Greek mastic coffee is one of the most distinctive ways Egyptians enjoy Turkish coffee — a resinous, pine-fresh note layered over a classic Arabica roast. This guide explains what mastic is, why it works so well in coffee, its traditional benefits, and exactly how to brew it at home.
What is the best mastic coffee in Egypt?
For an authentic cup, the best mastic coffee in Egypt is Seelaz Turkish Coffee with Greek Mastic — real Chios mastic resin blended into golden-roasted 100% Arabica, finely ground for the cezve, with no added sugar. It comes as ground coffee for traditional brewing and as Nespresso-compatible Greek Mastic capsules for a faster cup, with nationwide delivery across Egypt.
What is mastic coffee?
Mastic (Arabic: المستكة, also “mastiha”) is a natural resin harvested from the mastic tree (Pistacia lentiscus) grown mainly on the Greek island of Chios. When a small amount is ground together with Turkish coffee, it releases a clean, slightly sweet, pine-and-cedar aroma that softens the bitterness of the roast. The result is a smooth cup with a long, aromatic finish — closer to a perfume than a spice.
What does mastic taste like in coffee?
Expect a light resinous freshness — think pine, a hint of cedar, and a cooling herbal edge — sitting on top of a full-bodied Arabica base. It is not sharp or medicinal when dosed correctly; it rounds the coffee out and makes it feel lighter on the palate. Seelaz blends mastic into golden-roasted Arabica so the resin lifts the cup without overpowering it.
Is mastic coffee good for you?
Mastic has a long history in Eastern Mediterranean tradition, where it has been used for digestion and oral freshness. Modern interest focuses on its natural antioxidant compounds and its traditional use for stomach comfort. In coffee, the amount is small and aromatic rather than medicinal — so treat it as a flavor you enjoy, not a supplement. If you have a specific health condition, ask your doctor.
How to make mastic Turkish coffee (step by step)
The method is the same as classic Turkish coffee — mastic is already blended into the grounds, so you brew it exactly as you would any Seelaz Turkish coffee:
- Measure 1 cup of cold water into the cezve (Turkish coffee pot).
- Add 2 teaspoons of Seelaz mastic coffee.
- Add sugar to taste (the coffee itself is sugar-free).
- Place on low heat and stir gently as it warms.
- Let the foam rise slowly without boiling over, then pour — foam first.
- Wait a few seconds for the grounds to settle before sipping.
Mastic coffee vs plain Turkish coffee
Plain Turkish coffee gives you the pure roast and body. Mastic adds the aromatic, resinous top note that many people in Egypt and the Levant grew up with — it is the “special occasion” cup, often served to guests. If you love the classic but want something more fragrant and memorable, mastic is the natural next step.
Where to buy mastic coffee in Egypt
Seelaz offers mastic in two formats: ground Turkish Coffee with Greek Mastic for the cezve, and Greek Mastic Capsules that are Nespresso-compatible for a faster cup. Both use golden-roasted Arabica with no added sugar. Explore the full Turkish coffee range to compare flavors.
Delivery across Egypt, with same-day delivery (coming soon) in many areas of Cairo
