An estimated 1.6 billion cups of coffee are consumed worldwide every day, equating to a colossal number of commercial coffee machines in operation, day in day out. Coffee culture however, varies greatly from country to country. In the UK, we’re a nation of cappuccino connoisseurs and latte lovers, who over recent years have developed an increasing liking for espresso. Some of us like our coffee with sugar, some with chocolate sprinkles, whilst others don’t like anything to detract from the freshly brewed coffee flavour. We’re all different when it comes to our daily caffeine fix but one thing is for certain, our love for coffee is one that transcends globally. This article looks at the differences between cultures and provides a few tips for when you’re ordering coffee abroad.
Italy
National Coffee Drink: Espresso
Description: A perfect cup of espresso should be dark with rich golden caramel crema. The crema should be thick, enough to support a spoonful of sugar before breaking.
Culture Tip: In Italy, espresso should drunk as a shot and downed in one mouthful. Espresso is usually drunk standing at a bar, as the privilege of sitting at a table in Italy will usually cost up to four times more.
Ethiopia
National Coffee Drink: Buna
Description: Ethiopia is the birthplace of coffee and has historically been served with salt or butter as opposed to sugar and milk. Since the 1930’s however, sugar has become a more popular serving accompaniment to this drink.
Culture Tip: Should you be invited into an Ethiopian home for a coffee ceremony, don’t stop drinking until you’ve had your third cup. This is known as ‘Bereka’ and is considered a blessing.
Saudi Arabia
National Coffee Drink: Kahwa
Description: A cardamom infused drink that is always served with dried dates to counter balance the coffee’s bitterness.
Culture Tip: Elder people are always expected to have their coffee poured for them by a younger person as a mark of respect.
Greece
National Coffee Drink: Frappe
Description: Typically made with instant coffee, a Greek frappe is a foam-topped iced drink. Always served with a straw, a frappe is made with cold water, sugar and evaporated milk and of course the instant coffee.
Culture Tip: In Greece a frappe should always be served shaken and not stirred.
Argentina
National Coffee Drink: Cortado
Description: Simply an espresso with a dollop of milk foam.
Culture Tip: If you prefer your coffee with more milk, order a lagrima, which has a higher ratio of milk to espresso.
Australia/New Zealand
National Coffee Drink: Flat White
Description: They still argue over who invented the flat white but the Aussies and Kiwis definitely agree on one thing, it is not a latte. Espresso combined with steamed milk, no froth and served in a ceramic cup with a handle.
Culture Tip: A flat white should only contain micro-foam, there’s no place for macro-foam or dry foam in a flat white; this should be reserved for cappuccinos.
Spain
National Coffee Drink: Café Bombon
Description: Originating in Valencia, Café Bombon is a sweet coffee drink made with equal parts of espresso and condensed milk.
Culture Tip: Typically served in a small shot-like glass to display its layers of rich dark espresso and creamy condensed milk. Espresso is usually poured into the glass very slowly, sometimes over the back of a spoon in order to keep the layers distinct.
France
National Coffee Drink: Café au Lait
Description: Typically drunk in the morning and usually served in a bowl to allow for the dunking of croissants, café au lait is made with hot (but not steamed) milk.
Culture Tip: If you prefer less milk in your coffee, ask for café noisette, which only has a dash of milk.
United States of America
National Coffee Drink: Frappuccino
Description: Tailored to the country’s sweet tooth, frappuccino is an endlessly customisable milkshake coffee hybrid and is synonymous with American coffee culture.
Culture Tip: Order “affogato-style” if you prefer your frappuccino with an extra boost, as this is served topped with a shot of espresso.
Brazil
National Coffee Drink: Cafezinho
Description: Served very sweet and very strong, afezinho is filtered through a fabric strainer and served in tiny cups.
Culture Tip: Usually served as a complimentary drink following a meal.
However you take your coffee, its clear to see that the drink is enjoyed all over the world, albeit in many different ways. Second only to water, coffee is the world’s most consumed beverage and coffee culture continues to grow with each passing year.
Coffee sales are a fantastic way to generate revenue for a vast range of business sectors. The coffee industry is growing with each passing year and high quality, reliable commercial coffee machines are a heavily sought after investment. Can you afford not to have one?
Amy S Marsden
