Introduction: Coffee vs. Tea — A Divide Rooted in History

Coffee lovers and tea enthusiasts, have you ever wondered why tastes in our region are so sharply divided? Why tea is practically the national drink of Egypt, while coffee reigns supreme in the Levant? The answer has little to do with personal preference and far more to do with a complex historical story—one shaped significantly by colonial influence.

At El Abed Coffee, we believe every cup carries a tale. In this article, we dive into history to uncover how foreign powers reshaped our taste maps, and how coffee—an authentic Arab beverage—found itself in fierce competition with an imported rival. This clash is the essence of the tea-versus-coffee war that persists to this day.

1. Coffee: The Original Arab Beverage Long Before Tea

Centuries before tea reached our region, coffee dominated gatherings and public spaces across the Arab world. It originated in Yemen in the 15th century, spread to the Hijaz, then reached Damascus, Cairo, and Constantinople.

A. Coffee in the Levant: Deep and Enduring Roots

Coffee became the dominant drink in the Levant (Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine). Coffeehouses in Aleppo and Damascus trace back to the 16th century, long serving as symbols of hospitality and cultural identity. To this day, Arabic bitter coffee remains the first drink offered during traditional hospitality in the region.

B. Coffee in Egypt Before British Occupation: The Ottoman Cafés

Coffee and coffeehouses flourished in Egypt during the Ottoman era. Historic cafés such as El Fishawy and Al Nadwa served as hubs of conversation, literature, and public discourse. Their beverage of choice was carefully prepared Turkish (Egyptian) coffee.

2. Tea: The Dramatic Rise of the Imported Drink in Egypt

With the British occupation of Egypt in 1882, the balance of power in the world of beverages shifted dramatically. Why do Egyptians drink far more tea than coffee today? The answer lies in a mix of economic, political, and cultural forces—forming the peak of the tea-coffee rivalry.

A. Colonial Promotion of Tea as a “Civilized” Drink

The British arrived with their national drink—tea—which was part of their cultural identity. British companies, who controlled tea plantations in India and Ceylon (Sri Lanka), began aggressively promoting tea in Egypt as a “civilized” alternative to coffee. This was not merely marketing, but part of a broader cultural Westernization effort.

B. Tea as an Economic Alternative for the Masses

Tea was cheaper and easier to prepare than coffee, especially with rising taxes on coffee beans. Making tea required nothing more than hot water and tea leaves, while coffee required beans, grinding, and brewing tools. This made tea an affordable drink for working and middle classes.

C. Demonizing Coffeehouses

Historical sources suggest that attempts were made to drive Egyptians away from coffeehouses, which were often centers of political discussion and resistance against the occupation. Some newspapers sympathetic to British authority published fearmongering articles warning of the “black danger” of coffee on peasants—while presenting tea as the “safe” alternative.

The result was a gradual shift where tea evolved from a luxury drink into the dominant everyday beverage of Egyptians, while coffee moved to second place in consumption.

3. Why Coffee Maintained Its Throne in the Levant

Despite Ottoman and later French and British presence in the Levant, coffee remained the undisputed drink of choice.

A. Deep Cultural and Historical Roots

Coffee traditions in the Levant were older and more entrenched. Coffeehouses were already social and cultural institutions by the 16th century. Coffee became a symbol of hospitality, continuity, and heritage.

B. Arabic Bitter Coffee as a Cultural Identity Marker

Arabic bitter coffee is a central element of traditional hospitality. It represents generosity, pride, and cultural continuity—making it extremely difficult for any competing beverage, including tea, to displace it.

C. The Nature of French Colonial Influence

French colonialism in the Levant did not employ the same economic promotion of tea that the British did in Egypt. Tea circulated, but as a complementary drink—not as a rival to coffee.

4. Comparing Rituals and Preferences: Egypt vs. the Levant (Coffee and tea drinking rituals in Egypt and the Levant)

Feature	Egypt ( dominant )	The Levant ( dominant )
Main Beverage	Tea (especially strong black tea)	Coffee (Arabic bitter + Turkish)
Preferred Coffee	Turkish coffee (varying sweetness)	Arabic bitter + Turkish coffee
Hospitality Ritual	Tea served first, coffee occasionally	Bitter coffee as core hospitality ritual
Colonial Influence	Strong British influence promoting tea	Minimal promotion of tea; Ottoman coffee culture preserved
Annual Consumption	Egypt among top global tea consumers	Higher per capita coffee consumption in regional context

Conclusion: El Abed Coffee & The Preservation of Authenticity

My friend, this historical analysis shows that the question “Tea or Coffee?” is not just about taste. It is a cultural legacy shaped by power, history, and identity.

At El Abed Coffee, we recognize that coffee is more than a drink—it is part of our story. We are committed to offering the finest beans, whether you enjoy authentic Egyptian Turkish coffee, pure Arabic bitter coffee, or explore newer blends and profiles.

Do not let history dictate your taste. Rediscover the authenticity of coffee, and savor a cup that carries the richness of civilization.

You can also read more about the [different types of coffee] [4] that we offer.