What is Café Touba, the spiced coffee?

Café Touba is a popular beverage in West Africa that has gained popularity in recent years. This unique drink, originating from Senegal, is a type of specialty coffee with a distinct flavor profile that has captivated coffee lovers around the world. People in West Africa, particularly in Senegal and neighboring countries, are known to heavily consume this traditional beverage. Café Touba is often enjoyed after meals or during social gatherings, as it is believed to aid in digestion and provide a caffeine boost.What sets Café Touba apart from other coffee varieties is the addition of spices, particularly Selim pepper, also known as Guinea pepper, which gives it a spicy and aromatic kick. The strong taste of this coffee is balanced by the use of cloves and sometimes other spices like cinnamon and ginger. These additional flavors not only enhance the taste of the coffee but also add a unique twist to the overall drinking experience.As the popularity of Café Touba continues to grow, it is becoming more readily available in specialty coffee shops and online retailers. Coffee enthusiasts across the globe are increasingly drawn to this drink for its bold flavor and cultural significance. Whether you are looking for a new coffee experience or simply curious about West African traditions, Café Touba presents a delightful journey for your taste buds. 

Origin of Touba coffee 

Touba coffee, also known as Café Touba, has its origin in the town of Touba in Senegal. This unique and aromatic coffee is deeply rooted in Senegalese culture and has a rich history. The story begins with Sheikh Amadou Bamba, a Sufi religious leader known as “Serigne Touba”, who was in exile in Gabon during the French colonial period in the late 19th century. It was during this exile that Serigne Touba created the recipe for Touba coffee. Upon his return to Senegal, he introduced this new blend of coffee, which quickly gained popularity among Sufi communities in West Africa. The striking aroma and strong flavor of Café Touba make it a beloved beverage not only in Senegal but also in other parts of West Africa. Today, Touba coffee is an integral part of Senegalese identity and is enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. Its origins and the story of Serigne Touba’s exile and return to Senegal make it more than just a cup of coffee – it is a symbol of resilience and cultural significance.  

Nutrition in Café touba, the spicy coffee drink

This spiced coffee is made by combining guinea pepper, also known as grains of selim, with locally grown robusta coffee beans. The consumption of coffee in Senegal has deep cultural roots, with Senegalese people drink café touba daily, traditionally drinking coffee daily. The use of guinea pepper pod in Café Touba can be traced back to its traditional medicinal properties, such as aiding digestion and providing antioxidant benefits. Over time, the use of grains of selim has become so pervasive in Senegalese culture that it is now considered an essential ingredient in Senegalese coffee. The unique flavor and aroma of Café Touba, coupled with its potential health benefits, have contributed to its popularity not only in Senegal but also among the Senegalese diaspora around the world. 

Ingredients for Cafe Touba, the Senegalese coffee

 This spicy coffee drink, is made with a unique blend of ingredients. To prepare this traditional beverage, 10g of selim powder, also known as guinea pepper, is required. The selim powder is made from ground grains of selim, which adds a distinct spicy flavor to the coffee. In addition to the selim powder, roasting coffee is an important step in the process. A 40g coffee dose is needed. This royal coffee is then ground to a fine powder for optimum taste. To make a cup of Cafe Touba, a 40g coffee dose is combined with 10g of selim powder. The amount of selim powder used can be adjusted to personal preference, depending on how strong one wants the spiciness of the coffee to be. With the perfect balance of selim powder and coffee, Cafe Touba offers a unique and aromatic experience for coffee lovers. 

Café touba recipe – how to make Café Touba

 Café Touba is a traditional Senegalese coffee that is known for its unique and aromatic flavor. To make Café Touba, you will need guinea pepper. Start by mixing 10g of guinea pepper with a 40g coffee dose. This mixture will be used to brew the Touba coffee. The selim powder brings a distinct spiciness to the coffee. Once the ingredients are mixed together, you can brew the coffee using your preferred method. The Café Touba is typically enjoyed black, but you can add sugar or milk if desired. The taste of Café Touba is rich and robust, with hints of pepper and clove. This unique coffee recipe is a must-try for coffee lovers looking to explore different flavors from around the world. 

Frequently Asked Questions about Touba Coffee, the spicy coffee drink

1. What makes Touba coffee special?

Touba coffee is unique due to its blend of coffee beans and the addition of grains of Selim. The combination of these ingredients gives Touba coffee its distinct flavor and aroma that sets it apart from other coffee beverages.

2. Is Café Touba of Senegal a type of spiced coffee?

Yes, Touba coffee can be categorized as a spiced coffee. The addition of grains of Selim, which have a similar taste to black pepper and cloves, adds a spicy and aromatic dimension to the coffee drink.

3. What is the significance of Touba coffee in Senegal?

Touba coffee holds cultural and religious significance in Senegal. It is often associated with the Mouride Brotherhood and the holy city of Touba, where it originated. The coffee is consumed daily by many Senegalese people and is also enjoyed during special occasions such as the Grand Magal, a religious pilgrimage. 

4. Can I make Café Touba beverage at home?

Absolutely! Touba coffee can be easily prepared at home with the right ingredients. 

5. How did Cafe Touba get its name?

Cafe Touba is named after the city of Touba in Senegal, known for its strong ties to the Sufism branch of Islam.

6. Is Cafe Touba sold outside of Senegal?

Yes, Cafe Touba is becoming increasingly popular globally, and it can be purchased in some specialty coffee shops or online.

7. Are there any recipes that include Cafe Touba?

Yes, there are several recipes that incorporate Cafe Touba as an ingredient, such as spiced desserts, beverages, or even savory dishes.