Café(coffe) Touba is a traditional Senegalese coffee that holds cultural and historical significance. It is named after Touba, a city in Senegal. This coffee is not just a drink but a symbol of heritage, culture and community.
The majority of the population of senegal drink this coffe, instead of the typical coffee, i dont think the coffe has been yet commercialised, so it may be difficult to find it in other countries.
If you love coffe, you will definetly love this one.
What Makes Café Touba Unique?
Ingredients
- Coffee Beans: Typically robusta beans, which are roasted until dark and rich.
- Selim Pepper (Djar): Also known as “Guinea pepper” or “grains of Selim,” this spice gives Café Touba its distinctive aromatic and slightly spicy flavor.
- Sugar: Sweetened generously to balance the spice, making it both a comforting and invigorating drink.
- lime(optional): This one is preferrance based, we put a few drops of lime in our cup.From experience I think it somehow helps balance the sweetness of the coffee, because in order to remove the bitterness of the Djar, we put lots of sugar, so then it becomes a bit too sweet, so to balance it some add lime in their cup.
Preparation
- The coffee and Selim pepper are roasted together to infuse the flavor.
- After grinding, the mixture is brewed traditionally, often in large pots for communal sharing.
- The resulting brew is rich, sweet, and spicy, with a uniquely robust flavor profile.
Cultural and Historical Significance
- Symbol of Community:
- It is often prepared and shared during gatherings, symbolizing unity and fellowship.
- The act of sharing Café Touba reflects Senegalese values of teranga (hospitality).
- Everyday Presence:
- Today, it is a staple drink in Senegal, sold by street vendors and enjoyed in homes and cafés.
Occaisons:
- Everyday: i would like to say there are special occaisons for it, but that wont be accurate, because you will always find vendors selling it “to go”.
- Ramadan: yes it is most consumed in the month of Ramadan.
Where to Find Café Touba
- Street Vendors: Known for their skill in preparing and serving this iconic coffee, they are a familiar sight in Senegalese towns and cities.
- Homes and Ceremonies: Frequently brewed for family gatherings, religious events, and as part of everyday life.
- International Reach: Café Touba has gained popularity in Senegalese communities abroad, where it is celebrated as a taste of home. you can oder the coffe hier…..
Experience Café Touba
Drinking Café Touba is more than enjoying coffee; it’s about connecting to the rich traditions of Senegal. Its spicy warmth carries the stories, history, tradition of Senegal le paye de terange and the people who cherish it. it carries the memories of my childhood, the sip of coffe that we shared with friends, it reminds me of the taste of my childhood in the street of liberte 6 to grandyoff. these streets will forever cry our names, those days when we didnt have phones, when playing on the streets was all we had.
okay lets end it here we dont have to get in to my childhood, since i have yet to continue Our exciting journey: Our Story in Senegal and Gambia part 2
