Coffee Rituals From Around The World
Coffee: The freshly aromatic ground heaven is cherished so much that it is the second-most-exported commodity in the entire world. This essential “morning cup of joe” is grown in more than 70 countries, including Brazil, Vietnam, and Colombia and is cherished in all parts of the world. But the fun fact is that many countries have a unique coffee culture.
Here are some of the most intriguing coffee rituals around the globe.
Turkey
Coffee is considered the epitome of friendliness and generosity in Turkish Culture. As a token of respect and to build harmony, coffee is served to VIP guests in ornamented coffee cups that are reserved specifically for exceptional occasions. Usually, coffee in turkey is brewed by incorporating a cezve, a tiny pot with a long handle. The Turkish prefer their coffee black and unsweetened, with a wedge of lemon.
All members of Turkish society participate in the Turkish Coffee tradition, especially families, makers of cups and pots, master apprentices at coffee shops, employees, and vendors of ground coffee. This Tradition is seen as one of the embodiments of the Turkish way of life.
Ethiopia
The Ethiopians like their coffee prepared in a special ritual called a “Jebena”. The process involves roasting coffee beans and then grounding them by hand before being boiled in a pot with water and aromatic spices. The coffee is then served in small cups without handles.
The host serves coffee to the guests by tilting a boiling pot over a tray and moving the pot over the tray without stopping until each cup in the tray is filled to the brim. Three different brews of the grounds are used and served with eccentric snacks such as popcorn, peanuts, or himbasha.
This everyday coffee ritual of serving coffee in Ethiopia is chiefly for meetings with family, neighbours, or visiting guests. This ritual is an emblem of respect and friendship among Ethiopian families to be invited to a coffee ceremony.
Italy
Similar to every country, Italian coffee culture has various seemingly puzzling practices. For instance, if you order a latte in Italy, a glass of milk is what you get as that is what it is supposed to mean in Italy.
Espresso is the most popular type of coffee in Italy. This strong brew is usually preferred quickly without milk or sugar. Frequently, a cappuccino with breakfast, one or two caffè macchiatos as an afternoon pick-me-up, and espresso post supper are everyday coffee routines in Italy.
Japan
Japan considers coffee as more of a ceremonial beverage than a simple pick-me-up. The age-old tradition to prepare coffee is called siphon brewing. This method comprises using a glass or metal container with two dwellings, one for water and another one for coffee. The dwellings are connected by a tube and the whole apparatus is placed over a heat source. As the water heats up, it enlarges and forces its way into the chamber containing the coffee grounds. Once the coffee is brewed, it is served in small cups.
Japanese traditional coffee houses are known as Kissa and they serve both hot and cold brews. A common way to prepare cold brew coffee is by sieving it slowly through a cloth filter.
Vietnam
Vietnam is the second largest coffee producer in the world. Its geography is perfect for growing a variety of coffee species, consisting of Robusta, Arabica, Catimor, and Excelsa.
Vietnamese coffee is poured directly into a glass after being made in a phin, a single-serving metal filter. This ensures that the coffee is richer, bolder, and darker. Usually, coffee is served while it is still brewing. The process should never be rushed and always be appreciated leisurely.
Vietnamese coffee is a very famous speciality in Vietnam which is made with sweetened condensed milk. This gives the coffee its sweetness and uniqueness that resembles the country.
Greece
In Greece, coffee is usually prepared using a briki, a small pot with a long handle. To make the coffee extra strong, it is boiled twice and then served in small cups without handles. A common way to sweeten coffee here is by adding a few drops of cardamom syrup.
The greeks love to savour each and every sip of coffee, and they will lounge outside with their friends for hours while holding a cup of coffee. Greek coffee is made and sipped according to the phrase “siga, siga”, which means “slowly, slowly”. To acquire the unique creamy taste, you have to cherish every moment. Making coffee to share with your guests is highly appreciated in Greek culture.
At times, individuals in Greece would visit a cafe and order Turkish Coffee as the Greece coffee culture was a consequential effect of Turkey and the resemblance between the ways the two cultures make coffee.
Coffee around the world is enjoyed differently. No matter wherever you are, there is always a new yet exciting way to cherish coffee!
