Coffee is not only a globally popular beverage but also an integral part of many countries’ cultures. Each nation has its unique ways of preparing and enjoying coffee, reflecting the rich diversity of the global coffee culture. Let’s explore the distinctive coffee types from different countries!
Vietnamese Iced Coffee
Iced coffee, a simple yet distinctive drink from Vietnam, has become popular in many parts of the world. The preparation of iced coffee starts with traditional ground coffee, brewed using a phin filter — a unique Vietnamese coffee-making tool.
A cup of Iced Coffee is then mixed with sweetened condensed milk and ice cubes. The combination of strong coffee, sweet milk, and cold ice creates a rich, flavorful taste that is unmatched anywhere else.
While the most common version is made with condensed milk (cà phê sữa đá), there is also a variant consisting solely of coffee and ice (cà phê đá).
Portugal - Mazagran
Mazagran is a unique coffee with origins in the coastal town of Mostaganem, Algeria, where there is a fortress named Mazagran. In the 1840s, when Algeria was occupied by French troops, soldiers mixed strong coffee with cold water to stay awake and cool during night shifts. This recipe was later brought back to Europe, where it evolved into various versions with lemon, cane sugar, mint, and rum.
Today, a famous variation of Mazagran is the lemon version, also known as Portuguese Iced Coffee or Coffee Lemonade in Portugal. This drink is easy to make, just mix iced coffee with lemon juice and sugar to taste. You can add rum for an alcoholic twist or soda for a refreshing summer drink. Mazagran is not just a popular coffee in Portugal but also an essential part of the country’s cuisine.
France - Café au Lait
The French have a unique way of enjoying coffee with Café au Lait. This coffee is made by adding hot milk to espresso. Café au Lait is usually consumed in the morning along with a baguette or croissant, creating a delicious and energizing breakfast.
Hong Kong - Yuanyang
Yuanyang, also known as “lovebirds” coffee, is a unique drink combining coffee, black tea, sugar, and milk, offering a rich and flavorful taste. The origin story of this drink has various versions, but a popular theory suggests that when the British ruled Hong Kong, their tea-drinking habits were adopted and modified locally.
For coffee lovers, a cup of Yuanyang is not just a drink but a sophisticated blend of cultural elements. In Hong Kong, coffee is considered a hot drink, and tea is a cooling drink, so combining these two not only balances the body but also creates a unique culinary experience, akin to the taste of love.
Ireland - Irish Coffee
Irish coffee, a distinctive drink from Ireland, can be made with just a few simple ingredients. Known for its exquisite combination of hot coffee, high-quality Irish whiskey, brown sugar, and soft whipped cream, Irish coffee not only brings warmth but also evokes unforgettable memories.
To make this coffee, brew a cup of hot coffee, then add your favorite amount of Irish whiskey, a bit of brown sugar for light sweetness, and finally, top with a layer of whipped cream. This drink is perfect for chilly evenings, providing warmth and relaxation after a long day.
Greece – Frappé
Greek frappé, also known as Café frappé, is a famous iced coffee made from instant coffee. It is one of the most popular drinks in Greece, especially in the summer.
Greek frappé is made by combining instant coffee, cold water, sugar, and condensed milk. The process is simple: you need one or two tablespoons of instant coffee, cold water, ice cubes, and sugar to taste. Add condensed milk if desired, then use a hand mixer to froth the mixture, creating a smooth foam layer. After that, add ice cubes and cold water to the cup.
In Greece, frappé usually comes in three variations with different sweetness levels: skétos (no sugar), métrios (medium sweet), and glykós (sweetest).
Thailand - Oliang
Oliang, or oleang, from Thailand is a truly unique drink worth trying for coffee enthusiasts. Although the added ingredients may vary, Thai iced coffee always starts with robusta beans combined with various seeds and grains such as cardamom, sesame, soybeans, corn, and rice, all roasted and ground finely.
This drink is sweetened with sugar or syrup (and sometimes with condensed milk or fresh milk) to balance the bitter taste of the coffee, creating a harmonious yet rich cup of coffee.
Türkiye - Türk Kahvesi
If you are looking for a strong caffeine dose, look no further than Turkish coffee (Türk Kahvesi). Rich and full-bodied, Türk Kahvesi is prepared by boiling water, sugar, and finely ground coffee in a special copper pot called a cezve. The coffee is unfiltered, with grounds left in, resulting in a thick cup of coffee that can be enriched with milk for added creaminess.
When strolling through the streets of Türkiye, look out for stalls and shops brewing Türk Kahvesi over hot sand, providing a unique and fascinating experience.
Each type of coffee not only offers a unique tasting experience but is also a part of the culture and history of its respective country. Hopefully, this article about the specialty coffees of different nations will bring you delightful experiences.
