How to Make Café Touba (Senegalese Spiced Coffee Drink)
Have you ever tried spiced coffee?
One day, a friend and I decided to check out a small African coffee shop tucked away in the city. We had no idea what to order, so the barista suggested Café Touba. “It’s a spiced Senegalese coffee,” he said with a smile.
I took one sip, and wow! Bold and smoky, with this unexpected peppery heat that hit just after the rich coffee flavor. It was nothing like the espresso or pour-over I was used to, but I was hooked.
That experience led me down a rabbit hole of learning about Café Touba. From its origins, how it’s made, and why it’s such a big deal in Senegalese culture.
If you’re curious about this unique coffee, you’re in the right place. In this guide, you’ll discover what makes Café Touba special, how to make it at home, and why it deserves a spot in your coffee rotation!
What Makes Café Touba Unique?
If you think all coffee tastes the same, Café Touba will change your mind in one sip. This Senegalese coffee has a bold flavor because of its main ingredient: grains of Selim, also known as Djar in Wolof.
Sometimes called “African black pepper,” these little pods add a smoky, peppery heat that makes Café Touba stand out from anything you’ve tasted before.
Another thing that sets Café Touba apart?
It’s served very sweet. This coffee is meant to be strong, spicy, and sweet all at once. The sugar balances out the heat from the grains of Selim, making each sip smooth and energizing.
Also, Café Touba isn’t brewed one cup at a time. It’s often made in big batches, whether at home, in a café, or by street vendors selling it fresh throughout the day.
Usually, this coffee is meant to be shared and enjoyed with friends, family, and strangers alike. Once you try it, you might just find yourself craving that spicy, aromatic warmth more often than you expect!
The History of Café Touba
Named after Touba, Senegal’s holy city, this spiced coffee was popularized by Cheikh Ahmadou Bamba, a revered Sufi saint and the founder of the Mouride brotherhood.
More than just a religious leader, Bamba was a symbol of resistance and resilience during the colonial era, and Café Touba became part of the legacy he left behind.
Spiritual and Medicinal Purposes
Originally, this coffee wasn’t just about flavor or a morning caffeine boost. Instead, it was used for spiritual and medicinal purposes. The addition of grains of Selim (Djar), with its warming and slightly numbing effect, was believed to have healing properties.
It was consumed by Mouride followers during prayers and gatherings, reinforcing its role as more than just a beverage—it was a tool for focus, energy, and devotion.
Over time, Café Touba expanded beyond religious settings and became the national drink of Senegal. Today, it’s enjoyed everywhere from homes to bustling city cafés to street vendors pouring fresh, steaming cups on nearly every corner.
How To Make Café Touba at Home (Step-by-Step Recipe)
Equipment
- A dry pan (for roasting)
- A coffee grinder or mortar & pestle
- A pot (for brewing)
- A fine mesh strainer
- Serving Cups:
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons of whole coffee beans (preferably dark-roasted Robusta)
- ½ teaspoon of grains of Selim (Djar), crushed
- 2 cups of water
- Sugar to taste
Instructions
- Roast the Coffee and Spices – Lightly roast the whole coffee beans and crushed grains of Selim in a dry pan over medium heat. Then stir continuously until you smell the rich, spicy aroma. This step intensifies the flavors.
- Grind the Mixture – Use a mortar & pestle or a grinder to blend the roasted coffee and Selim into a coarse grind. The texture should be similar to what you’d use for a French press.
- Boil the Water – In a pot, bring 2 cups of water to a near-boil. You want it hot but not aggressively bubbling.
- Brew the Coffee – Add the ground coffee-spice mixture to the hot water and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This slow infusion extracts all the bold and peppery flavors.
- Strain and Serve – Using a fine mesh strainer, pour the brewed coffee into cups, leaving the grounds behind.
- Sweeten and Enjoy – Traditionally, Café Touba is served very sweet. So feel free to add sugar to taste. Sip slowly and enjoy the warming, spiced goodness!
Video
Notes
Bonus Tip:
For an extra authentic experience, serve your Café Touba in a small glass like they do in Senegal, instead of a traditional mug. It keeps the drink concentrated and betters the aroma.How Does Café Touba Compare to Other Spiced Coffees?
If you love exploring spiced coffees, you’ve probably encountered drinks like Turkish coffee, chai coffee, and Moroccan spiced coffee.
Each has its unique flavor profile, but Café Touba stands out with its bold, peppery kick. But here is how it compares to other ones:
Café Touba vs. Turkish Coffee
Turkish coffee is brewed unfiltered, giving it a thick, almost syrupy texture. Often it’s infused with cardamom, adding a fragrant, slightly citrusy note.
On the other hand, Café Touba has a lighter consistency since it’s strained before serving. Instead of cardamom, it uses grains of Selim, which bring a peppery, smoky intensity to the coffee.
Café Touba vs. Chai Coffee
Chai coffee is often connected with Indian and Middle Eastern flavors. Where warm, aromatic spices like cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and black pepper are brewed with coffee or tea.
As a result, you get a sweet and spiced drink. Usually, it has a creamy texture when milk is added.
Meanwhile, Café Touba skips the mix of spices and focuses on the distinct heat of grains of Selim. This creates a much bolder and more pepper-forward taste. While chai coffee can be quite comforting, Café Touba delivers a sharper, more invigorating spice hit.
Café Touba vs. Moroccan Spiced Coffee
Moroccan coffee takes a different approach by incorporating warming spices like nutmeg, anise, cinnamon, and even black pepper into the brew. It has a more rounded, slightly sweet profile due to the blend of earthy spices.
In contrast, Café Touba is much more direct and intense, with the grains of Selim adding a distinctive smokiness and heat that’s not found in Moroccan coffee.
Health Benefits of Café Touba
Besides its bold, spicy flavor, Café Touba is also packed with potential health benefits. For instance:
| Benefit | How It Helps |
|---|---|
| Rich in Antioxidants | Both coffee and grains of Selim contain antioxidants, which may help support immune health and reduce inflammation. |
| A Natural Energy Booster | The caffeine from coffee combined with the warming effect of grains of Selim provides a smooth, long-lasting boost in energy. |
| May Aid Digestion | The peppery nature of grains of Selim is traditionally believed to support digestion and gut health. |
| Traditionally Used for Healing | In Senegalese culture, Café Touba has long been valued for its spiritual and medicinal properties. |
While Café Touba is enjoyed mainly for its flavor and cultural significance, its potential health benefits make it even more special. So, next time you sip on this spiced coffee, just know you might be doing something good for your body too!
Where to Find Café Touba Outside of Senegal?
If you’re curious to try Café Touba but aren’t in Senegal, you can still get your hands on it! You have a few reliable ways to find grains of Selim (Djar) or pre-ground Café Touba blends.
1 – African and International Markets
One of the best places to start is an African grocery store or international market. Many carry whole grains of Selim alongside other West African spices. If you’re lucky, you might even find pre-ground Café Touba ready to brew.
2 – Specialty Coffee Shops
I suggest checking out coffee shops that feature West African-inspired drinks. You might just stumble upon Café Touba on the menu.
3 – Online Retailers
If you prefer shopping from home, plenty of online retailers stock Café Touba coffee. Some great options include:
- Amazon – Offers various Café Touba blends and whole grains of Selim.
- Silk Road Spices – A specialty spice retailer that usually sells grains of Selim.
- Etsy – Independent sellers often stock authentic Café Touba blends.
No matter where you are, it’s easier than ever to experience the bold, spiced flavors of Café Touba. If you find a great source for it, share it in the comments. Others might be looking too!
Last Thoughts
Have you ever tried Café Touba? Or do you know a great spot to buy high-quality grains of Selim? I’d like to read your comment below and with that voilà!
