The Complete Guide to Coffee Beans & Brewing in Saudi Arabia

From the historic terrace farms of Jazan to the bustling specialty roasteries in Riyadh, coffee is the heartbeat of Saudi hospitality. But navigating the world of beans—from choosing the right roast for Gahwa to pulling the perfect espresso shot—can be overwhelming.

This guide is your starting point. Whether you want to master the traditional Saudi pour, learn why your V60 tastes bitter, or simply want a quick recipe for an Iced Spanish Latte, we have you covered.

At Saudi Coffee Crafters, we bridge the gap between tradition and modern brewing.

🫘 Part 1: Understanding Coffee Beans

Great coffee starts with the bean. Here is what you need to look for when buying from local roasteries or supermarkets.

1. The Two Main Types

Arabica ( The Saudi Standard): Smooth, sweet, and aromatic. Almost all “Specialty Coffee” and traditional Saudi coffee is 100% Arabica.
Robusta: Stronger, bitter, and high caffeine. Usually found in instant coffee or cheaper supermarket blends.

2. Roast Levels: A Quick Cheat Sheet

In Saudi Arabia, roast levels mean something slightly different than in the West, especially when buying for Gahwa.

Roast Level	Flavor Profile	Best Used For
Blonde / Golden	Light, tea-like, nutty. Highlights spices.	Saudi Coffee (Gahwa). This is the roast needed for the golden color.
Medium	Balanced acidity, fruity, caramel notes.	V60, French Press, Chemex. The “sweet spot” for black coffee.
Dark	Bold, chocolatey, low acidity.	Espresso Machines. Pairs perfectly with milk (Lattes/Cappuccinos).

3. The “Roast Date” Rule

Pro Tip: Ignore the “Expiry Date.” Look for the “Roast Date” (baked date) on the bag.

Best Flavor: 2 weeks to 1 month after roasting.
Avoid: Beans roasted more than 3 months ago (they lose aroma and crema).

🇸🇦 Part 2: The Art of Saudi Coffee (Gahwa)

The symbol of generosity. Every home has its own secret twist, but the foundation remains the same.

The Essentials

To make authentic Saudi coffee, you need:

Beans: Lightly roasted Arabica (often Harari or Khawlani).
Spices: Cardamom (Essential), Saffron (Luxury), Cloves (Optional).
Pairing: You cannot serve Gahwa without dates. Sukari (crunchy/sweet) or Ajwa (soft/rich) are the classics.

Simple Gahwa Method

Boil water.
Add ground coffee and boil for 10–12 minutes.
Add crushed cardamom and saffron.
Simmer for 2 minutes, then strain into your Dallah.

Read Our Full Guide: How to Make Authentic Saudi Coffee (Step-by-Step)

☕ Part 3: The Home Café Menu (Recipe Library)

Stop paying SAR 25 for a drink you can make better at home. Select a drink below for the simple, no-fuss recipe.

Classic Hot Espresso Drinks

How to Make an Americano – The smooth black coffee classic.
How to Make a Cappuccino – Equal parts foam, milk, and coffee.
How to Make a Flat White – Silky milk, strong coffee (the hipster favorite).
How to Make a Latte – Milky, creamy, and comforting.
How to Make a Cortado – Small, strong, and balanced (1:1 ratio).
How to Make a Mocha – Coffee meets chocolate.
How to Make a Macchiato – Espresso with just a stain of milk foam.
How to Make a Caramel Macchiato – Sweet vanilla and caramel layers.
How to Make a Spanish Latte – Sweet, creamy, and rich. The perfect warm blend of espresso and condensed milk.
How to Make a Flat White – Silky microfoam meets bold espresso. The true coffee lover’s choice.
How to Make Espresso – The heart of every coffee. Learn to pull a rich shot with thick, golden crema.

Iced & Summer Drinks (KSA Favorites)

[How to Make an Iced Americano] (Link) – Refreshing and zero sugar.
[How to Make an Iced Latte] (Link) – Simple cold milk and espresso.
How to Make Cold Brew Coffee – Steeped overnight for 12 hours. Smooth and low acid.

Dessert & Specialty

[How to Make Turkish Coffee] (Link) – Unfiltered, intense, and traditional.
How to Make Affogato – Espresso poured over vanilla ice cream.

🧪 Part 4: Modern Brewing Methods

You don’t need an espresso machine to make amazing coffee. These manual methods are cheaper and often taste better.

1. French Press

The Vibe: Rich, heavy body, and simple.
Best For: Beginners and lazy mornings.
The Secret: Use a coarse grind (like sea salt) and let it sit for 4 minutes.
→ Read our French Press Guide

2. V60 (Pour-Over)

The Vibe: Tea-like, clean, and flavorful.
Best For: Specialty beans where you want to taste fruity notes.
The Secret: Pour slowly in circles. It requires a specific kettle (gooseneck).
→ Read our V60 Brewing Guide

3. Chemex

The Vibe: Elegant and super clean.
Best For: Brewing for 2-3 people at once.
The Secret: The thick paper filter removes all oils, giving a very crisp taste.

🛒 Essential Gear for Better Brewing

Don’t buy gadgets you don’t need. These are the only two upgrades that matter.

1. A Good Grinder

Coffee loses 60% of its aroma 15 minutes after grinding. If you buy one thing, buy a burr grinder.

→ See our Top Grinder Picks for KSA

2. A Digital Scale

Consistency is key. A simple SAR 50 kitchen scale ensures you use the same amount of coffee and water every time.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why does my homemade coffee taste bitter?

A: You likely over-extracted it. Try grinding your beans slightly coarser or using water that isn’t boiling hot (aim for 92°C).

Q: Which milk is best for latte art?

A: Full-fat fresh milk (like Almarai or Nadec fresh) steams the best. Long-life (UHT) milk is harder to get silky smooth.

Q: Can I use tap water for brewing?

A: We recommend against it. Saudi tap water often has high mineral content that can mess up the flavor. Use bottled water (like Nova or Ain) or filtered water for the best taste.

Ready to upgrade your equipment? Check out our Coffee Machine Buying Guide for the best deals in Saudi Arabia.