The Horn of Africa is the birthplace of coffee, and this part of the world has a strong coffee culture. Somali qaxwo (pronounced qah-wo) is ground coffee blended with ginger, cinnamon and sometimes cardamom. The ancient Greeks called Somalia “Regio Cinnamafore” (the Land of Cinnamon), and the aromatic cinnamon in Somali qaxwo is a revelation, as is the ginger. Qaxwo is lovely anytime, but it really shines in the afternoon during casariyo, the afternoon meal break. Qaxwo is often paired with doolsho, cookies and xalwo (a very sweet and gelatinous cardamon-scented dessert). Make coffee as directed here, or brew it from brands like Banadir One, which have the spices already blended in.

News Source : https://www.oregonlive.com/nytcooking/2026/04/775745364-qaxwo-spiced-coffee.html