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8 Coffees from Around the World

The best part of any morning? A nice cup of coffee to start the day! While people all over the world wake up with this ritual, you’re likely to find a different cup of coffee in front of you depending on where you are. Americans tend to drink drip coffee with milk and sugar, but overseas, the possibilities are endless! Keep reading to learn some of the different ways you can consume coffee abroad.

Italy: Espresso

If you ask for a cup to go in Italy, expect a tiny one—java in Italy is usually just a shot of or two of espresso. If you want to switch things up and get a cappuccino, make sure to order it with breakfast. For Italians, that’s the only appropriate time for the drink—you WILL be labeled a tourist if you attempt to order it as a dessert drink after dinner!

Brazil: Cafezinho

Italy is not the only country with a small coffee specialty. Cafezinho translates to “little coffee,” and is often enjoyed like an espresso—with good company and conversation. Compared to espresso, this beverage is even more concentrated. It’s extremely thick and strong, and with added sugar, very sweet!

Turkey: Türk Kahvesi

If you like your coffee black, you’ll have a great time in Turkey! This thick, extremely dark brew is normally served from a long-handled copper pot known as a cezve, and one of the most important parts is that the sugar is added before boiling, not to the finished coffee.  

Sweden: Kaffeost

Would you ever picture coffee and cheese together? Kaffeost literally translates to “coffee cheese,” and it’s made of hot coffee poured over (you guessed it) cheese cubes! The halloumi-esque cubes soften without melting, soaking up the tasty coffee flavor.

Mexico: Café de Olla

Take some coffee and add in cinnamon—what’s not to like? Café de Olla (translation: pot coffee) is brewed in earthenware pots with sticks of cinnamon, lending a spicy depth to the brew.

Vietnam: Ca Phe Trung

Also known as Vietnamese egg coffee, this drink is typically made from egg yolks, sugar, condensed milk, and strong coffee. This decadent Hanoi specialty creates a creamy, meringue-like foam that sits on top of the coffee.

Greece: Frappe

Most people have a negative connotation with instant coffee, but try a frappe from Greece and you just might change your mind! Instant coffee, cold water, sugar, and evaporated milk are shaken together to make this frothy iced drink, which was created in 1957 at the World Fair in Thessaloniki by a Nescafe representative. Just don’t forget to shake, as this creates the signature, slightly bitter foam on top.

Indonesia: Kopi Joss

The most important part of Kopi Joss is remembering to take the coal out before drinking! While the drink starts with the not-unusual ingredients of coffee powder, sugar, and hot water, the main star is the hot coal that’s added to the cup. The charcoal, originally added as a remedy for an upset stomach, is mostly used for its boiling effect, and for the almost caramelized taste, some say the drink has.

Looking for more worldly foods? Check out 10 must-try sandwiches from around the world!