Yemeni Coffee Recipe: How to Make Traditional Spiced Coffee

Yemeni coffee is known for its rich history and traditional preparation. One way to enjoy it is with warm spices that add extra aroma and flavor to every cup.

This traditional-style Yemeni spiced coffee recipe combines finely ground coffee, water, and Hawaij, a Yemeni spice blend made for coffee. It is simple to prepare at home and does not require an espresso machine or special brewing equipment.

Whether you are trying Yemeni coffee for the first time or looking for a new way to enjoy your coffee, this recipe is a good place to start.

What Is Yemeni Spiced Coffee?

Yemeni spiced coffee is coffee prepared with spices such as ginger, cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves. The precise ingredients and amounts can vary between households and personal preferences.

One popular way to add these warm flavors is with Hawaij for coffee, a traditional Yemeni spice blend. It gives coffee a fragrant, warming taste without needing to measure several spices separately.

Yemen also has a traditional drink called qishr. Unlike coffee made from roasted beans, qishr is prepared using dried coffee cherry husks, usually with ginger and other spices. This recipe uses roasted Yemeni coffee beans instead.

Ingredients for Traditional Yemeni Spiced Coffee

This recipe makes approximately two small servings.

• 2 tablespoons finely ground Yemeni coffee
• 1½ cups (about 350 ml) water
• ½ teaspoon Yemeni Hawaij spice blend, or to taste
• Sugar or honey, optional

What you will need:

• Small saucepan or traditional coffee pot
• Measuring spoon
• Spoon for stirring
• Small coffee cups
• Fine strainer, if preferred

You can adjust the amount of Hawaij depending on how strong you want the spice flavor to be.

How to Make Yemeni Spiced Coffee

Follow these simple steps to prepare Yemeni coffee on your stovetop.

Step 1: Add the water and coffee

Pour the water into a small saucepan. Add the finely ground Yemeni coffee and stir gently until combined.

Step 2: Add the Hawaij spices

Add ½ teaspoon of Hawaij for coffee. Stir well so the spices mix evenly with the coffee.

If you prefer a stronger spice flavor, you can add a little more the next time you prepare it.

Step 3: Heat the coffee slowly

Place the saucepan over medium-low heat. Slowly delivers the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Watch the pot carefully and avoid letting it boil over. Stir occasionally as the coffee heats.

Step 4: Let the coffee simmer

Let the coffee to simmer gently for about 3–5 minutes. This gives the coffee and spices time to blend.

Adjust the heat as needed to keep the mixture from boiling too hard.

Step 5: Let it settle and serve

Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the coffee rest for about one minute so the grounds can settle.

Pour slowly into small cups. You can use a fine strainer if you prefer a smoother cup.

Add sugar or honey if desired, then serve while warm.

Tips for Making Better Yemeni Coffee at Home

A few small adjustments can help you get a better cup of Yemeni spiced coffee.

1. Choose good-quality Yemeni coffee.
Start with freshly roasted coffee beans. The quality and roast of your coffee will affect the final taste.

2. Use Hawaij in small amounts.
Begin with ½ teaspoon and adjust to your preference. You want the spices to complement the coffee, not overpower it.

3. Grind your coffee finely.
A fine grind works well for this stovetop preparation and helps the coffee blend with the water.

4. Keep the heat low.
Heating the coffee slowly helps prevent it from boiling over and gives the spices time to release their aroma.

5. Adjust the sweetness.
Some people enjoy their Yemeni coffee with sugar, while others prefer it without. Make it the way you like it.

What Is Hawaij, and Why Is It Used in Yemeni Coffee?

Hawaij is a traditional Yemeni spice blend. The coffee version is commonly associated with warm spices such as ginger, cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves.

It is used to add aroma and spice to coffee. Instead of measuring several ingredients separately, you can use a ready-made Hawaij blend to prepare Yemeni-style spiced coffee at home.

If you want to try it, explore our Yemeni Coffee Spices (Hawaij).

Which Yemeni Coffee Roast Should You Use?

You can prepare spiced coffee with different roast levels. The best choice depends on how you like your coffee.

• Light Roast: A good option if you want to experience the coffee's lighter character alongside the spices.
• Medium Roast: A balanced choice for enjoying both the coffee and the Hawaij aroma.
• Dark Roast: A deeper roast option if you prefer a bolder coffee taste.

Explore the Yemen Moka Legacy coffee collection and choose the roast that suits your preference.

Frequently Asked Questions About Yemeni Coffee

What spices are used in Yemeni coffee?

Yemeni spiced coffee can include ginger, cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves. Hawaij for coffee is a convenient way to add a blend of warm spices.

How do you make traditional Yemeni coffee?

Combine finely ground Yemeni coffee, water, and Hawaij in a small pot. Heat slowly, let it simmer for a few minutes, allow the grounds to settle, and serve in small cups.

Is Yemeni coffee always made with spices?

No. Yemeni coffee can be enjoyed with or without spices. Adding Hawaij is one way to prepare a traditional-style spiced cup.

Is Hawaij the same as regular coffee seasoning?

Hawaij is a Yemeni spice blend, not coffee itself. The coffee version is used to add warm spice flavors to coffee and other drinks.

What is the difference between Yemeni coffee and qishr?

Yemeni coffee is commonly prepared using roasted coffee beans. Qishr is a traditional Yemeni drink made from dried coffee cherry husks, often simmered with ginger and other spices.

Enjoy the Taste of Yemen at Home

Making Yemeni spiced coffee is a simple way to experience the flavors and traditions of Yemen. With good-quality coffee and a little Hawaij, you can prepare a warm, aromatic cup right in your own kitchen.

Explore Yemen Moka Legacy coffee and Yemeni Hawaij spices to make your own Yemeni coffee experience at home.

Brew a cup, enjoy the spices, and discover the coffee traditions of Yemen.