When the call to prayer echoes at sunset and the fast is broken with a simple date, millions of Muslims around the world breathe a sigh of gratitude. It’s a sacred moment — quiet, nourishing, and deeply rooted in tradition. But alongside the timeless sweetness of dates, another aroma now fills the air: the unmistakable scent of freshly brewed coffee.
In recent years, coffee shops across the globe have found creative ways to celebrate Ramadan by combining centuries-old customs with contemporary coffee culture. From date-infused lattes to saffron cappuccinos and post-taraweeh cold brews, cafés are turning the holy month into a flavorful experience that honors both faith and innovation.
Let’s explore how these coffee shops are bridging the gap between tradition and modernity — one cup at a time.
The Spiritual and Cultural Roots of Coffee in Ramadan:
Coffee and Islam share a remarkable history. The drink itself was discovered and popularized by Sufi mystics in Yemen during the 15th century. They brewed coffee to stay awake for late-night prayers and dhikr (spiritual remembrance). From Yemen, coffee spread to Mecca, Cairo, and Istanbul — where it became a centerpiece of community gatherings and conversation.
During Ramadan, coffee has always held a special place. It’s the drink that warms the heart after iftar, revives energy before taraweeh prayers, and keeps families awake for suhoor (the pre-dawn meal). Today’s halal coffee scene is reviving that rich heritage — but with a modern twist.
“Coffee is deeply tied to our traditions,” says Ibrahim Alhasbani, founder of Qahwa House in Michigan. “But this generation is giving it new life — we’re making it exciting while keeping it meaningful.”
From Dates to Drinks: Reinventing a Sunnah Tradition:
Breaking the fast with dates is a sunnah (Prophetic practice). They symbolize nourishment, gratitude, and simplicity. Now, coffee shops are using that same fruit — nature’s candy — as the inspiration for new Ramadan creations.
✦ 1. The Date Caramel Latte:
Made with rich espresso and homemade date syrup, this latte is a healthier, natural alternative to sugar-filled drinks. The syrup adds a caramel-like sweetness and a creamy texture that pairs beautifully with milk.
Why it works: Dates are full of fiber and natural sugars, offering an energy boost after fasting — and their flavor complements coffee’s bitterness perfectly.
Find it at: Qahwa House (USA), Modest Mug Café (Malaysia), and Bean & Barakah (UK).
✦ 2. Kopi Kurma (Date Coffee):
Popular in Southeast Asia, this drink blends pureed dates, honey, and robust coffee for a smooth and comforting post-iftar beverage. It’s warm, filling, and infused with spiritual symbolism.
“We wanted to take something traditional and make it accessible for the younger crowd,” says Aiman Rahim, co-founder of Modest Mug Café. “Kopi Kurma connects us to our faith in a simple, flavorful way.”
✦ 3. Iced Date Cold Brew:
For those living in warmer climates, cafés are offering cold brew versions of date coffee — lightly sweet, energizing, and hydrating. It’s an ideal choice for late-night gatherings or suhoor study sessions.
Blending Heritage Flavors with Modern Creativity:
Ramadan is full of signature aromas — saffron, rosewater, cardamom, pistachio. Coffee shops are taking these beloved flavors and reimagining them through modern brewing techniques.
✦ 4. Saffron Rose Cappuccino:
Steamed milk infused with saffron and a splash of rosewater creates a luxurious, floral cappuccino that feels like dessert in a cup. Topped with rose petals and pistachio dust, it’s both visually stunning and deeply nostalgic.
Where to try it: Bean & Barakah’s London branch or The Halal Cup in Toronto.
✦ 5. Cardamom Mocha:
Inspired by the spice blends used in Arabic qahwa, this drink adds ground cardamom to espresso and chocolate for a warm, aromatic flavor that feels unmistakably Middle Eastern.
Why it’s special: Cardamom aids digestion — a thoughtful touch after iftar — while its aroma evokes comfort and tradition.
✦ 6. Pistachio Latte:
Creamy, nutty, and delicately sweet, this modern classic takes inspiration from Ramadan desserts like baklava and ma’amoul. Some cafés even blend in rose or saffron for added richness.
Perfect pairing: A slice of kunafa or semolina cake shared among friends after taraweeh.
Reviving Ancient Brews: Qahwa, Turkish Coffee, and Qishr:
While modern lattes dominate the scene, many cafés are also honoring the origins of coffee through traditional Ramadan brews.
Arabic Qahwa: Made with lightly roasted beans, cardamom, and saffron, served in small cups alongside dates.
Turkish Coffee: Slow-simmered, unfiltered, and rich — a favorite for post-iftar relaxation.
Yemeni Qishr: A historic beverage made from coffee husks boiled with ginger and cinnamon. Light, spiced, and easy on the stomach.
These time-honored recipes remind customers that the story of coffee is inseparable from the story of Muslim civilization itself.
“Serving qahwa during Ramadan feels like continuing a legacy,” says Rashid Ismail of Barakah Beans Roastery in Cape Town. “It connects our cafés to centuries of faith and craftsmanship.”
Coffee for Community: Iftar Gatherings and Suhoor Sessions:
More than ever, coffee shops are becoming community spaces during Ramadan — extending hours, hosting group iftars, and creating inclusive environments for reflection.
✦ Iftar with Coffee:
Many cafés now serve special iftar menus, including:
Complimentary dates and water at sunset.
Iftar sets featuring a date latte, pistachio dessert, and qahwa shots.
Light soups or sandwiches for those who want a simple meal before prayers.
✦ Late-Night Suhoor Specials:
In cities like Dubai, Kuala Lumpur, and Toronto, coffee shops stay open past midnight for suhoor sessions — serving cold brews, smoothies, and energy drinks to help customers prepare for the next day’s fast.
Example: Modest Mug Café hosts “Midnight Brews”, a suhoor-themed event featuring Quran recitations, community talks, and coffee tastings.
Acts of Giving: Brewing Kindness During Ramadan:
Ramadan is a month of generosity — and many coffee shops are finding creative ways to give back.
✦ Pay-It-Forward Cups:
Customers can pay for an extra drink in advance, allowing someone in need to enjoy a free iftar coffee later.
✦ Charity Partnerships:
Cafés like The Halal Cup and Barakah Beans donate a portion of Ramadan profits to local food banks and international aid programs.
✦ Community Iftars:
Some coffeehouses open their doors for free or donation-based iftars — offering everyone, regardless of faith, a seat at the table.
“Coffee brings us together, but compassion keeps us there,” says Aisha Rahim of The Halal Cup. “That’s the true essence of Ramadan.”
The Global Coffee Industry Joins In:
Even major international chains are joining the celebration, showing growing recognition of the importance of Ramadan.
Starbucks in Malaysia and Indonesia offers limited-edition Date Frappuccinos and Saffron Cream Lattes.
Costa Coffee in the UAE rolls out Cardamom Flat Whites and Ramadan dessert pairings.
Tim Hortons in the Middle East introduces iftar combos and date-flavored cold brews.
While these global brands are late to the table, they’re learning from halal cafés that have long centered inclusivity and authenticity in their coffee culture.
Tradition Meets Modernity: A New Kind of Ramadan Experience:
The rise of Ramadan-themed coffee specials reflects a broader shift in Muslim consumer culture — one that celebrates faith-driven creativity. Young Muslim entrepreneurs are showing that halal doesn’t have to mean limited; it can mean elevated, ethical, and inspiring.
These cafés are not just serving drinks — they’re creating experiences rooted in Islamic values of hospitality, charity, and community. Every latte, every shared table, every charitable cup is part of a larger movement redefining modern Ramadan.
“For us, faith isn’t separate from flavor,” says Layla Khan. “It’s what gives our coffee meaning.”
Final Thoughts:
From dates to coffee, from qahwa to cold brew, the fusion of tradition and innovation is what makes Ramadan coffee culture so special. It’s a time when old flavors meet new stories — when faith inspires creativity and community blends seamlessly with comfort.
So, this Ramadan, when you break your fast with a date, follow it with a coffee that tells a story. Whether it’s a saffron rose cappuccino, a date caramel latte, or a classic Arabic qahwa, every sip becomes a reminder of gratitude, connection, and renewal.
Because when tradition meets creativity — and coffee meets Ramadan — something truly beautiful is brewed.
