Mediterranean style coffee describes a method of making coffee that is popular across many cultures and countries near the Mediterranean, Balkans, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East. For this method, coffee that is ground to an extremely fine, powder-like consistency is mixed with water, boiled in a long-handled, open-face coffee pot, and served in demitasse cups. Mediterranean style coffee is an inclusive term that recognizes the many different cultures that have enjoyed this style of coffee for hundreds of years.

Which Countries Drink Mediterranean Style Coffee?

As mentioned earlier, this method of making coffee is a significant aspect of many different cultures. The different countries where Mediterranean style coffee is common include Armenia, Bosnia, Cyprus, Egypt, Greece, Iraq, Iran, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria, and Turkey. In almost all of the countries, this style of coffee is referred to differently. To Armenians, it’s referred to as Armenian coffee or soorj; to Assyrians, it’s Assyrian coffee; to Bosnians, it’s referred to as Bosnian coffee or Bosanska kafa; to Cypriots, it’s known as Kypriakos kafes; to Greeks, it’s Ellinikos kafes or simply Greek coffee. In other Middle Eastern countries, it’s commonly referred to as Arabic coffee. Interestingly enough, none of these countries have the climate to grow coffee beans—again, reinforcing that Mediterranean style coffee is simply a method of making coffee.

Where Does this Style of Coffee Come From?

This style of coffee is believed to originated Yemen in the 16^th century before slowly spreading to the countries mentioned above over hundreds of years. To many people who are not associated with any of the countries mentioned above, it’s often referred to as Turkish coffee. Referring to it as Turkish coffee to an Armenian, Bosnian, Cypriot, or Greek, however, won’t go over well, given the history these countries have with Turkey. For example, in the 20^th century, the Ottoman Empire (present-day Turkey) committed a genocide against Armenians that Turkey hasn’t recognized despite statements from the world’s most prominent academics and historians. Similarly, the Greeks also suffered a genocide perpetrated by the Ottoman Empire during the same time period. 

Final Notes

Mediterranean style coffee isn’t just enjoyed by many cultures, it’s an integral part of daily life for people associated with these cultures. Regardless of whether you call it Armenian coffee, Greek coffee, Arabic coffee, or something else, we invite you to try the Sara Coffee Co. Original Blend.