When should one drink tea or coffee in Jordan? Which is more popular? What unwritten rules govern both beverages? In this post, we address these questions, acknowledging that it is a subjective choice… yet often not a choice at all, as one or the other is ‘imposed’ upon you as an example of local hospitality. Take note of these key insights and, above all, savor every sip you are offered.
Which is More Popular in Jordan: Tea or Coffee?
Answering this question proves challenging, as it depends on many factors: different regions, newer generations… However, it can perhaps be said that tea is more deeply rooted in the daily lives of families and friends. It is a clear hallmark of Bedouin culture and, in fact, is also present in other Middle Eastern countries with which it shares a certain nomadic heritage, and where Mandala Tours also operates: Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia…
In contrast, coffee and its associated ritual can be considered a more institutionalized tradition, an inheritance of Arab culture. Indeed, this ritual has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage item and is common in other neighboring countries, such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
When is One or the Other Consumed?
It can be said that the most traditional and authentic way to enjoy tea or coffee is when it is offered to you. If this occurs during your trip, you can consider yourselves fortunate, as it is a sincere demonstration of hospitality and respect. It might be, for example, a welcoming gesture upon entering a shop or arriving at your accommodation.
This spontaneous and immediate gesture of welcome is usually more common with tea, which is often more readily available. Coffee, on the other hand, tends to be the protagonist of more formal and even extraordinary gatherings, such as weddings or tribal meetings, and is associated with certain rules of etiquette, such as prioritizing the elders of the group.
Having said all this, it must be noted that the world evolves with new times, and so do these traditions. Nowadays, any traveler can enjoy tea or coffee simply by visiting a café. Many of these, in fact, have a modern touch where basic food options, such as arayes or sweets, are also served, which was not typically the case before.
In any case, despite the fact that the same welcome ritual of yesteryear is not always followed, the beverages that can be tasted in these cafés do retain their genuine local touch. For example, the most popular tea is undoubtedly black tea or shai, which can be more or less sweetened, depending on the preference, and flavored with mint, cinnamon, or sage. Coffee, for its part, has a strong taste and contains a lot of grounds, as it is unfiltered, and usually has a hint of cardamom flavor.
To Accept or Decline?
Another important consideration regarding tea or coffee in Jordan is how to react to an offer. Generally, it is advisable to accept it, as declining can almost be interpreted as an offense, unless health issues justify it. However, the decision not to have more tea or coffee is accepted more naturally: as long as nothing is indicated and you hold the cup or glass in your hand, you are signaling that there is no problem in having a refill, but if you gently move it from side to side and accompany it with a kind gesture or glance, you are indicating that you have had enough and no refill is needed.
