The Etiquette of Serving Arabic Coffee

Arabic coffee is a welcome before it is a drink. In a majlis it is poured from the dallah with the right hand and offered to the guest of honour first, then around the room.

A third of a cup

The small cup is only filled about a third of the way, so the coffee stays hot and the host can pour again. Refilling is part of the hospitality.

Enough, thank you

When you have had enough, give the cup a gentle shake as you hand it back. Until then, the host will keep pouring.