Until you are invited to the Omani Qahwa, you have not truly encountered Omani culture. Yes! Kahwa is Arabic for coffee. But it’s so much more than just a cup of warm, brown beverage. It offers a full range of hospitality that captures the unique spirit of Omani tradition.

Arabic coffee has a distinctive flavour that sets it apart from the way it is served in other non-Arab nations. Additionally, there are variations in how coffee is made, with nearly every Arab nation having its own special style of doing it. 

For instance, qahwa has a broader definition of hospitality in Oman than it does in other nations. In Oman, the term “qahwa” refers to the food offered to visitors who are invited to an Omani home. 

The Omani coffee, various Omani dates (fresh and dried), fruits, Omani halwa, pastries, and bakeries are all included. Did you know – that even the verb “qahwa” is used by Omanis to welcome guests into their homes.

Omani Qahwa

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Serves 4

Ingredients

dry roasted light-bodied coffee grounds for 4 cups

1/2 teaspoon cardamon per 4-cup measure

1 teaspoon rose water per 4-cup measure

4 cups water

fresh and dried dates

an assortment of nuts

Add the cardamom to the coffee grinds. Bring water to a boil in a saucepan and add the ground coffee. Once percolated, add rose water to the mixture.After 10 minutes of boiling, switch off the flame, cover and let the coffee grounds settle at the bottom for a minute. (Note: Do not stir at this time since the liquid needs to settle)Pour the freshly brewed qahwa in little cups without handles called fenjans using a dallah along with dried dates. Keep the coffee flowing in the small cups and instruct your guests to shake them to signal that they are done.