Long before coffee became a global obsession, its story began in the lush, green highlands of Ethiopia. According to legend, it was a curious goatherd named Kaldi who first noticed his goats prancing energetically after nibbling bright red berries from a certain bush. Fascinated, Kaldi shared his discovery with a local monk, who crushed the berries and brewed them into a drink that helped him stay awake during long hours of prayer. Thus, the magic of coffee was born — and it was about to change the world.
The First Steps: Ethiopia to Yemen
By the 15th century, coffee had crossed the Red Sea into Yemen, reaching the port city of Mocha (yes, the birthplace of the famous “mocha” flavor). In the cool mountains of Yemen, Muslim monks of the Sufi sect adopted coffee into their rituals, using it to stay awake through night-long devotions and prayer sessions. The drink quickly became known as “qahwa,” meaning “to prevent sleep,” and its popularity began to spread.
In the Sufi monasteries, coffee was more than a drink — it was a spiritual companion, a bridge between the earthly and the divine. Yemenis perfected the method of roasting and brewing the beans, creating the strong, rich coffee that remains a hallmark of Middle Eastern culture today.
Coffeehouses: The Birth of Social Culture
By the 16th century, coffee had found its way to the bustling cities of Mecca and Medina, and soon after, to Cairo and Damascus. It was here that the first qahveh khaneh — coffeehouses — appeared. These establishments weren’t just places to sip a warm beverage; they became vibrant centers of social life, intellectual discussion, poetry readings, music, and even chess matches.
In the Middle East, coffeehouses were often called “Schools of the Wise,” where people gathered to exchange ideas, debate politics, and share news. Coffee became a catalyst for social interaction, changing the way people lived, worked, and thought.
Not everyone was thrilled, though. Some conservative religious authorities saw coffeehouses as hotbeds of rebellion and even tried to ban coffee at different times. But the love for the beverage was too strong, and coffee survived every attempt at prohibition.
The Flavor of Tradition
In the Middle East, coffee took on a flavor and culture all its own. The Yemeni method — slow roasted beans, often lightly spiced with cardamom — became the standard for “Arabic coffee” (known as qahwa arabiyya). Served in small cups without milk and usually accompanied by dates or sweets, coffee became a ritual, a sign of hospitality and respect.
Today, serving coffee in the Middle East is deeply tied to tradition:
A host will offer coffee as a symbol of generosity.
In Bedouin culture, it is customary to drink at least three cups.
The delicate clinking of cups and pots is part of a warm, welcoming ceremony.
In some regions, like Saudi Arabia and the Gulf countries, coffee is lighter in color and heavily spiced. In others, like Turkey and Lebanon, a thicker, more potent brew evolved, leading to the world-famous Turkish coffee, where the grounds settle at the bottom of the cup, almost like reading a drinker’s fortune.
A Global Revolution Starts
From the Middle East, coffee spread like wildfire:
Venetian traders carried it to Europe in the 17th century.
Coffeehouses in London, Vienna, and Paris flourished.
Eventually, coffee plantations were established in faraway lands like Java, the Caribbean, and Latin America.
But its heart — its first deep roots — will always be in the Middle East. Every steaming cup today carries a little whisper of the Sufi monks of Yemen, the scholars of Cairo, and the merchants of ancient Mocha.
In every bean, in every brew, the spirit of the Middle East lives on — rich, bold, and uniting people one cup at a time.
☕ Top Coffee Shops in Bahrain
1. 668 Cafe
Locations: Muharraq, Saar, Riffa
Specialties: Renowned for its signature blends made with 100% Arabica beans. The “668 Signature” is a delightful mix of special syrup, coffee, and ice cream blended with ice. They also offer matcha frappes, Belgian hot chocolate, and freshly baked croissants and cookies.
Ambience: Modern and inviting, it’s a popular spot, so expect some queues during peak hours.
Hours: Open 24 hours in Muharraq; other branches have varying hours.
2. Alsaqi Cafe
Locations: Diraz, Seef
Specialties: Offers a range of coffees, with the cinnamon latte being a standout. Complement your drink with their selection of cakes, desserts, and viennoiseries.
Ambience: Cozy and welcoming, perfect for a relaxed coffee break.
Hours: Daily 6:30 AM – Midnight.
3. Bindaira Cafe
Locations: Seef, Riffa, Adliya, Bahrain City Centre
Specialties: Known for its authentic Arabian coffee experience, including Turkish coffee and Arabic coffee served with dates. Don’t miss their pistachio kunafa.
Ambience: Traditional and cultural, offering a genuine Middle Eastern café experience.
Hours: Hours vary by location.
4. Black 22 Coffee Bar & Roastery
Locations: Multiple locations across Bahrain
Specialties: A specialty coffee bar that also operates 22 Coffee Roasters, bringing gourmet quality beans to the island.
Ambience: Trendy and modern, it’s a favorite among coffee connoisseurs and Instagram enthusiasts.
Hours: Daily, hours vary by location.
5. Bu Khalaf Coffee Shop
Location: Muharraq
Specialties: A historic coffee shop that has been serving since 1937. Offers traditional coffee with dates and simple tea options.
Ambience: Old-school charm, perfect for those seeking a nostalgic experience.
Hours: Sat-Thu 8 AM – 12:30 PM, 4 PM – 9 PM.
6. Cafe Rumi
Location: Al Liwan, Hamala
Specialties: Offers a variety of beverages including matcha smoothies, juices, and frappes. Their menu also includes sandwiches, egg dishes, and sweet treats.
Ambience: Modern and serene, ideal for both casual meet-ups and solo visits.
Hours: Sat-Wed 8 AM – Midnight; Thu-Fri 8 AM – 1 AM.
7. Crust and Crema
Locations: Multiple locations including Galleria Mall, Zinj, and Seef
Specialties: Roasts their own green coffee beans and offers various brewing methods. Their food menu includes burgers, thin-crust pizzas, and authentic açai bowls.
Ambience: Industrial-chic design, suitable for both work and leisure.
Hours: Daily 8 AM – Midnight.
8. Guji
Locations: District 1, Janabiya; Alsayah
Specialties: Specialty coffees with unique offerings like peanut butter matcha latte. Also serves a variety of desserts and sandwiches.
Ambience: Stylish and contemporary, attracting a youthful crowd.
Hours: Sat-Wed 6 AM – Midnight; Thu 6 AM – 1 AM; Fri 12 PM – 1 AM.
9. Higher Grounds
Location: Tubli
Specialties: Offers specialty coffee batches alongside wraps, pancakes, and nutritious bowls.
Ambience: Cozy and conducive for working or studying, with a friendly atmosphere.
Hours: Sun-Thu 8 AM – 10 PM; Fri-Sat 8 AM – Midnight.
10. House of Coffee
Location: Shaikh Ebrahim bin Mohammed Al Khalifa Center for Culture & Research, Muharraq
Specialties: Serves a variety of coffees and teas, along with food options that have an Arabian twist on international classics.
Ambience: Cultural and educational, perfect for those interested in Bahrain’s heritage.
Hours: Daily 8 AM – 10 PM.
These coffee shops not only offer exceptional beverages but also provide unique atmospheres that cater to various preferences, from traditional settings to modern, Instagram-worthy spots. Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, exploring these cafes will give you a taste of Bahrain’s rich and diverse coffee culture.
If you’re interested in more personalized recommendations or specific types of coffee experiences, feel free to ask!
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