The History of Coffee From Yemen to the World | Mokhtar Alkhanshali
"Devil's Brew", spiritual drink, a scholarly beverage, an evil concoction — coffee in the Arab world has gone by many names. In this episode of Matbakh, Mokhtar Alkhanshali takes us on a journey through the history of the drink that defines many of our mornings. From its etymology to the spiritual culture behind its preparation and consumption, and why it was denounced and banned at certain points, this episode will give context to history nerds and coffee-lovers alike. Mokhtar maps the socio-economic background of coffee, its links to slavery and colonialism, and how it appears in literature from the region.
Mokhtar Alkhanshali is a historian, community organizer, and coffee innovator. He is the founder and CEO of Port of Mokha, which seeks to reverse Yemen’s nearly lost art of coffee cultivation. He has also established the Mokha Institute.
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Matbakh Podcast
A podcast series about eating, making, appreciating and learning about the food and drink of the Arab world. Chefs, restaurateurs, food historians, critics and writers share their takes on the best of what the Arab kitchen has to offer – past and present. We delve into well-loved and under-appreciated dishes, ingredients and flavors, as well as the history of the region’s food and what its future holds.
