arabs and UAE nationals, whereas international cafés are a mix of different nationalities. Another difference is that Arabic cafés are mainly located along the street as opposed to international coffee houses, which are generally housed in malls."
He adds, "Arab cafés offer more local and regional coffees versus those that serve only international beverages. The food too has a more distinct Arab cuisine versus light international snacks and salads that can be found in an international café."
Fine accompaniment
It is common to find shawarma or falafel served in an Arabic coffee house. Dates are also an important accompaniment served at most Arabic cafés. Serapon says, "Unlike regular cafés, Arab cafés are more refined and offer more local flavours. We consider the culture and the taste of the clientele and cater to their palates." Some of the coffee flavours that can be found at the Aroma Garden Caffé include Turkish coffee and Mocha deMenthe (a mint-flavoured coffee).
Arabic cafés also offer regular favourites besides the regional drinks. Masri says, "We offer the same variety in both Cinnabon and SBC as well as ZWZ, which are espresso based beverages, like lattés, cappuccinos and mochas besides which we add flavouring for any type of coffee. Apart from this, we also serve American brewed coffee, which is quite popular amongst most of our customers."
Another indispensable part of the Arabian coffee experience is the shisha or water pipe, which is used to smoke flavoured tobacco. Frequently referred to as the hookah or nargile, the shisha is often smoked after a meal or with a strong cup of coffee. Though the shisha has made its presence felt in cafés around the world, its roots are definitely in Arabian soil. "The use of the shisha offers a distinct characteristic to an Arabian café," says Masri.
Published in Gulf News, February 11, 2007
The story of how coffee spread around the world starts in Ethiopia, where the coffee tree probably originated. Authorities in Yemen initially encouraged coffee drinking, as it was considered preferable to the extreme side effects of kat, a shrub whose buds and leaves were believed to be intoxicating.
The first few coffeehouses were opened in Saudi Arabia and their popularity quickly spread throughout the Arab world as they became places where chess was played, information exchanged, and singing, dancing and music were enjoyed.
It was also the first venue where society and business could be conducted in comfortable surroundings. The doors were open to anyone who could pay the price for a cup of coffee.
Arabian coffee houses have continued to be the meeting ground for friends and families, offering people a chance to sit together over a strong coffee. Gina Serapon, Operations Manager, Aroma Garden Caffé says, "An Arabian coffee house offers visitors a unique taste of the regional cuisine. It is seen as a place where one can not only drink coffee but share a taste of the local cuisine as well."
Built in Dubai over five years ago, the Aroma Garden Caffé has become an important landmark in the city. What makes this coffee house different is its natural décor, which resembles an Arab home. "There are few coffee shops designed with so much greenery. We wanted to make our coffee house a safe haven for those battling with the pressures of modern life. The setting is thus more soothing to the eye. The café is also cooler as the inner walls are made of natural clay," says Serapon. Most Arabic cafés share a similar exotic quality.
Radwan Masri General Manager, United Restaurant Development, which runs three franchises, Cinnabon, Seattle's Best Coffee and Zaatar W Zeit, believes that Arabic cafés are here to stay. He says, "The difference between Arabic cafés and other coffee shops is very wide, For one, the type of clientele in an Arab café is quite different and is mostly made up of Arabs and UAE nationals, whereas international cafés are a mix of different nationalities. Another difference is that Arabic cafés are mainly located along the street as opposed to international coffee houses, which are generally housed in malls."
He adds, "Arab cafés offer more local and regional coffees versus those that serve only international beverages. The food too has a more distinct Arab cuisine versus light international snacks and salads that can be found in an international café."
Fine accompaniment
It is common to find shawarma or falafel served in an Arabic coffee house. Dates are also an important accompaniment served at most Arabic cafés. Serapon says, "Unlike regular cafés, Arab cafés are more refined and offer more local flavours. We consider the culture and the taste of the clientele and cater to their palates." Some of the coffee flavours that can be found at the Aroma Garden Caffé include Turkish coffee and Mocha deMenthe (a mint-flavoured coffee).
Arabic cafés also offer regular favourites besides the regional drinks. Masri says, "We offer the same variety in both Cinnabon and SBC as well as ZWZ, which are espresso based beverages, like lattés, cappuccinos and mochas besides which we add flavouring for any type of coffee. Apart from this, we also serve American brewed coffee, which is quite popular amongst most of our customers."
Another indispensable part of the Arabian coffee experience is the shisha or water pipe, which is used to smoke flavoured tobacco. Frequently referred to as the hookah or nargile, the shisha is often smoked after a meal or with a strong cup of coffee. Though the shisha has made its presence felt in cafés around the world, its roots are definitely in Arabian soil. "The use of the shisha offers a distinct characteristic to an Arabian café," says Masri.
Published in Gulf News, February 11, 2007
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