Cafe Arabic incense creates a richly scented environment... the aromas of an Arabic Coffee house....

As you enter the cafe, the smell of fresh ground coffee and dark cocoa, sweetened with caramel benzoin and a hint of Tolu resin, comes to your senses.

 

The sound of patrons and philosophers discussing and reciting poetry is accompanied by the music of stringed instruments and soft, complex rhythms.

 

Being passed around is a smoldering censer with the intoxicating smoke of fine Frankincense floating up, blessing the air.

 

Notes of fine vanilla draw you into a small sitting area beautifully adorned and filled with colorful cushions around a low table upon which rests the coffee service.

 

Along with this feast of the senses, delicate honied fruits with spices are served to sweeten the taste of the dark brew.

 

As you are offered this world-renowned coffee, the delicate aroma of cardamom rises along with the flavor of the beans as you take your first sip...

 

These dark brown Incense Cakes are hand-embossed with a golden star design

 

This price is for .75 oz (about 8-9 cakes)  in a black metal tin, nested in dark Benzoin and Green cardamom pods

 

 

On Arabic Coffee Houses (Cafes)

 

These public coffee houses were known as qahveh khaneh and were frequented by all classes of society. At the cafes, customers drink coffee, watch performances, talk, learn the latest news, and play chess. Since so many people shared information at the coffee houses, they were nicknamed the schools of the wise.

 

In the Middle East, coffee is an integral part of the country. It is a symbol of hospitality, sophistication, and generosity. Contracts, marriages, and feuds are settled over a cup of coffee. In certain areas, asking someone to get a cup of coffee is code for discussing mutual interests, a business agreement, or news together. 

While coffee brewing methods vary from place to place, most Arab countries use one of two methods. Arabic coffee may include cardamom or be served plain. The coffee beans are roasted either heavily or lightly before cardamom is added. It is traditionally roasted at home or on the cafe’s premises. Then, it is ground, brewed, and served in front of the guests. Since coffee can taste slightly bitter, it is often served with dried fruit, dates, nuts or candied fruit to soften the bitterness.

Depending on the location and the individual’s tastes, the coffee may be brewed with saffron, cinnamon, cardamom, or cloves. A coffee pot known as a dallah is used to serve coffee in small cups. Normally, the coffee covers just the bottom of the cup.

Usually, Arabic coffee is served in small amounts at a time. Since the coffee is extremely hot, it is easier for it to cool quickly. If the guest wants more coffee, the host or the waiter will continue to pour coffee.