Something most people have in common when they wake up is they grab a cup of coffee. Have you ever wondered how other people from all over the world enjoy their coffee?
Here's a guide to a variety of coffee cultures, and how it's made and served around the world.
The best moments are always when it's coffee time. Image credit to @sissyinparis on Instagram
1. Australia: Flat White
An Aussie flat white is like a hug in a cup. Picture this: a shot of strong espresso as the base is poured into a smaller cup.
But here's the special touch – the barista works their milk-steaming wizardry to make it super creamy and velvety. Then, they pour that milk over the espresso, creating a smooth, comforting concoction.
Indulge in the rich and invigorating experience of sipping on a cup of coffee. Image credit to @axilcoffeeroasters on Instagram
What makes it special? Well, it's all about balance. You've got the punchy kick of the espresso, but it's chilling out with the sweetness of the milk. It's not as milky as a latte, but it's not hardcore coffee either. It's like they found the Goldilocks zone of coffee goodness.
So next time you're Down Under (or at a cool café anywhere), give the Australian flat white a shot.
These are some of the best coffee shops in Australia:
- The Cupping Room, Canberra, ACT
- Monday's Coffee Store, Adelaide, SA
- Gordon St Garage, West Perth, WA
- Room 10 Espresso, Sydney, NSW
- Good Day Coffee, Tugun, QLD
2. Japan: Cold Brew Coffee
If you want your coffee fix without the steam, cold brew is the way to go. Referred to as Kyoto-style coffee and popular in Japan, this cold brew is different from the usual cold brew we see in many coffee shops.
Embrace the joy, it's coffee time! Image credit to @ cucinantica on Instagram
It involves a gradual coffee-making process at lower temperatures. Unlike traditional hot brewing which uses heat to extract flavors, cold brewing involves very slow steeping, resulting in a smoother and more indulgent drink.
Here is a list of the top picks coffee shops in Tokyo:
- Single O Hamacho
- Coffee Counter Nishiya
- Rec Coffee Shibuya
3. Bali: Kopi Luwak
Kopi Luwak, or Civet Coffee in literal terms, is a unique coffee adventure. In Malay, "kopi" translates to "coffee," while "luwak" represents the small cat-like creature found in Southeast Asia.
Would you ever try Kopi Luwak? Image credit to @ indiragomes on Instagram
Surprisingly, this nocturnal critter has a knack for selecting the freshest coffee berries. And yes, you guessed it – Kopi Luwak originates from the waste of these civets. But fear not, the coffee beans are meticulously retrieved, cleaned, roasted, brewed, and magically transformed into a fragrant cup of java.
Kopi Luwa is a must-try when you come to Bali! Image credit to @olga888sunny on Instagram
It's an unusual journey from poop to perfection!
4. Singapore: Kopi (Nanyang Coffee)
Kopi usually features robusta beans known for their caffeine kick, often freshly roasted. The beans undergo a flavorful transformation as they are mixed with butter, margarine, or even lard, sometimes with a spoon of sugar joining the mix. This fiery roast turns their shells into glistening, aromatic gems with a caramelized flair.
Kopi is one of the best drinks you can find when travelling to South East Asia. Image credit to @vel.eats.kl on Instagram
The ground beans are then strained into a pot within a cloth bag affectionately called a 'sock'. This brew time results in a fragrant smell. Finally, the strained coffee is poured into a cup where canned dairy, sugar, and water join the party. It's like a coffee carnival where flavors boogie and mingle!
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5. Hong Kong: Yuanyang
Can't decide between coffee and milk tea? Well, say hello to your taste buds' new BFF! This drink is like a party where coffee, tea, and milk vibe together. Sip it hot or chill it down - the choice is yours!
Indulge in the delightful fusion of coffee and tea with the energizing Yuanyang coffee! Image credit to @discoverhongkong on Instagram
It is called Yuanyang tea, the taste sensation that Hong Kong is wild about. It's basically like blending the power of coffee and the charm of tea in a single cup. Hong Kong folks are known to hustle around every day, so it's no wonder they fused robust coffee with milk tea.
And guess what? Some Hong Kongers call the tea "Lovebirds Tea" and it doesn't lie - it's a match made in flavor heaven. Coffee and tea united for life!
6. Finland/Sweden/Norway: Kaffeost
Ever thought of pairing your morning coffee with cheese?
Well, the Finnish have! Get ready for the quirky delight of kaffeost. This Nordic tradition involves dropping cheese cubes into a cup of piping hot coffee. Imagine those cheese cubes soaking up coffee goodness like sponge champions!
Coffee and cheese combined? Well, this is new! Image credit to @pernillaahlsen on Instagram
But wait, it gets cooler.
This cheesy coffee spectacle happens best in a rustic mug carved out of a knobby birch burl. The cheese at the heart of this cup of coffee is known as leipäjuusto, or simply "bread cheese" - a name that hints at its sturdy, bread-like absorptive powers.
So, if you're up for an offbeat coffee rendezvous, give kaffeost a go and let the flavors dance in your cup!
7. Spain: Cafe Bombon
Calling all caffeine enthusiasts with a sweet tooth!
Let's talk about Spanish Cafe Bombon, a coffee masterpiece that's strong, sweet, and utterly delightful. Imagine this: a powerful shot of piping hot espresso meets the creamy sweetened condensed milk, topped with a fluffy cloud of whipped cream.
Indulge in the rich sweetness of Café Bombón, a delightful fusion of strong espresso and condensed milk. Image credit to @lafontanaristorante on Instagram
In the charming streets of Spain, Cafe Bombon is the star of the show. It's like a sweet symphony of espresso and condensed milk, served up in a glass cup that's practically a work of art.
The play of light condensed milk against dark coffee in that see-through cup is a sight to behold. But the real magic happens when you pick up that spoon and give it a whirl before sipping away.
It's a dance of flavors that'll make your taste buds do a happy jig!
Here is a list of some best coffee shops around Spain:
- Coffee Casa
- SlowMov
- Departure Coffee Co.
- Morrow Coffee
- Naji Specialty Coffee
8. Vietnam: Cà Phê Dá
Calling all coffee lovers! Get ready to taste Vietnamese iced coffee, the caffeinated drink that is also known as cà phê đá or cafe da! This drink isn't just strong, it's like a wake-up call for your taste buds.
Indulge in the rich and distinct flavors of Vietnam's renowned coffee, a true culinary treasure. Image credit to @hanoihouseptbo on Instagram
Picture this: medium to coarse ground Robusta dark roast coffee from Vietnam, ready to pack a punch. This coffee is no ordinary coffee; it's bolder, richer, and more intense than your usual cup of Arabica.
How it is prepared? The locals use a nifty traditional metal Vietnamese drip filter, aptly named the phin cà phê. The folks slowly pour hot water over the coffee grounds, creating a symphony of flavors.
And the result? A petite cup of cà phê đá that's practically bursting with intense goodness. You've got options here: go all in with black coffee (cà phê nau), or add a splash of sweetened condensed milk for that sweet taste (cà phê sữa đá).
Beat the heat with the bold and refreshing delight of Vietnamese iced coffee. Image credit to @theorigamikitchen on Instagram
It's the ultimate cool-down companion for a sizzling summer day. Let's raise our glasses to the magic of Vietnamese iced coffee!
If you are visiting Vietnam, hop into these cafes for an amazing caffeine experience:
- La Viet Coffee, Da Lat
- 43 Factory Coffee Roaster, Da Nang
- The Workshop, Ho Chi Minh City
- Rainforest, Nha Trang
- L’Usine Dong Khoi, Ho Chi Minh City
9. Cuba: Cafe Cubano
Step into the vibrant world of Cuban coffee, a.k.a. café Cubano, where every sip is a delightful dance of flavors! Imagine this: a powerful punch of strong, dark roast espresso, jazzed up with a tick of sweet sugar foam.
Wake up to call of espresso! Image credit to @cubaplus on Instagram
But hold your glass, because cafecito isn't just a drink, it's a whole cultural experience! It's the kickstart to your morning as you dive into your morning routine, a sweet match for your dessert cravings, the lifesaver during a sleepy afternoon, and even served when you are about to strike up conversations with strangers. Seriously, it's like a must-have in your everyday life.
Let's be real, Cuban coffee is so bold it practically tastes bitter. It's got that espresso intensity that instantly could wake everyone up, which is why it is paired up with a sugar foam that's affectionately sweet.
10. France: Cafe Au Lait
Experience the harmonious blend of strong coffee and velvety milk in a classic Café au Lait. Image credit to @soomins_table on Instagram
Get ready to start your French mornings with the delightful café au lait - or as we'd like to call it, the "coffee couture"! In this stylish brew, hot, strong coffee takes the lead, filling up its flavor in the bottom half of the cup.
Hold on, because the show's not over yet! The spotlight then shifts to hot milk, filling up the rest of the cup. But remember, the milk's got to be hot, or else you're calling it "white coffee."
This is the pair of creamy dreams, tailor-made for those fabulous mornings. And hey, here's an insider tip: the French like to dip their croissants right into this coffee.
Coffee and croissant? That is a perfect pair! Image credit to @habidade on Instagram
So, it's no surprise that café au lait comes in a big cup - after all, you need a big cup for a big sip, right? Enjoy your très chic caffeine couture!
First time in Paris? Read our travel tips:
11. Ireland - Irish Coffee
This coffee is best sipped during happy hour rather than at the crack of dawn. It's a coffee cocktail mixed with brewed coffee, Irish whiskey, and a sweet milk melody, all topped off with cream. Irish coffee isn't just a morning pick-me-up; it's a delightful after-dinner indulgence.
Irish coffee truly a unique combination that worth trying! Image credit to @steven_venton on Instagram
Crafting this delightful blend is an easy task. Brew up some fresh coffee, pour in the Irish whiskey, and let whipped cream whisk its magic on top. While it traditionally gets its sweetness from brown sugar, here's where the story takes a twist: Irish cream liqueur steps onto the scene, adding a touch of flavor.
Now, if you're wondering about the secret recipe for the perfect Irish Coffee, here are the main ingredients: Irish cream liqueur, Irish whiskey, a dose of coffee, whipped cream, and a sprinkle of nutmeg.
Warm up your spirits with a delightful Irish coffee. Image credit to @srinidhi_hebbur on Instagram
These pairs in a cup create a harmonious symphony in every sip. Cheers to the Irish Coffee experience!
12. Morocco: Spiced coffee
While many assume that mint tea reflects Morocco's favorite warm beverage, the reality is that Moroccans hold a special affection for coffee.
It is like a food that always has a special spot in our hearts despite not being our favorite food.
Hve you ever combined your coffee and spices? Image credit to @medina.coffee on Instagram
Drawing inspiration from a culture celebrated for its skillful use of spices, these recipes create a mug of coffee that is both comforting and savory. The beauty lies in its simplicity, making it an approachable drink to be made in your own kitchen.
The recipe for this aromatic spiced coffee is a mix of coffee beans with cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, pepper, cloves, and nutmeg. These readily available spices might already be in your kitchen.
The outcome? An inviting coffee, packed with fragrance, ready for your morning breakfast or your afternoon, paired with a delectable sweet pastry.
Coffee and spice? Must be good! Image credit to @themanor.cafe on Instagram
Whether shared among friends during evening board games or served as a gesture of hospitality to guests at home, coffee is essential in the Moroccan lifestyle.
It's a sip of Morocco's essence that you can savor anytime.
13. Italy: Affogato
Crowned with a scoop of ice cream, it could easily pass as a dessert. But we gladly take it, no matter the hour!
Whoever starts pairing ice cream with coffee is a genius! Image credit to @nomadurbancafe on Instagram
An affogato (/ˌɑːfəˈɡɑːtoʊ, ˌæf-/), classically referred to as "affogato al caffè" in Italian (which translates to "drowned in coffee"), presents a delightful Italian coffee-based treat. Its deliciousness lies in a simple yet captivating mix: a scoop of plain milk-infused (fior di latte) or vanilla gelato or ice cream is generously topped or "drowned" with a stream of hot espresso.
Imagine pouring coffee onto sweet gelato! Image credit to @seteshen118 on Instagram
Some restaurants called it dessert and some beverages. But what is for sure, is they are served mostly in a tall glass to make way for the gelato or ice cream to melt. Locals also pair this drink with biscuits or cookies and enjoy it as a post-meal dessert.
14. Austria: Einspanner
Whoever credited Koreans with the invention of whipped coffee clearly missed out on Austria's classic coffee creation.
Indulge in a cup of sweet coffee to make your day even sweeter! Image credit to @debbiekye on Instagram
The Einspanner is tasty as its name suggests. So, for those slow and chill mornings when you can spare some extra moments to taste this drink, we strongly suggest giving it a stir!
This drink was named after the Viennese coachmen who drove single horse-drawn carriages. Traditionally presented in a handled glass, the Einspanner is crowned with a luscious layer of whipped cream, serving to retain the coffee's warmth and ward off any potential spills.
15. Germany - Pharisäer
Known as a Pharisee in English, Pharisäer is a German beverage that mixes coffee, a hint of rum, and a scoop of whipped cream. Typically presented in a big-sized hot toddy glass, this drink traces its roots back to North Frisia, which emerged during the 19th century.
Discover the unique flavors of German coffee traditions. Image credit to @lesamis.in on Instagram
The making of Pharisäer involves the use of darkly roasted coffee beans, which are then mixed with measured quantities of sugar and rum for a tantalizing infusion of flavors. The finishing flourish is a crown of whipped cream, placed on top of the coffee.
As we conclude our caffeinated journey, it's proved that coffee isn't just a beverage; it's a global phenomenon that unites cultures, fuels conversations, and wakes up our senses. From the robust espressos of Italy to the sweet drinks of Vietnam, the world of coffee is as diverse as the people who enjoy it.
So, whether you're savoring a cup of Cafe Au Lait in the morning or sharing stories over a Moroccan coffee, remember that with each sip, you're embracing a centuries-old tradition and becoming part of a universal community that finds comfort, inspiration, and connection in every aromatic brew.
So, here's to the cup that starts our days, warms our hearts, and kindles our spirits – cheers to coffee
How do you like your coffee?
