Same bean, so many different ways to drink it! Whether it’s an espresso from a go-to cafe in Rome, or a drip coffee from a Vietnamese coffee maker, the humble coffee exists in many different forms the world over.
Come for a journey Round The World with us, and see how it’s sipped in different countries.
Italy
Short and strong. While an express way to drink coffee, purists will remind you there’s no ‘x’ in espresso. So unless in France (where they spell it expresso), order your espresso and drink it standing up or on the fly. Want to visit an historically significant cafe where the beans are blended with water from an ancient aqueduct? Sant’Eustachio Il Caffè, Rome (founded in 1938)
Vietnam
Originally introduced by French colonists, Vietnamese hot coffee or cà phê sữa nóng has developed its own unique style. Firstly, it’s made on Vietnamese beans which have a robust flavour of nutty, chocolate or caramel undertones. Drip filters or single press makers produces a strong brew, and condensed milk is used as a combined dairy and sugar alternative, although don’t be surprised if extra sugar is added. Variations include yoghurt, smoothies and even egg. Noice, different, unusual. Fancy sipping on a street famed for its cafes? Hang Hanh, ‘Coffee Street’, Hanoi
Turkey
The Türk Kahvesi embodies the Turkish proverb that says “coffee should be as black as hell, as strong as death and as sweet as love”. It’s thick, dark, made from very finely ground beans, unfiltered, and served from a cezve – those long handled, single brew copper pots. An indicator of a good Turkish coffee is the foam on top. Looks even more inviting with a lump of sugar on the saucer. Go to where the cafe’s name translates to ‘a buffalo wouldn’t sink’ at Mandabatmaz, Asmalı Mescit Mahallesi, Olivia Geçidi 1/A, 34430 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Turkey
Indonesia
Home to the world’s most expensive coffee, Kopi luwak, Indonesia wins the prize for the most inventive production method. This brew is made from beans which have been digested by the Civet cat, and wait for it, are passed out as poop! Most animals can’t digest caffeine, but the civet has no problem and apparently chooses only the best coffee berries to consume. A unique fermentation occurs which gives ‘cat poo coffee’ its prized flavour. Apparently delicious, one single cup can fetch anywhere between $35 to $100. Guaranteed unique sit-down experience. Education and caffeine? See the production in process at Buana Amertha Sari, Kintamani
France
The French love their Café au lait, coffee with warmed milk. Traditionally, it’s a breakfast drink made in a French press with scalded milk and no foam. And true to the French way of life, it’s enjoyed leisurely, sat down and sometimes for hours. It’s even better on a terrasse chair, facing out so you can watch the world go by. Chuffed to dine where the likes of Hemingway, Picasso, Sartre and de Beauvoir Les Deux Magots in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Paris
Cuba
Café Cubano or cafecito is strong, espresso shots and best enjoyed socially. The potent brew is super sweet, and served in a tiny shot cup – there’s no time to waste sipping, this lil dose of caffeine is thrown back. Want the authentic deal, head to Casa Cubana – that is, any Cuban home!
Have the coffee, now find the destination here.
