What is the difference between Italian coffee and Saudi coffee?

Coffee is more than just a beverage; it's a cultural experience that reflects the heritage and history of peoples. In Saudi Arabia, Saudi coffee is a symbol of generosity and hospitality, while Italian coffee, especially espresso and cappuccino, represents elegance and precision in preparation. With the growing popularity of coffee in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam, many wonder about the differences between Italian and Saudi coffee, whether in terms of preparation, flavor, or cultural context. In this article from the Luxury Coffee blog, we explore the differences between Italian and Saudi coffee in detail, focusing on the cultural roots, preparation methods, flavors, and tools used. We also explain how the Luxury Coffee store can support coffee lovers in preparing both types using tools like the Breville machine and the Chemex.

What is Italian coffee?

Italian coffee is closely associated with the café culture of Italy, where espresso is the backbone of the coffee experience. Italy is known for serving coffee in a fast, concentrated style, with an emphasis on strong flavors and high quality. Espresso, cappuccino, and latte are among the most prominent Italian coffees that have spread globally.

Characteristics of Italian coffee

Common types:
Espresso: Concentrated coffee prepared under high pressure (9 bars) using machines such as La Marzocco or Breville.
Cappuccino: Espresso with steamed milk and dense foam in equal proportions.
Latte: Espresso with a larger amount of steamed milk and light foam.
Macchiato: Espresso with a touch of milk foam.
Roast: Often dark or medium-dark roast to bring out the chocolate and nut flavors.
Flavors: Strong, concentrated, with a creamy body and a golden crema layer (in espresso).
Preparation method:
Prepared using professional espresso machines under high pressure.
Very finely ground beans are used (using a Baratza Encore grinder).
Short extraction time (25-30 seconds) to obtain 30-40 ml of espresso.
Cultural context:
In cafes it is served quickly, often while standing at the bar.
Drink at specific times (espresso in the morning, cappuccino before noon).
Focus on elegance and precision in preparation.
Equipment: Espresso machines (Breville, La Marzocco), presses (Tamper), and small cups.

Example of preparing Italian espresso

Grind 18g of washed Colombian beans (medium-dark roast) to a fine consistency using the Baratza Encore grinder from the Coffee Wellbeing Store.
Place the coffee in the espresso filter (portafilter) and press it well with the press tool.
Use a Breville machine to extract 30-40ml espresso in 25-30 seconds.
Serve the espresso in a small coffee shop cup with a golden crema layer.

What is Saudi coffee?

Saudi coffee, or "Arabic coffee," is an integral part of Saudi culture and is associated with rituals of hospitality and generosity. Served at social events, such as gatherings and holidays, it is a symbol of unity and welcome. It is characterized by its mild flavor and traditional additions such as cardamom and saffron.

Characteristics of Saudi coffee

Common types:
Arabic coffee: light coffee prepared in a coffee pot and served in small cups.
Spices such as cardamom, saffron, cloves, or ginger are added to it.
Roast: Light to medium roast to preserve natural flavors.
Flavors: Light, aromatic, with hints of spices (cardamom, saffron) and a slight bitter touch.
Preparation method:
It is prepared in a dallah (traditional pot) by boiling ground coffee with water and spices.
Coarsely ground beans (using a Hario hand grinder) are used.
The coffee is filtered and served in small cups with dates to balance the sweetness and bitterness.
Cultural context:
It is served in gatherings and social occasions as part of hospitality rituals.
It is drunk slowly in long sessions with talking and communication.
It is usually served with dates or traditional sweets.
Tools: Dallah, small cups, incense burner to add a fragrant touch.

Example of preparing Saudi coffee

Grind 50g of Ethiopia Yirgashi (Light Roast) beans to a coarse texture using a Hario hand grinder from the Luxury Coffee Shop.
Boil 1 liter of water in a kettle, then add ground coffee and a teaspoon of ground cardamom.
Let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring.
Strain the coffee into another pot, and add a pinch of saffron (optional).
Serve coffee in small cups from the Rafaha Coffee Shop with dates.

The main differences between Italian and Saudi coffee

Here's a detailed comparison between Italian and Saudi coffee across several aspects:

1. Cultural roots

Italian coffee:
It originated in Italy in the early 20th century with the invention of espresso machines.
Focusing on speed and elegance, it is served in cafes as part of the daily routine.
It expresses a modern urban culture that focuses on quality and precision.
Saudi coffee:
Part of the Arab heritage, dating back centuries in the Arabian Peninsula.
A symbol of generosity and hospitality, served at gatherings and social occasions.
It expresses a traditional culture that focuses on communication and tradition.

2. Preparation method

Italian coffee:
Prepared using espresso machines under high pressure for fast extraction.
Requires a very fine grind and precise timing (25-30 seconds).
Often milk or foam is added (as in cappuccino and latte).
Saudi coffee:
Prepare by boiling in a pot over low heat for long periods (10-15 minutes).
It requires coarse grinding and spices such as cardamom and saffron are added to it.
Served without milk, with dates for balance.

3. Flavors and ingredients

Italian coffee:
Strong, intense flavors, such as chocolate, caramel, or nuts.
Dark roasting gives a mild bitterness and a thick creaminess.
Milk or sugar is often added to adjust the flavor.
Saudi coffee:
Light and aromatic flavours with hints of spices (cardamom, saffron).
Light roasting preserves the natural flavors of the beans.
Serve with dates to add natural sweetness.

4. Tools used

Italian coffee:
Espresso machines (Breville, La Marzocco).
Fine mills (Baratza Encore).
Tools such as an espresso filter and a press.
Small cups or glasses for serving espresso and cappuccino.
Saudi coffee:
Traditional kettle for boiling.
Hand mills (Hario hand) for coarse grinding.
Small cups and incense burners for a fragrant touch.

5. Social context

Italian coffee:
Quick to drink at cafes or on the go.
It is linked to the daily routine (morning or after lunch).
Presented in a modern, fast-paced atmosphere.
Saudi coffee:
Presented in long sessions with talking and communication.
Associated with social occasions and hospitality.
Served in a traditional setting with dates or sweets.

6. Texture and presentation

Italian coffee:
Thick, creamy texture, especially in espresso.
Served in small cups (30-60 ml for espresso, 150-240 ml for cappuccino).
Often garnished with milk foam or latte art.
Saudi coffee:
Light, liquid consistency, similar to tea.
Served in small cups (20-30 ml) with dates.
It is sometimes garnished with a sprinkle of saffron or served with an incense burner.

Which is better in Saudi Arabia?

Italian coffee:
Ideal for lovers of strong coffee and bold flavors.
Fits into a quick daily routine, like going to work or the gym in Riyadh or Jeddah.
Ideal for lovers of modern cafes and cosmopolitan experiences.
Saudi coffee:
Ideal for family gatherings and traditional occasions.
Suitable for lovers of heritage and light aromatic flavors.
It enhances social communication in councils.

The role of the luxury coffee shop in preparing Italian and Saudi coffee

Luxury Coffee Shop provides everything you need to prepare the best quality Italian and Saudi coffee:

For Italian coffee:
Washed Colombian or Brazilian Cerrado (medium-dark roast) beans for intense flavors.
Breville machine and Baratza Encore grinder for perfect espresso.
Glass cups and presses for professional serving.
For Saudi coffee:
Ethiopia Yirgashi beans (light roast) for aromatic flavors.
Hario hand grinder and traditional dallah for preparing Arabic coffee.
Small cups and traditional serving accessories.
Fast delivery: Shipping to Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, and all over the Kingdom.
Customer Support: Tips on choosing beans and brewing methods for both types. Shopping Invitation: Visit the Rafaat Al-Qahwa store today to purchase specialty beans and brewing tools to experience the finest Italian and Saudi coffee!

Tips for preparing Italian and Saudi coffee

Selection of grains:

For Italian: Choose Colombian or Brazilian beans for bold flavors.
For Saudi Arabia: Choose Ethiopian or Yemeni beans for mild flavors.

Proper grinding:

Extra fine for espresso using the Baratza grinder.
Coarse grind for Saudi coffee using a Hario hand grinder.

Purified Water: Use filtered water (TDS 50-150) to bring out the flavors.
Add-ons:

For Italian: Add milk or sugar to taste.
For Saudi Arabia: Add cardamom or saffron, and serve with dates.

Submission:

For Italian: Use small cups or glasses from a luxury coffee shop.
For Saudi Arabia: Use traditional cups with an incense burner.

The Double Experience: Try preparing espresso with a touch of cardamom to combine Italian and Saudi flavors.

Italian and Saudi coffee represent two distinct experiences that reflect two rich cultures. Italian coffee is characterized by its intense flavors, dark roasting, and quick preparation using espresso machines, making it ideal for modern routines. Saudi coffee, on the other hand, is characterized by its light, aromatic flavors, light roasting, and traditional serving rituals that promote generosity and connection. Whether you prefer a strong espresso or Arabic coffee with dates, you can easily prepare both types at the Rafah Al-Qahwa store. Order Ethiopian Yirgashi beans, a Breville machine, or a traditional dallah from Rafah Al-Qahwa store now and enjoy a coffee experience that combines heritage and modernity.

RAFAHYA AL-QAHWAH