international coffee cultures

international coffee cultures

Find out about 10 coffee cultures from across the world. From Italian espresso to the ritual of Turkish coffee, each variation on the world’s beverage is a little different.

Introduction

Coffee is more than a beverage, it is a culture. For millions of people across the globe, that first sip of coffee is the best part of the day, but what’s interesting is each country has their own custom of preparing, serving, and drinking coffee.

Every culture has developed a relationship with coffee that has transcended its original purpose, which is the beverage itself. Think about the strong espresso-style shots in Italy and the sweet iced-style coffee of Vietnam which is in your face. Coffee in every culture is connected with traditions, socializing and in some instances, spiritually.

This will take you through 10 different coffee cultures from verbatim to drinks, styles, rituals, and flavours. Hopefully we will demonstrate that coffee has become a universal language for making connections between humans across the globe.

1. Italy – Espresso: The Foundation of Coffee Culture

When it comes to coffee in Italy, espresso comes to mind immediately. Coffee is not just a beverage for Italians; for them, coffee is a way of life.

Italians drink espresso in small quantities, usually quickly, and standing at the bar and not as a takeout drink.

Cappuccino can only be enjoyed in the morning and never after a meal.

Coffee shops, or cafes, are social places where individuals meet with friends or colleagues.

The best part of Italy's coffee culture is the quality and simplicity. One small cup of espresso, exemplifies centuries of tradition.

2. Turkey- Coffee as a Ritual

Turkish coffee is also one of the oldest traditions when it comes to coffee. It is so culturally important that UNSECO has registered it as part of the world’s Intangible Cultural Heritage.

The method of brewing Turkish coffee is in small pots called cezve and served unfiltered and usually sweetened.

It is enjoyed slowly and usually with a small piece of Turkish delight while sipping.

Also, fortune-telling is a huge part of the culture. People have a coffee ground reading from the cup.

For Turkish coffee, it is about hospitality, social time, and ritual. It is not just a drink. It is a ritual.

3. Ethiopia – Land of Delicious Coffee

Ethiopia is frequently referred to as the origin of coffee as it is believed to be where Kaldi, a goat herder, first noticed coffee beans. Currently, Ethiopia has one of the most interesting coffee cultures in the world.

An Ethiopian coffee ceremony is a social event that begins with roasting them, grinding them, and brewing them right in front of you.

Coffee is served into little cups, and often served with popcorn or bread on the side.

A coffee ceremony can last for hours as it is a display of friendship, respect, and enjoyment.

In Ethiopia, coffee is sacred; it is a sign of community, togetherness.

4. Japan – Coffee made with Art and Precision

Japan was known, and still is known for tea. However, a unique coffee culture has surfaced over the past number of years.

Specialty cafés dedicate their menu to pour-over coffee made with scientific measurement.

Vending machines are filled with canned coffee, which is engrained in everyday life.

Tokyo has a reputation for it's modern and artistic coffee shops, which is more about design and artistic presentation than it is about flavor.

In Japan, coffee is not just a drink; it is art, innovation, and practicality.

5. France - Café Lifestyle

In France, coffee is not just a drink; it is associated with the culture of café life - sitting outside on the terrace drinking coffee while watching the world go by.

The drink most commonly ordered is café au lait (coffee with hot milk).

Breakfast generally includes coffee with a croissant or baguette.

Cafés are social spaces to talk, to philosophize, or simply to relax.

French coffee culture is less about speed and more about taking one's time.

6. Vietnam - Sweet and Strong Iced Coffee

Vietnam is known for its cà phê sữa đá (strong iced coffee with sweetened condensed milk).

Coffee is brewed using a small metal drip/filter called a phin.

It is served over ice; this makes it refreshing in a hot climate.

There are street cafés everywhere, often with tiny stools on the sidewalk.

Vietnamese coffee culture is vibrant and creative and perfectly adapted to daily life.

7. Brazil - Coffee as a Habit of Socialization

Brazil is the world's largest coffee producer, and coffee is intrinsic to daily life.

The most popular drink in Brazil is cafézinho - a small, strong, and very sweet coffee.

Coffee is served to guests at home when visiting a family, which is a classic ritual of hospitality.

It is normal to have and drink many small cups of coffee throughout the day.

This coffee culture in Brazil is about warmth and friendship - it is about connection.

8. Greece – Coffee and Conversation

Greek coffee is entwined with social life; it is brewed the same way as Turkish coffee. The most common drink is Greek coffee. The other popular drink in Greece is called frappé, which is a foam-topped iced instant coffee that was invented in Greece.

Coffeehouses, or kafeneia are where people gather to talk, play games and lounge.

In Greece coffee culture is characterized by slowness and relaxation, not by rushing. Conversation is key.

9. Morocco – Coffee Spiced With Tradition

While Morocco is famous for mint tea, coffee is also part of the beverage landscape. Moroccan coffee is often infused with spices like cinnamon, cardamon or nutmeg.

Coffee is served strong and aromatic, and usually comes with sweets like pastries.

Coffee is part of social gatherings, especially in urban cafés.

Morocco's coffee culture is a revealing reflection of the history of spice trade and hospitality.

10. United States – Coffee to Go.

The United States coffee culture is varied and can be seen both in diners serving drip coffee, and specialized lattes in shops such as Starbucks. The USA was also largely responsible for the idea of coffee-to-go, bundled in disposable cups, and even drive-thrus.

Specialty coffee shops are also abundant in United States' cities, such as Seattle and Portland, and demonstrate that even a cup of coffee can be an artisanal endeavor as it relates to the sound, quality of beans, hand crafted process and pour, etc.

Coffee is either a necessity for energy, or a lifestyle symbol.

The American coffee culture shows that coffee can be fast, or artisanal.

Why Coffee Culture Matters

By looking at coffee cultures around the world, it is clear that coffee is more than just caffeine. It is

about:

* Identification: Each country molds coffee to fit its own image.

* Tradition: Coffee rituals connect generations.

* Connection: Coffee creates connections between people across cultures.

Be it slow ceremony in Ethiopia or a quick espresso in Italy, coffee is a universal language signifying friendship.