Armenian Coffee Cup Reading Tradition Reaches Houston

Ani Carla Kalafian, a Houston-based practitioner of Armenian coffee cup reading, is bringing the traditional cultural practice to Texas through pop-up events. Kalafian, who grew up in the Bay Area and spent time in Armenia, learned the art from her family and has since developed her own approach to the practice, which involves reading both the cup and saucer.

Kalafian prepares Armenian coffee with her signature blend of maple syrup, cardamom, and rose water. She describes coffee cup reading as a form of storytelling rooted in Armenian symbols and traditions, with spiritual and healing components. Having recently relocated from Los Angeles to Houston, Kalafian sees the practice as a bridge to share Armenian culture with diverse audiences unfamiliar with Armenian traditions. She emphasizes the communal and familial aspects of the kitchen tradition.