EXPLORING IRANIAN COFFEE SCENE

In Iran, tea has traditionally been the dominant beverage, deeply ingrained in the cultural and social fabric of the country.
Iran is among the top consumers of tea per capita (around 3kg/year/capita-2013)
Since the establishment of the Islamic Republic in 1979, Muslim Iranian citizens have been legally prohibited from consuming alcohol. As such, coffee shops are an important social pillar for many of the country’s citizens, especially the young generation having access to Internet via VPN’s.
The Specialty Coffee Scene is emerging with the help of a few specialty coffee roasters and specialty coffee shops, most of them owned by individuals, certified baristas or roasters.
Coffee shop chains are serving more commercial coffees consisting of blend of medium/dark roasted arabica and robusta beans (up to 100% robusta !).

EDUCATION:
Due to the US sanctions, Iranians can’t have SCA courses locally and can’t provide SCA certificates. Nevertheless, SCA curriculums are highly appreciated in the country and coffee academies exist in Tehran and some in the other big cities. Iranian Coffee School, Iran Coffee Academy are the active ones in Tehran.

Furthermore, Iran Coffee Festival or Iran AeroPress competition are promoting coffee in Tehran and Iran. A Special mention also to Mahsa Niyayesh, founder of the Iranian women coffee association, working and fighting for women’s right in her country.

Some examples of coffee shops in Tehran:
@diestrocoffee
@lamizcoffee
@cafeviuna – founded by Bahram Radan, a famous Iranian actor.
@raeescoffee
And Specialty Coffee Shops and roaster:
@bon.coffeeshoo
@moacoffeeshop
@bahramradan
@xav.coffee
@set_coffee
@samcoffeeroasters

I expect an increase of Specialty Coffee activities in Iran starting from Tehran. Nevertheless, the cost of specialty coffees in addition to US sanctions on machineries are big issues and could slow down the development of this segment.

@iamnotabarista @masiha.barista
@irancoffee.academy @irancoffeeschool
@iran.latte.art.academy @ iranianaeropress
@iranianwomencoffeeassiciation