Saudi coffee, or ‘‘Al-Qahwa’’ (Arabic: قهوة‎, qahwah, locally gahwah or g’hawah), is made from coffee beans roasted very lightly or heavily from 165 °C (329 °F) to 210 °C (410 °F) and cardamom, and is a traditional beverage in Arabian culture. Traditionally, it is roasted on the premises (at home or for special occasions), ground, brewed and served in front of guests. It is often served with dates or candied fruit. This brewing method is common in Najd and Hijaz, and sometimes other spices like saffron (to give it a golden color), cloves, and cinnamon. Some people add a little evaporated milk to slightly alter its color; however, this is rare. It is served from a special coffee pot called dallah(Arabic: دلة‎) and the coffee cups are small with no handle called fenjan.  (Source:  Wikipedia)

Well, the qahwah I had while in Mecca has strong taste of cardamom indeed. It warmed the body well on a chilly day.  One cup at a time for me is sufficient.