9 Ways Coffee is Enjoyed Around the World
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We grew up hearing that coffee was one of the best parts of waking up and truthfully, they weren’t lying. The aroma. The variety. The flavor. Chef’s kiss! If you’re anything like me, starting your day off with a cup of coffee is non-negotiable. Whether you prefer it iced or hot, dark or with cream – there’s something for everyone when it comes to a hug in a mug. While Americans typically consume coffee in the morning for their daily enhanced superpowers typically referred to as a “caffeine boost,” other countries have their own routine and specifications when it comes to indulging in the cultural phenomenon.
Check out these 9 unique ways coffee is savored around the world…
1. A Spicy Sip in Senegal
Known for its health benefits and earthy flavors, café Touba is Senegal’s coffee option. It was named after a city in Senegal and traditionally sold streetside by vendors. This popular coffee beverage is a mixture of both coffee and cloves. Reminiscent to a spicy shot of whiskey, café Touba is actually beneficial when consumed. With a combination of benefits, the cloves are used to balance out the strong potency of the coffee, while the African pepper ‘djar’ helps with clearing the passageways in your throat and settling your stomach in the same manner ginger would.
2. Qahwa in Saudi Arabia
Never exceeding three cups in a day, Saudi Arabian coffee (Qahwa) is served in small cups after being poured from a small pot of unfiltered coffee. Tradition is that the eldest or most important person in the room is served their cup first and the coffee does not exceed the quarter mark. Sometimes for an added bit of sweetness, the coffee is served with a handful of dates.
3. Ethiopia, The Home of Coffee
Served sweet and occasionally with spices pertaining to religion, coffee in Ethiopia is blessed before consumption. Home to Arabica coffee, with both chocolate and nutty undertones, historians say the discovery of coffee worldwide can be traced back to ancient coffee forests on the Ethiopian plateau.
4. YuangYuang in Hong Kong
In Hong Kong, ‘Yuangyuang’ or ‘dirty coffee’ combines both homemade milk tea with freshly brewed coffee served either hot or cold. It’s most common to enjoy it during the morning as a morning rejuvenator or in the afternoon for tea time. This sweet and creamy drink became a trending topic on social media in 2020 during the pandemic and has since remained a popular staple in the morning routines of many.
5. Caffé in Italy
Espresso is the Italian’s coffee cocktail, usually consumed in a few quick sips at the bar. Often referred to as ‘caffe,’ this delicious and rich coffee based drink can also be enjoyed alongside a pastry whilst eating at the table. Although similar to coffee, espresso or ‘caffe’ is roasted and steeped for a longer period of time and the coffee beans are more ground resulting in the release of an aromatic aroma and flavor that is rich and a frothy foam that is the cherry on top!
6. Tinto in Colombia
In Colombia, coffee is consumed black (tinto). Added sweetness – including cream (café) or a bit of sugar – are options, but the most popular way to sip coffee is out of small mugs where the coffee is pitch black.
7. Cheesy Goodness in Finland
When it comes to unique takes of sippin’ your coffee, Finland may have everyone beat. The Finnish enjoy their coffee or ‘kaffeost’ brewed black and poured over cheese curd also known as juustoleipä. Known as an inviting drink that welcomes people upon arrival to a destination, the coffee combination is a favorite amongst many. Unlike most salty cheeses, this specific cheese doesn’t fully melt and has a sweet taste to it. Interestingly enough, some people compare it to tiramisu.
8. Sweet and Smooth in Jamaica
Jamaica is known for its beautiful island, but did you know it’s home to some of the best coffee in the world? Authentic Jamaican coffee is grown in the country’s Blue Mountain region, 3,000 – 5,500 feet in the clouds. Although tea is a hot drink of choice amongst many, the sweet and smooth drink is usually paired with a traditional breakfast accompanied by rum.
9. Cafezinho in Brazil
It’s safe to say Brazilians love their coffee or “Cafezinho.” Similar to espresso, Cafezinho is served in small cups at extremely high temperatures and are usually sweetened with sugar. Because coffee is consumed frequently throughout the day, coffee is served in smaller portions and is usually brewed from a lower quality coffee bean opposed to higher quality beans due to the expense.
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9 Ways Coffee is Enjoyed Around the World was originally published on elev8.com