Lebanese Coffee

Lebanese coffee, oh so fine
A brew that's rich and full of shine
Aromatic and bold, it's a treat to behold
A taste that lingers on the tongue, never getting old

Brewed with care and love, it's a tradition passed down
From generation to generation, it's a staple in our town
In a small cup it's served, with a hint of cardamom sweet
A sip of heaven, a moment to savour and complete

So come and join me, let's savour this delight
Lebanese coffee, a treasure that's always in sight
A symbol of our culture, a bond that never breaks
It's a ritual, a ritual, that our hearts always make

So raise your cup, let's toast to the joys of life
To the memories shared, the laughter and the strife
Lebanese coffee, a symbol of our pride
A brew that warms our hearts, and keeps us satisfied

Five Lebanese coffee types

Rank	Name	Description	Interesting Fact
1	Ahweh	Traditional Lebanese coffee brewed with dark-roast coffee beans, often served black and unsweetened.	Served in small cups called "finjan," with a traditional gesture of hospitality in Lebanon.
2	Ahweh Blanc	A white coffee made from boiling water and flavored with orange blossom water; contains no caffeine.	Historically used for medicinal purposes, such as digestion aid and stress relief.
3	Lebanese Iced Coffee	Cold and refreshing coffee, often mixed with milk or cream, and sweetened with syrup or sugar.	A popular choice on hot days; sometimes served with crushed ice for extra chill.
4	Ahweh Ma'zboot	A balanced mix of coffee and sugar, translating to "just right" in Arabic.	Usually served in the late morning or afternoon, with a medium level of sweetness.
5	Ahweh Ar'aa (Cardamom)	Lebanese coffee infused with the unique, aromatic flavor of ground cardamom.	Cardamom is an ancient spice and known for its numerous health benefits.

Culture

Coffee drinking is an important part of the culture in Lebanon. It is a staple of daily life and a central part of social interactions. In Lebanon, coffee is traditionally served strong and black, often with sugar and sometimes with spices such as cardamom or cinnamon.

Coffee is often served in small cups and is accompanied by sweet pastries or other treats. The act of serving and drinking coffee is an important part of hospitality and is seen as a way of showing respect and appreciation for guests.

Coffee drinking in Lebanon is often a social activity and is often enjoyed in the company of friends and family. It is not uncommon for people to spend hours at a coffee shop or cafe, chatting and catching up with one another.

In addition to being a social activity, coffee drinking is also an important part of the business culture in Lebanon. It is common for business meetings and negotiations to take place over coffee, and the act of offering coffee to a business associate is seen as a sign of goodwill and a gesture of friendship.

Fortune-telling - Finding patterns in a cup of coffee

Fortune-telling and Egyptian coffee have a long and intertwined history. In ancient Egypt, coffee was considered a sacred drink and was often used in rituals and ceremonies. It was believed to have mystical properties and was often used as a way to connect with the divine and seek guidance.

Fortune-tellers, or diviners, would often use coffee in their practices to help them receive messages from the gods. They would prepare the coffee in a special way and then drink it, allowing the caffeine and the mystical properties of the coffee to open their minds and help them connect with the spiritual world.

During these rituals, the fortune-teller would often read the patterns and formations of the coffee grounds left in the cup after drinking. These patterns were believed to contain messages and guidance from the gods, and the fortune-teller would interpret them for the person seeking guidance.

In modern times, fortune-telling and coffee are still often linked, with many coffee shops offering fortune-telling services alongside their coffee drinks. While the methods may have changed, the belief in the mystical properties of coffee and the desire to seek guidance and answers from the divine remains strong.

Playing cars at coffee shops

Playing cards at Lebanese coffee shops is a popular and deeply ingrained cultural activity. It serves as a means of entertainment, socializing, and friendly competition. Whether it's a casual game among friends or a more serious gathering of skilled players, card games hold a special place in Lebanese coffee shop culture.

Here are some key aspects of playing cards at Lebanese coffee shops:

Socialization: Card games provide an opportunity for people to come together, bond, and engage in lively conversations. Coffee shops often have dedicated areas or tables for card games, attracting players of different ages and backgrounds. It's common to see groups of friends, families, or even strangers joining in on the fun.
Traditional games: Lebanese coffee shops feature various traditional card games that have been passed down through generations. Some popular ones include Tarneeb, Trix, and Balot. Each game has its own rules, strategies, and variations, creating a sense of excitement and intellectual challenge.
Skill and strategy: Card games at Lebanese coffee shops are not just about luck; they require skill, strategy, and a sharp mind. Players develop their abilities over time, honing their techniques and tactics to outsmart their opponents. Experienced players often engage in intense and competitive matches, adding an extra layer of excitement to the atmosphere.
Mentorship and learning: Coffee shops act as informal schools for card game enthusiasts. Skilled players willingly share their knowledge and expertise, guiding and mentoring newcomers in mastering the intricacies of the games. This mentorship culture encourages learning, camaraderie, and the passing down of traditions from one generation to the next.
Leisurely pace: Card games at Lebanese coffee shops are typically played at a relaxed and leisurely pace. Participants often take breaks between rounds to socialize, have a cup of coffee or tea, and engage in conversations. The focus is not solely on the game itself but on enjoying the overall experience and the company of fellow players.
Cultural bonding: Card games in Lebanese coffee shops bring people from diverse backgrounds together, fostering cultural exchange and understanding. It's common to find players from different religious, ethnic, and social backgrounds sitting side by side, enjoying the game and building connections that transcend societal barriers.
Timeless tradition: Playing cards at Lebanese coffee shops is a timeless tradition that has persisted through generations. It continues to be a favorite pastime, with coffee shops acting as important social hubs for this recreational activity. The sight and sound of shuffling cards, the banter, and the laughter evoke a sense of nostalgia and familiarity for many Lebanese individuals.

Playing cards at Lebanese coffee shops embodies the spirit of community, camaraderie, and friendly competition. It is a cherished cultural activity that brings people together, celebrates Lebanese traditions, and fosters a sense of belonging and shared experiences.