Gahwa History

The history of coffee began in the Kaffa Mountains in Ethiopia, then in Yemen and in Arabia, where shrubs covered with small red berries grew. Soon the world discovered the invigorating and vivifying virtues of these small red berries, which, when processed into coffee, are today appreciated around the world.

Mentioned in one of the famous One Thousand and One Nights tales, the beverage prepared by brewing these beans was named “gahwa” which means, today, “coffee” in Arabic. While arabica coffee is cultivated and appreciated all over the world, often linked to the western way of life, its origins are in fact embedded in the Arab and Muslim world. Then and today, Gahwa remains a true Emirati tradition.

The ceremony of preparing and enjoying Gahwa is the result of a unique heritage, ancestral know-how, and gracious hospitality. Gahwa is, at the same time, the expression of human creativity translated into the culinary preparation, by means of alliances, unique mixing, or sublimation of particular flavours, tastes and spices. Gahwa is also the symbol of conviviality and respect between people from different generations gathered together around the fire. Thus, Gahwa becomes a true art of living well.

The particularity of the Gahwa flavour and taste is due to the fact that it is not just a simple preparation of coffee; rather, Gahwa is a blend of coffee beans with cardamom and spices such as saffron, ginger, rose water, cinnamon, and others, all ingredients with proven health benefits.

Beyond its cultural and remarkable history, the Gahwa tradition continues to enhance the well-being of its aficionados.