When we think of Iranian beverages, the image that usually comes to mind is a delicate glass of steaming black tea. However, the story of coffee in Shiraz—and Iran as a whole—is a fascinating tale of a historic beverage making a massive modern comeback, though it has recently hit a severe economic roadblock.
The Original Brew: Returning to Our Roots
While Iran is internationally famous for its tea, coffee was actually the original caffeinated drink of choice. Interestingly, coffee's roots go even deeper into Iranian history than the Safavid era: over a thousand years ago, the renowned Iranian philosopher Avicenna (Ibn Sina) wrote exclusively about the beverage using the word buno, reportedly utilizing it to treat depression. Introduced around the 16th century (often credited to Shah Abbas I), coffeehouses (qahveh khanehs) became vibrant social hubs. Cities like Esfahan, Tabriz, and Shiraz were early adopters, using these spaces for poetry, intellectual debate, and community gatherings. It wasn't until the late 19th and early 20th centuries that tea became cheaper and easier to acquire via trade routes from India and China, slowly replacing coffee as the household staple. For decades after, coffee faded into the background as a luxury item.
The "Third Wave" Cultural Renaissance
Over the last decade, Iran experienced a quiet but powerful revolution in its coffee culture. Shiraz, known as Iran’s cultural capital of poets, literature, and gardens, became a prime location for this modern café renaissance. While exact statistics on the number of coffee shops per capita in Shiraz are hard to pin down, the sheer density of the scene has become a defining feature of the city's modern landscape. In popular neighborhoods and along busy avenues, cafes seem to occupy every available space. This physical expansion perfectly mirrors the nation's soaring appetite:
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Between 2008 and 2010, domestic coffee consumption in Iran spiked by an incredible 1,100%.
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By early 2024, the country was importing nearly 49,000 tonnes of coffee annually, valued at roughly $148 million. About 95% of this imported green coffee arrives from the UAE, Vietnam, India, Indonesia, and Uganda.
For Millennials and Gen Z in Shiraz, modern, Western-style cafes evolved into essential "third spaces" (a sanctuary outside of home and work). They became safe havens for socialization, studying, art exhibitions, and informal gatherings in a society where public entertainment options can be heavily restricted. But these coffee shops aren't merely imitating Western trends ; they're developing a distinctly Iranian approach to specialty coffee that beautifully incorporates local flavors and traditions.
Despite harsh international sanctions limiting access to modern espresso machines and international banking, a robust local specialty coffee scene emerged. In fact, bans on roasted coffee imports pushed local roasteries to make significant progress on their own. Because international sanctions prevent Iranians from participating in global Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) events and certifications, passionate local roasters and baristas in Shiraz and neighboring cities began hosting their own independent brewing and cupping competitions. Huge local events like the Iran Barista Championship and the Iran AeroPress Championship have pushed the quality of the brew to international standards.
Women Leading the Charge
One of the most inspiring developments in this coffee revolution is the rise of women in the Iranian specialty sector. The industry was notoriously male-dominated, and as recently as 2014, women in the country weren't permitted to work in coffee shops. Today, women have boldly carved out their own space as green coffee buyers, roasters, baristas, managers, and trainers, aided by supportive networks like the pioneering Iranian Women's Coffee Association.
The 2026 Reality Check: A Test of Resilience
While the cultural desire for coffee remains incredibly strong, the reality on the ground in 2026 is exceptionally challenging for café owners and patrons in Shiraz and across Iran. Due to extreme inflation, currency devaluation, and recent regional wars severely impacting shipping and global agricultural costs, the price of imported coffee beans has nearly doubled compared to pre-war levels. Additionally, sanctions force importers to bypass direct trade and route green coffee shipments through transit hubs like Dubai or Turkey, causing significant delays that threaten bean freshness and quality. The impact on local businesses has been devastating:
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Operating costs for cafes have skyrocketed.
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Recent reports from mid-2026 indicate that up to 40% of cafes in major urban centers are facing closure.
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Customer foot traffic has dropped by as much as 50% as everyday life contracts and consumer purchasing power vanishes. Because the price of a standard cup of coffee has climbed up to four times its previous cost in recent months, coffee is once again becoming a luxury that many young Iranians simply cannot afford, forcing a reluctant return to cheaper traditional tea at home.
Looking Forward
At our brand, we find endless inspiration in the global coffee community. The coffee scene in Shiraz perfectly encapsulates the modern, outward-looking resilience of its youth, even as it currently navigates profound economic headwinds. As we savor our morning cups, let's raise a glass (or a mug) to the passionate roasters and baristas worldwide who continue to create spaces for community and craft, no matter the obstacles.