Anyone that has been to Saudi will remember the 1000s of tiny cups of cardamom infused coffee that are forced upon you when you enter people’s houses, shops, restaurants and anywhere you can think of!
There are some basic rules that you should follow when being offered these cups.
Rule #1
NEVER refuse the first cup! Not a coffee drinker? Too bad, you are now. Just accept it and slowly sip it. The cups are very small, and the coffee is generally quite weak. After one or two sips you will be finished.
Rule #2
Whenever you finish your cup your host will refill it. Generally, after about 3 cups they will slow down on the refills, but some will keep filling them forever.
Rule #3
If you are done you have to give your cup a little shake and when your host sees this, they will stop serving you.
Rule #4
If you are serving the coffee, you must hold the jug with your left hand only. This is more difficult for most people who happen to be right-handed, but if you watch Saudis pour coffee, they will use their left hand every single time.
Rule #5
Once you have had the coffee, they will serve you tea. Only after having tea, is it appropriate to leave.
Bonus fact!
The more a host likes you the less they will put in your cup! This logic is so that they get to keep refilling your cup and showing you hospitality. If they don’t like you, they will fill it up to the top and not top you up so you don’t stay as long.
