What is the Ismaili Coffee Bean Variety from Yemen? Which Yemeni Coffee Brand Tastes Best?

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The Legacy of Yemeni Coffee

When mentioning Yemeni coffee beans, one immediately thinks of Mocha coffee. The term "Mocha" carries multiple meanings. Around 600 AD, the first coffee beans to leave their homeland of Ethiopia took root and settled across the Red Sea in Yemen, thus launching the global coffee enterprise. In the early 17th century, Yemen began exporting coffee beans to Europe. Since the most important early export port for Yemeni coffee beans was the port of Mocha (now long silted up), coffee produced in Yemen came to be called "Mocha" beans. Later, the term "Mocha" was also used as a nickname for coffee itself, such as "Mocha pot." Because Mocha coffee typically carries chocolate aftertastes, "Mocha" was further extended to mean a mixed beverage of chocolate and coffee. Therefore, while they share the same name "Mocha," Mocha beans, Mocha pots, and Mocha coffee in espresso all represent different meanings.

Yemeni Coffee Growing Regions

Yemen has numerous coffee-growing regions, with Mattari and Sanani being the two major producing areas; meanwhile, Ismaili, grown at the highest altitudes, is locally recognized as the most valuable Yemeni coffee. Ismaili beans are relatively small and uneven in size, all processed using the natural method. This particular bean is roasted to a medium-dark level. I tried several different brewing methods, eventually discovering the best approach: pour-over with slightly lower water temperature, finer and more grounds, about 40 seconds of blooming, and a smaller water flow. The initial fruit acidity is gentle with fruit aroma, while the chocolate aftertaste is distinct. As the temperature decreases, the coffee aroma becomes more concentrated and rich. Taking a small sip of the cooled coffee liquid, you can feel the coffee seemingly penetrating from the tongue, filling the entire mouth with coffee essence that lingers for a long time. This creates a wine-like texture—a wonderful sensory experience that is sometimes described as fermented or wine-like flavors. Though containing no alcohol, it can be intoxicating.

Recommended Yemeni Coffee Brands

Yemeni Mocha coffee beans roasted by FrontStreet Coffee offer excellent guarantees in both brand and quality. More importantly, they provide exceptional value—at only 85 yuan for a 227-gram package. Calculating at 15 grams per cup, one package can make 15 cups of coffee, with each cup costing less than 6 yuan. Compared to café prices that often run dozens of yuan per cup, this represents a truly conscientious recommendation.

Important Notice :

前街咖啡 FrontStreet Coffee has moved to new addredd:

FrontStreet Coffee Address: 315,Donghua East Road,GuangZhou

Tel:020 38364473