Tabuk, April 30, 2024, Coffee holds a symbolic significance in Saudi culture, embodying noble values such as generosity and hospitality, and serving as an integral element of social gatherings and meetings.
Abdulaziz Al-Zamili, an advocate of heritage preservation, highlighted to a Saudi Press Agency reporter the cultural and historical significance of coffee, emphasizing its role in shaping the identity of Saudis. He noted that in the Tabuk region, a specific method is employed for brewing coffee, adding to its unique flavor and aroma.
According to Al-Zamili, the traditional coffee preparation in Tabuk involves using dark roasted coffee beans that are allowed to cool briefly before being ground. The coffee is then brewed for approximately 10 minutes, during which cardamom, saffron, and cloves are added to enhance its taste and fragrance.
A notable custom observed in Saudi coffee culture is that the host personally tastes the coffee before serving it to guests, ensuring its quality. The coffee is then served from the right side, starting with the oldest or most esteemed guest, as a gesture of respect and honor.
This meticulous process of preparing and serving coffee not only reflects Saudis' deep-rooted appreciation for hospitality but also highlights the cultural significance attached to coffee as a symbol of warmth, connection, and tradition within Saudi society.
