Quick answer: The right cup improves coffee in four ways. Size keeps the drink at the right ratio and temperature: about 60 ml for Arabic coffee, 60 to 90 ml for espresso, around 120 ml for a cortado, and 250 ml or more for a latte. Material affects heat: thick ceramic and clay hold warmth, glass shows colour and cools faster. Rim affects taste: a thin rim feels delicate and directs coffee across the tongue, a thick rim feels warm and casual. Shape affects aroma: narrower openings concentrate scent. The Tashkeel shop offers cups for each ritual, from handmade Dubai-clay finyal to art mugs.
1. Size: match the cup to the drink
| Drink | Ideal cup size | Try |
|---|---|---|
| Arabic coffee (gahwa) | About 60 ml, handle-less | Finyal Cups, Gold Finyal, Black Finyal |
| Cortado, flat white | About 120 to 180 ml | Cortado Cups |
| Tea, Americano | 150 to 250 ml with saucer | Gold Gerbou Cup & Saucer |
| Latte, karak, hot chocolate | 250 ml+ mug | Falcon Mug, Copper & Glass Cup (300 ml), exhibition mugs |
A cup that is too big lets a small drink cool quickly and look lost; a cup that is too small forces you to drink in a hurry.
2. Material: how heat behaves
- Ceramic and porcelain: hold heat well and are neutral in taste. Warm the cup with hot water first for the best result.
- Natural clay: tactile and earthy; an unglazed exterior stays comfortable to hold. Read about our Dubai-clay cups.
- Glass: shows the colour and layers of the coffee, but cools faster. Borosilicate glass, as in the Copper & Glass Cup, resists heat shock.
- Metal frames and handles: keep fingers away from hot glass.
3. Rim: the first thing you taste
Your lips meet the rim before the coffee. Thin rims feel refined and let coffee flow smoothly; they suit espresso and gahwa. Thicker, rounded rims feel cosy and are better for big milky drinks. Pay attention to the rim next time you try a new cup, and you will notice the difference.
4. Shape: guiding the aroma
Much of what we call flavour is actually smell. Tulip and slightly narrowing shapes gather aroma towards the nose, while wide shallow cups release it quickly and cool the drink. The small, open finyal works for gahwa because it is sipped quickly and refilled often.
5. Ritual: the cup as an occasion
Beyond physics, the cup sets the mood. A saucer slows you down. A matching set says "guests". An artwork on a mug turns a desk break into a moment with an artist. Some "ritual" cups to try:
- The Gerbou Collectors Edition Box, four cups and saucers in an engraved wooden box.
- Exhibition mugs such as the Provisional Sanctuaries Mug or the Al Wissam Script Mug. See From Gallery Wall to Dinner Table.
Five small habits for a better cup
- Warm the cup before pouring.
- Use the right size so the drink stays hot.
- Serve on a saucer or tray to slow the moment.
- Hand-wash handmade and artist cups.
- Keep one special cup just for you.
Frequently asked questions
Does the cup really change the taste of coffee?
Yes. Temperature, aroma and how the coffee meets your lips all depend on the cup's size, shape, rim and material.
What size is an Arabic coffee cup?
Around 60 ml.
Is glass or ceramic better for coffee?
Ceramic holds heat longer; glass shows the coffee's colour and layers. Choose by drink and preference.
What is a good coffee gift?
A boxed set, such as the Gerbou Collectors Edition Box.
Prices and availability change, so check the product page for the latest.
