Egyptian Café Culture
Egyptian Café Culture
Egypt boasts a rich café culture that has been an integral part of its social fabric for centuries. Traditional coffeehouses, known as ‘ahwas’, serve as communal hubs where people gather to engage in conversation, play games like backgammon or dominoes, and enjoy beverages.
In these establishments, patrons typically savor strong, unfiltered Turkish-style coffee, locally referred to as ‘ahwa’. This coffee is often brewed with sugar and sometimes flavored with cardamom, offering a robust and aromatic experience. Alternatively, tea, or ‘shai’, is a popular choice. Egyptian tea is usually black and served in small glasses, often sweetened generously and occasionally infused with fresh mint leaves, known as ‘shai bil na’na’.
A distinctive feature of Egyptian café culture is the prevalence of ‘shisha’, also known as a water pipe or hookah. Smoking shisha is a leisurely activity, with a variety of flavored tobaccos available, such as apple, mint, or grape. The act of sharing shisha among friends fosters a sense of community and relaxation.
Visiting an ‘ahwa’ provides a window into Egyptian daily life, where time slows down, and the emphasis is on connection and conversation. For tourists, partaking in this tradition offers an authentic glimpse into the country’s rich cultural heritage.