JEDDAH: Two elements sit at the heart of Ramadan hospitality in homes across Saudi Arabia: coffee and dates. They have become symbols of hospitality, faith and cultural identity.
“We usually buy large quantities of blond Harari coffee beans, cloves, cardamom and saffron,” Jawahir Al-Juhani, based in Madinah, told Arab News. “We prepare coffee before iftar and again after Taraweeh prayers.
“I like to buy cups that reflect the spirit of Ramadan,” she continued. “I place them on a serving tray next to the traditional golden dallah that keeps the coffee hot. Beside it, I set a covered dish of dates.”
Typically crafted from copper or stainless steel, the dallah for serving Saudi coffee remains a centerpiece of Saudi homes. (SPA)
While Al-Juhani said she prefers seasonal dates throughout the year, during Ramadan she chooses sagai dates and fresh rutab.
