Worldwide coffee cultures

Coffee is a global phenomenon, and each country has its own unique coffee culture.

In Italy, espresso is more than just a drink; it is a lifestyle. In Ethiopia, the birthplace of coffee, its preparation is celebrated in a traditional ceremony. In Scandinavia, where coffee consumption is among the highest in the world, coffee is often enjoyed in social gatherings.

Each country brings its own traditions and customs to coffee preparation, from the Japanese precision of pour-over to the Turkish method of brewing coffee with sugar.

Ethiopia

In Ethiopia, the traditional coffee ceremony is an important part of the culture. Green coffee beans are first roasted in a pan, with the host wafting the aroma of the beans to the guests. The roasted beans are then ground in a mortar. The ground coffee is boiled with water in a special clay or metal pot, the jebena. The coffee is served in small cups without a filter, with the grounds settling to the bottom. The ceremony is not only an act of drinking coffee, but also a social event that promotes community and hospitality. The coffee is served in small cups, often several times in a row.

Australia

Coffee has become increasingly important in Australia in recent years and the coffee culture is very much alive. One of the most popular preparation methods is the "flat white", which originated in Australia. This is espresso with milk and a thin layer of milk foam. "Long black" is another common choice and is similar to the Americano, where espresso is poured over hot water.

Australians often enjoy coffee in trendy cafés and value quality and taste.

Brazil (cafézinho)
This sweet, strong coffee is an essential part of Brazilian life. Typically served after a meal, it is served in small cups. In the traditional cafézinho, the coffee is actually boiled directly in water. The finely ground coffee beans are infused with hot water and then filtered through a fine sieve to remove the coffee grounds. prepared on the stove and heavily sweetened.

France (café au lait)
In France, coffee is often mixed with plenty of hot milk and served in a large cup or bowl, typically for breakfast with croissants. The French love their coffee and appreciate quality. It is often prepared using a French press, in which coarsely ground coffee beans are poured over with hot water and then pressed down with a plunger. This method produces a strong and aromatic coffee.

Greece
"Greek coffee" is similar to Turkish coffee and is prepared in a small pot, the "briki". Finely ground coffee is poured into the pot with water and sugar. The coffee is slowly heated, causing it to foam and rise. As soon as the foam begins to flow out of the pot, the coffee is poured into small cups.

Greek coffee is often served without milk and can be strong or sweet, depending on the drinker's preference. It is usually served hot and is a traditional drink often enjoyed by locals.

Italy
Espresso is the centerpiece. Compact, strong and intense, often served in small cups. Cappuccino and latte macchiato are also popular, but traditionally only drunk in the morning. In Italy, coffee is an essential part of everyday life. The most popular preparation method is the espresso machine. Espresso is a strong, concentrated drink that is enjoyed in small quantities. It is usually served without milk. There are several variations of espresso, including the "caffè lungo" (extended espresso) and the "caffè macchiato" (espresso with a splash of milk).

Italians often enjoy their coffee standing up at the counter in cafés. This is a quick and sociable way to drink an espresso. After meals, an espresso is a common end to the meal.

Japan
In Japan, coffee is prepared with the utmost precision, mainly using the popular pour-over method. First, fresh coffee beans are ground to a medium size. A special paper filter is placed in a holder and the beans are placed on top. Hot water (90-96°C) is poured over the beans in a circular motion, creating a bloom of gases and coffee oil. This "bloom" lasts about 30 seconds. Then the water runs through the filter into a pot or cup, the whole process takes 2-4 minutes. The result is a clear, nuanced coffee that emphasizes the natural taste. This method is appreciated by baristas and at home.

Cuba
"Cuban coffee" is known for its intensity and sweetness. It is often prepared in small, specially designed espresso pots that resemble "moka pots". Sugar is placed in the lower chamber of the coffee pot and the coffee is brewed on top. This makes the coffee sweet and strong. A variation of Cuban coffee is the "Café Cubano", where a shot of rum is added to give the drink an extra flavor.

Cuban coffee is often served in small espresso cups and is a popular accompaniment to a Cuban cigar.

Morocco
In Morocco, "Moroccan coffee" is prepared with a unique blend of spices. These include cardamom, cinnamon and cloves, which give the coffee an aromatic flavor. Ground coffee is boiled with water and the spices in a special vessel known as a "jezve" or "dallah". The coffee is slowly boiled until it is strong and flavorful.

New Zealand
New Zealanders share a preference for "flat white" with Australians, and this coffee variation is also extremely popular here. The coffee culture in New Zealand emphasizes the use of high-quality, fair-trade coffee beans. There is a strong demand for ethically and sustainably produced coffee. Coffee houses and cafés in New Zealand are often cozy places where people spend time with friends and enjoy coffee in a relaxed atmosphere.

In Australia and New Zealand, the quality of coffee is paramount, and the coffee culture has developed into a thriving scene characterized by modern preparation methods and high-quality beans. The "Flat White" is an outstanding example of regional coffee innovation.

Scandinavia
Coffee is usually drunk black, often in large quantities. It is traditionally prepared using filter methods. Coffee has a long tradition in the Scandinavian countries. Filter coffee is widespread here. It is often lightly roasted and has a mild taste.

• In Sweden the "fika" is a tradition where you relax with a cup of coffee and a sweet pastry.

• In Norway "Kokekaffe" is popular, where coffee powder is added directly to boiling water, similar to making tea.

• In Finland coffee is a national drink, and Finns are among the world's biggest coffee drinkers. "Kahvia" is drunk strong and black and is often prepared at home in a special coffee pot.

In Denmark coffee is often enjoyed with a piece of cake or pastry.

Turkey
Turkish coffee is prepared in a small pot, the cezve. The finely ground coffee is boiled with sugar and water and then poured directly into the cup, with the grounds settling to the bottom.
Turkish coffee has a long tradition and is an important part of Turkish culture. It is also known as "Türk Kahvesi". It is prepared by grinding high-quality coffee beans to a very fine grind, almost like powdered sugar. The ground coffee is heated together with cold water and sugar in a small, specially shaped pot, the "cezve" or "ibrik". The mixture is slowly brought to the boil, where it foams and rises.

Turkish coffee is traditionally served without milk and can be prepared in various degrees of sweetness, from very sweet to unsweetened. The sweetness is often determined before preparation. The coffee is served in small cups called "fincan" and it is customary to enjoy it with a glass of water and a piece of Turkish lokum or baklava. A unique feature of Turkish coffee is the sediment that remains at the end of the cup. This sediment is often used for coffee fortune telling, a traditional form of divination.

Turkish coffee is not just a drink, but also a social tradition. The preparation and drinking of coffee is often the occasion for social gatherings and conversations. Turkish coffee culture is an important part of everyday life in Turkey and is passed down from generation to generation.

USA (American coffee): In the USA, mild filter coffee is usually preferred. Often drunk in large quantities throughout the day, it is an integral part of everyday American life.

Vietnam (Cà Phê Đá)
Vietnamese iced coffee is strong and sweet. It is traditionally brewed with a metal filter directly over the glass and then mixed with sweetened condensed milk. Making coffee is a unique experience. The "Cà Phê Đá", an iced coffee, is popular. First, the coffee is brewed through a special metal filter called a "phin". This filter is placed on a glass of sweetened condensed milk. Then hot water is poured over the coffee and the coffee slowly drips into the glass. Ice is then added to cool the coffee quickly. The result is a refreshing, sweet drink that is often served with a straw.

This preparation method emphasizes the sweet taste of the coffee and makes it a popular treat in Vietnam, especially on hot days. It is a combination of traditional Vietnamese coffee culture and modern enjoyment.