Coffee world tour: small rituals from the 4 corners of the globe

Coffee is much more than just a drink. All over the world, he embodies rich traditions, social and cultural rituals that bring people together. By traveling through different countries, let's discover together how this emblematic drink is prepared, consumed and celebrated in four regions of the globe: Turkey, Ethiopia, the Middle East with Coffee with Cardamom, and finally Vietnam.

Turkish coffee: heritage and hospitality

The Turkish coffee, registered since 2013 as an intangible cultural heritage of UNESCO, is much more than a simple drink in Türkiye. Its preparation requires patience, precision and respect for a specific ritual. The very finely ground grains are mixed with cold water and sugar in a small saucepan called "Cezve" or "Ibrik". The mixture is heated slowly until boiling, taking care to form a characteristic foam on the surface. This coffee is served in tiny cups, generally accompanied by sweets like Loukoum.

Drinking Turkish coffee is a strong social experience. Families and friends gather to share this friendly moment when conversations are riding. Turkish coffee is also used to read the future, by reading the Marc left at the bottom of the cups after tasting, a ritual still practiced today out of curiosity or tradition.

Ethiopian coffee: a sacred ceremony

In Ethiopia, the original cradle of coffee, this drink is deeply rooted in daily traditions. The Ethiopian coffee ceremony, called "Buna", is an act of unavoidable hospitality and friendship. The preparation of coffee is entirely manual, generally carried out by a woman dressed in traditional clothes. Green grains are grilled in front of the guests, producing scented smoke that filled space. These roasted grains are then crushed in a mortar and then placed in a Jebena (traditional coffee maker) with boiling water.

This ceremony can last several hours and has three successive services, each bearing a name: "Abol", "Tona", and "Bereka". Each coffee tour symbolizes a particular blessing. Accompanied by grilled corn, popcorn or traditional cookies, this ritual is a moment of community sharing where participants discuss, debate and weave strong social ties.

Coffee in cardamom in the Middle East: an invitation to conviviality

In the Middle East, especially in Saudi Arabia, in the United Arab Emirates or in Jordan, Coffee in Cardamom ("Gahwa") is emblematic. This light, slightly green coffee is prepared with slightly roasted grains, roughly ground, mixed with spices, mainly cardamom but sometimes also saffron or cloves. The preparation is made in a coffee maker called "Dallah", recognizable by its elegant and elongated shape.

This coffee is traditionally eaten without sugar, in small cups called "Finjan", often accompanied by dates to soften natural bitterness. The coffee service, produced by the host, is a very respected welcome gesture: it must be made with the right hand, and refuse the cup offered is considered to be rude. This coffee symbolizes hospitality, generosity, and constitutes a sign of respect for guests. Many social rituals, such as negotiations or family agreements, begin with the sharing of a Gahwa cup.

Vietnamese coffee: a tasty break

Vietnamese coffee ("Cà phê") has a unique identity, marked by a slow preparation and a particularly soft flavor thanks to sweet concentrated milk. Introduced by the French in the 19th century, Vietnam developed a culture of unique coffee, adapting this drink to its tastes and traditions. Traditional preparation uses an individual metal filter (“Phin”), placed directly on a cup containing sweet concentrated milk. Coffee, often very strong robusta, slowly drips, giving rise to a contemplative break.

Vietnamese coffee can be tasted hot ("Cà phê sữa nóng") or icy ("Cà phê sữa đá"). In lively cities like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh Ville, it is common to see premises sitting in cafes by the street, slowly enjoying their drink while observing the daily life. This individual or collective ritual offers a precious moment of relaxation in the hectic rhythm of urban life.

A diversity that brings together

These four rituals around coffee, although very different cultures, show an essential common trait: conviviality. Whether Turkish, Ethiopian, cardamom or Vietnamese, coffee far exceeds its role as a stimulating drink. It is a powerful means of creating social ties, strengthening cultural identity and welcoming the other in a privileged moment of exchange and sharing.

Exploring these rituals makes it possible to appreciate point a simple cup of coffee can reflect the cultural, historical and social richness of a region. These traditions, deeply rooted and transmitted from generation to generation, continue to fascinate and invite everyone to celebrate cultural diversity around this universal drink.