Across the globe, each country has developed its own way of brewing, serving, and enjoying coffee, creating a rich tapestry of rituals and customs. Let’s take a tour around the world and discover some of the most fascinating coffee traditions.
Ethiopia: The Birthplace of Coffee
It’s no surprise that Ethiopia, often considered the birthplace of coffee, takes its coffee rituals seriously. The Ethiopian coffee ceremony is a time-honoured tradition, often lasting several hours. Freshly roasted beans are ground by hand, then brewed in a special clay pot called a jebena. The coffee is served in small cups and enjoyed in three rounds—known as abol, tona, and baraka—each symbolising deeper community connection and blessing. Sharing coffee is considered an essential part of social and spiritual life in Ethiopia.
Italy: Espresso Culture
In Italy, coffee is synonymous with espresso, and it’s a quick, daily ritual rather than a drawn-out event. Italians love their espresso short, strong, and consumed standing at a café counter. Morning coffee often comes with a sweet treat, like a croissant, but after lunch, only espresso is acceptable—cappuccinos or lattes are reserved for breakfast. The unspoken rule of Italian coffee culture is to keep it simple and quick.
Turkey: Coffee, Tradition, and Fortune Telling
In Turkey, coffee is both a drink and a cultural symbol, deeply rooted in the nation’s history. Turkish coffee is brewed slowly in a small pot called a cezve, with the coffee grounds remaining in the cup. It’s traditionally served sweet and often accompanied by a piece of Turkish delight. But the experience doesn’t end with the last sip—Turkish coffee is famous for its role in fortune-telling. After finishing their cup, drinkers turn the cup upside down on the saucer, and a skilled fortune-teller reads their future from the patterns of the coffee grounds.
Japan: Precision in Every Brew
Japan’s coffee culture is relatively new, but it’s marked by a commitment to craftsmanship and precision. The art of making coffee here often revolves around the pour-over method, known for its meticulousness and attention to detail. Japanese coffee shops often serve coffee in an almost ceremonial manner, where every step of the brewing process is treated with great care. Coffee in Japan is not just a drink; it’s an art form, with specialty cafés offering single-origin beans and an experience that focuses on simplicity and perfection.
France: Café Culture and People-Watching
The French have perfected the leisurely coffee experience, typically enjoyed in cafés that line the streets of Paris and other cities. A typical French coffee is a café au lait, consisting of equal parts espresso and steamed milk. Coffee is often accompanied by a croissant or pastry, and the experience is all about taking your time. Sitting at a café, sipping your coffee, and watching the world go by is a quintessentially French activity. Unlike the grab-and-go culture seen elsewhere, French coffee rituals encourage slowing down and savouring the moment.
Vietnam: Coffee with a Twist
Vietnam is famous for its unique take on coffee, blending rich flavours with local ingredients. Vietnamese coffee is often brewed using a small drip filter over a glass of condensed milk, served either hot or cold. The result is a sweet, bold, and highly caffeinated drink that is beloved across the country. For a twist, Vietnam also offers egg coffee, made with egg yolks whipped into a creamy foam and mixed with strong coffee. This indulgent drink is almost like a dessert and is one of the most unique coffee experiences you’ll find.
Sweden: Fika – Coffee as a Social Experience
In Sweden, coffee is all about the ritual of fika, a cultural practice that revolves around taking a break to enjoy coffee and a sweet treat, usually with friends or coworkers. Fika is about much more than just drinking coffee—it’s a social institution, a time to slow down and reconnect with others. Swedes typically enjoy their coffee with cinnamon buns, pastries, or biscuits, and the tradition of fika can happen multiple times a day, making it an essential part of Swedish life.
Colombia: Coffee with a Personal Touch
Colombia, one of the world’s largest coffee producers, has a unique connection to coffee, with many families involved in coffee farming. Colombian coffee is renowned for its mild, smooth flavour. In local cafés, it’s common to drink tinto, a small cup of black coffee. Coffee is often served with panela to sweeten it, and the experience is a matter of pride for Colombians, who treat coffee as an integral part of daily life, whether working in the fields or gathering with friends.