Coffee Cups

A finjan is the traditional Arabic coffee cup: about 60–75 ml, without a handle, filled only one-third and refilled until the guest shakes it to stop. An espresso cup holds 60–90 ml, has a handle and a saucer, and is designed for a single strong shot with crema. Both are small, but they belong to two different and equally refined rituals.

A finjan holds about 60–75 ml in total, but it is traditionally filled only one-third — roughly 20–30 ml of coffee per pour. The small fill keeps the coffee hot and lets the host keep pouring as a sign of generosity. A guest signals they have had enough by shaking the finjan gently when handing it back.

A finjan has no handle because it is held by its rim and base with the fingertips, in a serving tradition centuries old. The host holds the dallah in the left hand and offers the finjan with the right, filling it only one-third. The handleless shape is also why finjan are stored and served in elegant rows on a tray.

For guest hosting, choose a finjan set of 12, because Arabic coffee is refilled many times for every guest and a full set avoids washing mid-gathering. Espresso sets of 4 or 6 suit smaller, modern hosting. If your majlis hosts weekly, keep one full hosting set plus a smaller everyday set.

Espresso cups hold 60–90 ml, sized for a single shot of about 30 ml or a double of about 60 ml, with room for crema. Good espresso cups have thick porcelain walls that hold heat and a rounded inner shape that keeps the crema smooth. Sets of 4, like chess-themed designs, are the classic starter size for home espresso.

A saucer protects the table from heat and drips, gives the spoon and a small sweet a place to rest, and lets you carry a full hot cup steadily. In formal serving it also frames the cup and completes the set's design. For finjan service, a tray plays the same role that a saucer plays for espresso.

You can, but it is not ideal: a finjan's thin, handleless shape cools espresso quickly and is awkward to lift when full of hot coffee. Espresso tastes better in a thick-walled 60–90 ml cup with a handle and saucer. Keep each cup for its own ritual — finjan for Arabic coffee with dates, espresso cups for your morning shot.

Wash fine coffee cups by hand with warm water and a soft sponge, especially sets with gold, colour or chess-style artwork. Remove coffee oils from espresso cups after each use, because stale oils turn bitter and spoil the next drink. Dry cups fully before storing, and never stack them rim-to-rim in a tight cupboard.

Yes. A coffee cup set is a classic Saudi gift because coffee is served in every home, every day — the gift is used constantly and remembered. Espresso sets of 4 suit young couples and modern kitchens; finjan sets suit traditional hosting homes. Pair the set with Arabic coffee or dates for a complete, thoughtful present.

The best cups for Turkish coffee hold about 75–90 ml and come with saucers, similar in size to espresso cups but usually more decorated. The coffee is poured after it settles in the pot, and the cup's small size keeps it hot and strong. Serve with a small sweet or piece of chocolate beside the cup.

Store coffee cup sets on a tray or an open shelf where they are easy to serve from, or in a cabinet without stacking cups rim-to-rim. Keep finjan in a neat row near the dallah so the full service is always ready for guests. Sets kept visible become part of the kitchen and majlis décor, not hidden clutter.

Yes, RIS delivers coffee cup and espresso sets to all regions of Saudi Arabia, and delivery is free in main cities for orders of 2,500 SAR or more. Every cup is wrapped individually so fine porcelain arrives safely. You can also see the Duet, Chess and Grandma designs in person at our Jeddah showroom.