Coffee culture around the world
Love your lattes? Crave a cappuccino? Maybe you’d prefer an Americano or a long black. Macchiato anybody?
Australia has become a coffee-obsessed nation, but have you ever wondered how our most popular brewed beverage is consumed around the world?
From Africa across the Pacific to South America, here are a few ways coffee is enjoyed by different cultures around the globe.
Turkey
Turkish coffee is famous the world over, and for good reason. The Turks have revelled in a vibrant coffee-house culture as far back as the 1500s – long before baristas graced Australian shores. Coffee in Turkey is strong, dark and sweet. Beans – usually arabica or robusta varieties – are finely ground to resemble the texture of cocoa powder. The ground coffee is then boiled with sugar and spices like cardamom and cinnamon in a special pot called a cevze. The grounds settle at the bottom of the cup, leaving a strong, sweet brew coffee lovers will enjoy.
Turkish coffee is thick and sweet.
Italy
Considering Italy is the birthplace of espresso, it’s almost a sin to visit without trying its signature drink. You’ll want to follow some coffee etiquette when ordering a brewed beverage in Italy. Firstly, if you ask for a latte, you’ll get a cup of cold milk – latte is Italian for milk, after all. Ask for a caffè e latte, and you’ll get a drink similar to what you find in Australia.Cappuccino is probably the most famous Italian coffee, however in Italy it’s only acceptable to drink milky brews in the morning.In the afternoon, order a caffè, which is a shot of espresso served in a small cup. D’Angelo coffee roaster Tony D’Angelo says Italians have created a culture around good coffee. “People get up in the morning and have a coffee with a pastry,” Mr D’Angelo says. “A good Italian coffee is full-bodied, with caramel and chocolate flavours, and is pleasant and sweet.”
Espresso is popular among Italians.