What is Saudi Arabian almond coffee?

Almond coffee, also known as Hijazi coffee, white coffee, or sweet coffee is a popular hot beverage across Saudi Arabia.

Hailing from the Hejaz region of the Kingdom, almond coffee is a non-caffeinated beverage. However, despite its namesake, the hot drink contains no coffee and is not made with coffee beans. Instead, this creamy concoction is made from a belly-warming blend of milk, rice flour, almonds, sugar, and cardamom. 

When do Saudis drink almond coffee? My grandmother used to make it on happy occasions, to celebrate special moments like a graduation, and of course, it was always a comforting warm beverage to have during the winter months. In some regions of the Kingdom,  Saudis drink almond coffee to mark the beginning of the Hijri year, and to attract positivity, optimism and good luck for the year ahead.

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Is almond coffee the same as sahlab? In short, no. 

Although both almond coffee and sahlab are sweet, comforting, creamy drinks which include warming spices, they are notably different. Popular in Middle Eastern countries such as Turkey and the Levant, sahlab is traditionally made with an expensive flour derived from orchid tubers or flowers, but is often found being made with cornstarch as a more affordable substitute. When made using orchid flour, sahlab offers a unique, slightly floral flavour. Sahlab is often enjoyed on cold days and typically topped with cinnamon, nuts, and coconut flakes.

Celebrate a special occasion with your family, or bookmark this for the cooler winter months, this recipe is straightforward and delicious. 

To serve 5 people. 

To make powdered or ground almonds, boil half a cup (10 tablespoons, or 125gms) of whole almonds for 2 minutes. Once boiled the coating of the almonds will begin to peel, remove this coating and place into a food processor. Grind almonds into a fine, slightly chunky powder.