Updated: maart 3, 2023
Coffee around the globe
Nowadays we are so spoiled with the convenience of making coffee, that we almost forget that a lot of countries have very interesting and traditional ways to brew coffee. In this article we are taking you on a trip around the globe to take a look at the rich history coffee has and how people drink their coffee. Especially the traditionally brewed coffee. That’s our favorite!
Table of contents
- 1. What coffee looks like around the world
- 2. Coffee around the globe
- 3. South India - South Indian coffee
- 4. Vietnam - Egg Coffee
- 5. Brazil - Cafezinho
- 6. Turkey - Turkish Coffee
- 7. Australia - Flat white
- 8. Ethiopia - Coffee ceremony
- 9. Middle east - Qahwa arabic coffee
- 10. Italy - Espresso
- 11. Ireland - Irish coffee
- 12. Mexico - Cafe de Olla
- 13. Conclusion
South India - South Indian Coffee
South Indian Coffee, also called Kaapi, is a drink made with a south indian filter. When the filtered coffee is ready you mix it with boiled and frothed milk. Oftentimes the coffee beans are also cut with chicory to give a fragrant sweetness.
Before serving the coffee it gets poured in a dabarah and tumbler where the drink is poured back and forth. This way the ingredients get mixed together and the coffee cools down. In this pouring process the drink mostly gets sweetened.
Vietnam - Egg Coffee
Have you ever heard about coffee with egg yolk? Well, in Vietnam this drink is very popular! During the French War (1946-1954), also known as the First Indochina War, there was a lack of fresh milk products. The people mainly used condensed milk.
Nguyen Giang, the creator of the drink called Cà phê trúng and also known as egg coffee, used egg yolks to replace milk. The entire composition is mainly described as a light, soft and fine sweet taste with the experience of liquid tiramisu. The drink has now been perfected and very popular. It contains the following main ingredients; chicken egg yolk, Vietnamese coffee powder, sweetened condensed milk. And nowadays butter and cheese are also added.
Brazil - Cafezinho
If you are in Brazil you should definitely try the popular Cafezinho. Cafezinho means ‘little coffee’ in Portuguese. The main ingredients are ground and filtered coffee with panela, raw organic sugar. When it comes to the coffee-sugar ratio, the drink is seen as a sweet beverage. Of course you can decide how sweet you want the coffee and add milk or cream if necessary.
Turkey - Turkish Coffee
Traditionally, Turkish coffee is brewed in a pan filled with hot sand. To prepare the coffee, you use a Turkish coffee pot called Ibrik or Cezve. A Cezve is a metal coffee pot with a wide bottom and a long wooden handle.
Nowadays you also regularly come across stainless steel, ceramic or glass jars to prepare the coffee. Very finely ground Arabica beans from Central America and Brazil and with cardamom are prepared for the coffee. You can possibly add sugar if you like it sweet. The water and ground beans are placed in the Cezve until it boils and foam forms on top. If it is prepared in the sand, the heat can easily be adjusted by placing the pot deeper in the sand. When serving the coffee, you get a glass of water and Turkish delicacies.
Australia - Flat White
The flat white is a very popular drink in Australia and is becoming more and more famous worldwide. At first it looks a lot like the cappuccino, but the difference is in the preparation method. The flat white has a stronger taste by adding a double ristretto or double espresso. In addition, the structure of the milk is also different. This has a thin layer of micro foam that feels silky soft on the tongue.
Ethiopia - Coffee Ceremony
In Ethiopia, drinking coffee is an important social and cultural tradition. Coffee ceremonies are held daily as a sign of hospitality, friendship and respect. So make sure you make time when you are invited. It is an important part of everyday life. The ceremony is performed by the wife or daughter of the house in traditional white clothing. The setting is mainly at a round, small table to have a good conversation, maintain contacts and exchange news.
Middle East - Qahwa/Arabic Coffee
In the Middle East, the Qahwa, or Arabic Coffee, has a rich history and originates from Saudi Arabia. The coffee is quite concentrated and bitter. The coffee may contain spices such as saffron, cloves, cardamom and cinnamon. It is poured into small glasses without handles, called fanajeen. In addition, it is served with sweet treats and dates.
Traditionally, it is brewed and served in a coffee pot called Dallah. The host preparing the coffee holds the Dallah high above the cup as it is poured into the cup. The sound of the coffee being poured into the fenjal makes guests feel more welcome and relaxed. The Qahwah ceremony is a real cultural thing and a sign of hospitality from different socio-economic backgrounds in the Middle East. During Islamic religious holidays, it can be an important social aspect of celebrations and special occasions.
Italy - Espresso
As most people know, espresso (ess-press-oh) is a much-loved drink worldwide that is made using high-pressure hot water by pressing super-finely ground, pressed beans. This way you get a highly concentrated, dark layer of coffee. Espresso has its origins in Italy, Venice, in the early 20th century. In Italy, espresso drinking does not have an elaborate ceremony. It is a part of life and is drunk quickly, with the crema layer still visible while drinking. In Italy you will find the tastiest coffee bars, where professionals use the best espresso machines with top quality coffee beans!
Ireland - Irish Coffee
As the name suggests, Irish Coffee comes from Ireland. The story goes that the drink was invented in the winter of 1943 by Joe Sheridan, chef of Foynes Port. Foynes was a very important airport near Limerick at the time. Since the delayed passengers were cold and tired, the chef wanted to make a special drink. And so the Irish Coffee was born. The cocktail is a glass of hot coffee, Irish whiskey and sugar topped with cream. Usually people drink it as a sweet treat after eating. But there are also people who drink it in the morning to kick start the day.
Mexico - Cafe de Olla
Cafe de Olla is a recognized, traditional Mexican specialty coffee made by combining spices and coffee. The coffee is served in a pot made of clay. This is said to retain heat well, but also gives the coffee a pleasant earthy taste. The exact recipe used varies by family and region and is passed down from generation to generation. Cafe Olla stands for a feeling of home, tradition and conviviality. There is no right or wrong way to prepare. Most recipes mainly contain coffee, cane sugar (piloncillo), cinnamon and cloves. In other regions, anise, orange or lemon zest is often added.
Conclusion
On this page we have touched on a few cultures to give an idea of what coffee looks like around the world.
It is clear that coffee is a well-known drink that is widely consumed all over the world. But it’s not just a sip of the drink. No, this drink brings people together and is a big part of many traditions and social occasions. Many coffee traditions give you a feeling of ‘coming home’. It provides a form of connection and welcomes you to feel a warm and secure feeling to make interesting conversations. In a nutshell, coffee connects.
Nowadays you can try and buy different types of coffee everywhere. With your own coffee maker or in a restaurant and/or cafe.
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