Coffee Etiquette

Serving and drinking Arabic coffee is a daily ritual for communities, groups and individuals. It is served at weddings and tribal gatherings (reconciliation and conflict resolution majalis).

The practice is associated with specific rituals and rules of etiquette that are passed down informally from one generation to the next. For instance, older people and guests are served first, and the coffee must be poured using the right hand.

It is also customary for the person drinking the coffee to shake their cup to signal that they are done.

The serving of Arabic coffee follows an elaborate etiquette for the server, the guest and the host. For example, the server must hold the dallah with the left hand, with his thumb pointing to the top, and hold the cup (finjal) with the right hand.

Likewise, etiquette for the guest dictates they must use the right hand to receive and return the cup to the server. The most important or oldest guest is served first, and the cup is only filled a quarter full. It can then be refilled.

Common practice is to drink at least one cup but not exceed three.