Saudi Coffee Utensils Reflect a Rich Heritage of Hospitality

Saudi coffee utensils form an integral set of tools associated with the various stages of coffee preparation and serving, from roasting the beans in the mehmasah, cooling them in the mibrada, and pounding them in the najr to boiling and serving the coffee in the dallah. According to SPA, the mehmasah, traditionally made from iron or copper, is a utensil used to roast coffee beans over a fire or hot embers, while the mibrada is used to cool the roasted beans and prepare them for the next stage, and was traditionally made from local wood in various shapes and sizes. The najr is used to pound and grind the roasted coffee beans, as well as cardamom and other ingredients. Its rhythmic sound has traditionally been associated with welcoming guests and signaling that coffee is being prepared in the gathering place. The dallah, a traditional coffee pot used to serve coffee, is one of the most prominent symbols of Arab hospitality, and a strainer is used to remove coffee grounds and spices before serving. Today, these utensils remain an important part of the tangible heritage of Saudi coffee, reflecting the craftsmanship of artisans who created practical tools for everyday use.