COFFEE, TEA & SPICE SHOP

I LOVE VISITING SPICE SHOPS IN JEDDAH

THE AROMAS AND BRIGHT COLORS ARE A FEAST FOR THE SENSES

THIS SHOP ALSO OFFERS SUCH ITEMS AS DATES, FLOUR & HEALTH PRODUCTS

A TASTING STATION

I DON'T KNOW WHAT MANY OF THE ITEMS ARE

BULK SNACKS, NUTS & SEEDS

YOU CAN HAVE YOUR OWN SPECIALTY FLOUR GROUND ON THE SPOT

THERE ARE SPICE SHOPS LIKE THIS ALL OVER JEDDAH.

 

COFFEE, FLOUR, TREE OF LIFE

POPULAR DRIVE-UP COFFEE SHOP

CUSTOM GROUND FLOUR & SPICES

TREE OF LIFE - THE BAOBAB TREE

LINKING TO - 

TUESDAY'S TREASURES

OUR WORLD TUESDAY

MY CORNER OF THE WORLD

PICTORIAL TUESDAY

 

The Coffee Server - in Jeddah

At all functions and events I have attended here in Saudi Arabia, there are always beautifully tailored, traditionally dressed men offering Arabic coffee to guests.  The Arabic coffee is called gahwa and the man serving it is called "gahwa jee." This was at an art event I attended a few years ago.

This post is linked to My Corner of the World. Do check out the other posts from bloggers from all over the world.

The Beautiful Dallah

The dallah coffee pot is very distinctive with its exaggerated spout and an overall shape resembling the female form, with a waistline and bulbous hips.  It can be made out of a variety of materials, like steel, brass, silver, plastic, or even gold (used on really special occasions or by royalty).  It is a prominent part of Middle East identity and culture, representing the warm hospitality of the Arab people.   

Al Ula Hospitality

Arab hospitality is well known. It is common practice at events or hotels in Saudi Arabia that guests are greeted by a handsome well dressed young man serving Arabic coffee, called "qahwah."  Carrying the long spouted traditional Saudi teapot called "dallah," along with tiny serving cups, the "qahwahjee" (coffee server) offers the hot drink to guests.

Qahwah tastes nothing at all like American coffee. It is made using green coffee beans and cardamom.  The amount of cardamom is what makes the difference in the taste. I prefer it with a stronger cardamom taste.  

Jeddah Salesclerk

A cheerful, friendly and helpful clerk in a wonderful shop in Jeddah that sells coffee and dates, among other things.  I took dates from this shop back to the US with me as gifts, and everyone was wild for them - they were absolutely delicious.  There is a much wider variety of scrumptious dates here in the kingdom than can be found in the US.

Jeddah - Saudi Hospitality

It's not unusual at events, gatherings, some businesses, and Saudi homes to be offered a small cup of hot gahwa upon your arrival.  Gahwa is Arabic coffee made with cardamom.  

Saudi Espresso Cups

These cute little espresso cups were offered as a Ramadan promotion by a coffee provider.  Aren't they cute?

Jeddah: Out of Focus Coffee Shop

Another offering for my "Out of Focus" series this month, this photo is of a coffee cup shaped mini coffee shop which is part of a chain here in Jeddah.   

Typical Saudi Coffee Table

This is what a typical traditional Saudi coffee table might look.  Saudis are known for their hospitality.

Coffee House: Arab Scene with Dallah

This is a very traditional Arab hospitality scene with cushions, Arab architectural design details, and a pretty Dallah teapot.  This was taken inside a traditional Saudi cafe in Jeddah.  Conversation is a very big part of Saudi society, and tea, coffee, and juice are always offered to guests.  Arabic coffee is called "Gahwa," and actually contains very little coffee in it.  One of the main ingredients in Gahwa is cardamom.  Gahwa is traditionally served in very tiny cups without handles.

Today is the first of the month, which means it's theme day for City Daily Photo bloggers.  City Daily Photo is an online community of photo bloggers from around the world,   sharing the wonders of their area of the world pictorially with   others.  Each month there is a different theme that CDP members can   participate in.  This month's theme is "Coffee House."  

Please visit the City Daily Photo portal to view other participants' entries for today's theme day of "Coffee House."

Seattle's Best Coffee in Jeddah

In addition to the popular coffee chains of Starbucks and Barnie's, Jeddah is also home to Seattle's Best Coffee.  Coffee is just as popular here as it is around the world.  Arabic coffee, called gahwa, is mostly cardomom with just a tad of actual coffee in it.  It is served in extremely tiny little cups.  Gahwa is traditionally offered to guests shortly after arrival, along with sweets or dates.