In Baghdad the Arabic coffee pot dallah has its origins.
Jordan‘s port Aqaba used to be an important hub of international coffee trade.
From there, the bedouin caravans brought coffee to Iraq and Iran.
Iraqi coffee is part of hospitality and means generosity. If the host offers her/his guests coffee in her/his house, it is a sign of respect and social status. The coffee ceremony follows its own etiquette. The first cup is a must. Whether the guests want to drink a second is up to them. If the host offers a third cup, that means respect and honor in the interest of the visitors. If someone leaves a cup of iraqi coffee untouched, that does not mean the coffee does not taste good. Rather, the guest may want more, such as holding the hand of a woman or helping to reconcile two families or people.
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Iraqi Coffee – Traditional Preparation
Arabic coffee is often strong and bitter, sweetened by various spices. Each community uses its own special combination – but cardamom is the most popular spice. The coffee is prepared in a metal coffee pot like the Dallah over an open flame or an oven.
Iraqi Coffee
- The coffee powder is added in advance with the spices such as cardamom.
- Then mix 1 tsp of coffee per 1 tbsp of water.
- While heating, water is added to the paste with constant stirring.
- But only until the coffee is still very strong and has a creamy texture.
- The coffee is also boiled once only.
- When finished the coffee is served in a dallah, as in many other Arab countries.
- By the way – the dallah was first made in Baghdad. That’s why the Dallah is also called Baghdad Kettle.
- Thanks to the Bedouin the pot is now spread in most of the Arab world.
- The coffee is poured into small Arabic coffee cups and then enjoyed as described above.
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