Ghahve Yazdi (قهوه یزدی) is a traditional coffee drink originating from the Iranian city of Yazd. This beverage, also known as “mourning coffee” or “coffee for mourners,” is traditionally served on the third day after a person’s passing.
In July 2019, ghahve Yazdi was officially added to the list of Iran’s intangible cultural heritage.
Ghahve Yazdi is traditionally prepared in a time-consuming manner. Coffee beans are first roasted and ground into a fine powder using a stone mill. The coffee is then brewed with water in a kettle over high heat, constantly stirred to prevent it from boiling over. This process takes 3–12 hours (depending on the amount of coffee being prepared). During brewing, rose water, cardamom, and crystallized sugar (nabat) are gradually added to give the coffee its distinctive aroma and flavor. After brewing, the coffee is strained through a fine silk cloth to ensure it is completely clear.
Ghahve Yazdi is traditionally served in small decorative cups or glasses, often accompanied by typical Yazd sweets, such as baklava, gaz (Persian nougat), qottab (fried pastry filled with nuts), or Persian confections with rose water. The drink has a strong sweet flavor, so it is often consumed in small amounts as a symbolic gesture of hospitality.
This special coffee from Yazd was on my list of foods and drinks to try in Yazd from the very beginning. Over the years, I have had plenty of strong and sweet Arabic coffees during my travels; ghahve Yazdi, however, surprised me. I expected the sweetness (and I wasn’t wrong), but the addition of rose water elevates the coffee to a different level and (for me) pleasantly sets it apart from other types of sweet coffee.
One ghahve Yazdi, automatically served with three pieces of qottab, cost me 550,000 IRR (0.60 EUR), and I am truly glad I had the chance to try it.
When you travel to Yazd, you should look for it too.
Bon appétit!
