In many places, the way local people serve or consume coffee is steeped in rich culture and tradition. So learning about a country’s coffee culture teaches visitors about the country itself.
According to The Travel , coffee is a popular drink around the world, with each country serving its own version. In many places, the way local people serve or consume coffee is steeped in rich culture and tradition. Therefore, learning about a country’s coffee culture teaches visitors about the country itself.
These 5 countries have unique coffee cultures that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. Find out what makes them different and what drinks to order when you visit for an authentic experience.
Vietnam
In Vietnam, coffee is more than just a drink to start the day. It is something people enjoy in the morning, at noon, and even in the evening. Vietnam has some of the best coffee in the world and offers two unique drinks that every visitor should try when visiting. Vietnamese iced coffee consists of medium or dark roast coffee over ice, combined with condensed milk. It is the perfect refreshing drink for a hot day.
Another unique coffee that visitors should not miss when coming to Vietnam is egg coffee. This deliciously creamy hot drink is made by combining egg yolks with condensed milk to create a foam that complements the cup of coffee.
Greece
Greece has an incredible coffee culture and offers a unique experience for those who enjoy their caffeinated beverage hot or cold. Traditional Greek coffee is made with a strong brew using finely ground coffee beans. The drink is unfiltered so the grounds stay at the bottom of the cup and have a beautiful froth on top.
For those who like their drinks on the rocks, the Greek frappé (also known as Nescafé frappé) is a must-try. This cold drink consists of milk, sugar, ice, and instant coffee.
Sweden
Sweden is a great destination for coffee lovers, especially since the Swedes have one of the highest per capita coffee consumption rates in the world. The Swedes enjoy a custom called Fika, which refers to a coffee break where people gather and socialize over drinks and snacks.
Swedish Lapland also has a unique coffee tradition called Kaffeost. In northern Scandinavia, Kaffeost means “coffee cheese.” The name may sound unfamiliar to some, but in northern Sweden, it is common to dip the cheese in a cup of coffee before eating it.
Mexico
Mexican coffee culture is not as widely known as that of some other countries, but the taste is unlike any other coffee in the world. Mexicans enjoy a traditional drink called Café de Olla, which means spiced coffee. It is prepared in a clay pot, which is where the name comes from.
The coffee is sweetened with piloncillo, then spiced with cloves, star anise and cinnamon. The cinnamon aroma is strong when sipping a cup of Café de Olla, making it the perfect place to start a cool morning.
Italy
Italy is an integral part of the world coffee scene. It is the birthplace of the world-famous cappuccino and espresso from Milan. In many ways, Italy is the coffee capital of the world, so coffee connoisseurs visiting this beautiful country should enjoy these drinks in their homeland.
When ordering coffee in Italy, espresso is the default. If you ask for a cup of coffee, you will get an espresso. People usually drink these at a counter, like a bar, rather than at a table. For breakfast in Italy, order a cappuccino and a croissant for an authentic experience.
Türkiye
Turkish coffee shares many similarities with Greek coffee in the way it is brewed and the small servings. However, the role of coffee in Turkish culture is more ceremonial and revolves around friendship and hospitality. Fresh beans are roasted, ground into a fine powder, and then placed in a pot with cold water and sometimes sugar. The pot is placed over a heat and brewed slowly, so a layer of foam develops on top of the coffee. The coffee is served with a glass of water and a piece of Turkish delight.
Proper coffee-making etiquette is passed down through families, as are the rituals associated with the custom. For example, guests should drink from more elaborate cups than the host to honor them. Sitting down to enjoy a cup of authentic Turkish coffee while visiting Türkiye will give visitors a whole new appreciation for the cultural and spiritual qualities of the beverage.
