The aroma of freshly brewed coffee, the social and sensory experience of sipping it, the refreshing taste, and the feeling of rejuvenation make you ready to take the world!
While some people need coffee to stay awake, in some cultures coffee is consumed before going to bed! We take you exploring the coffee culture around the globe; grab a cup of your favorite coffee and read along.
Italy: The Home of Espresso
Expresso means ‘quick’ and as the birthplace of the expresso machine, it is the most popular drink. The morning of an Italian begins with a morning brew. As per cultural norms, one shouldn’t have Cappuccinos after 11 am, as it is considered a morning drink. Consuming coffee here is more of a daily ritual than a source of caffeine. Coffee for Italians is the most important beverage; after water.
Ethiopia: The coffee-making ceremony
The coffee-making ceremony known as Buna is an elaborate ritual reflecting the nation's deep-rooted respect for this beverage. It involves roasting the green coffee beans, grinding them, and brewing the coffee, all of which take almost an hour to prepare. It is traditionally served with salt or butter instead of sugar. Traditional Ethiopian snacks are also served with coffee. It is considered impolite to leave the ceremony without consuming at least three cups. Beyond just the taste or the preparation method, a ‘good’ coffee is about its history, stories, and the intricate understanding of the culture.
Brazil: Largest coffee producer
Coffee is one of the most valued commodities in Brazil. The cafézinho (meaning small coffee) is a key part of Brazilian hospitality. It is offered anywhere you visit, free or inexpensively, at restaurants or gas stations.
For 2023-2024, Brazil’s projected harvest was 66.4 million (60 kg bags). Of this, 21.7 million bags were forecasted for Robusta and 44.7 million bags for Arabica. Robusta volumes have increased since the mid-2010s, doubling between 2017 and 2023 but plateauing. The data is part of the monthly statistical report of the Brazilian Coffee Exporters Council (Cecafé).
Mexico: Essential for lunch and diner
Café de olla is a traditional Mexican coffee preparation that originated during the Mexican Revolution. It's made by brewing coffee with cinnamon, piloncillo (unrefined cane sugar), and sometimes other spices in a clay pot. Coffee is enjoyed with sweet bread (pan dulce) during family visits or after meals. Such rituals strengthen bonds and foster a sense of community. Coffee is an essential part of lunch or dinner. In Mexico and Oaxaca, coffee is consumed in the morning and at night. Before going to sleep, they drink coffee!
Turkey: The elegance and traditions
In Turkish culture, serving coffee symbolizes friendship, respect, and hospitality. Inviting someone for a cup of Turkish coffee is a gesture of goodwill. The Turks, for instance, grind it to a fine powder, brewing it unfiltered, resulting in a rich, robust drink where the grounds settle at the bottom. The grounds at the bottom of the cup are used for fortune-telling.
Turkish coffee culture and tradition were added to the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2013.
Vietnam: Exploring Egg Coffee
Here people can have several cups of coffee throughout the day. Coffee is enjoyed in the bustling street cafes as part of their everyday lives. Vietnamese egg coffee, also known as Cà Phê Trứng, is a beloved drink in Vietnamese coffee culture. It is a frothy egg coffee preparation that is brewed with egg yolks, condensed milk, and coffee.
Cafes and street vendors open as early as 4 a.m. and many sell coffee well into the night. Outsiders are surprised to see the locals sipping coffee at 10 pm and then going to sleep at night.
Japan: Savouring it mindfully
In Japan, having coffee offers a moment of tranquillity. They have a methodical approach to making coffee. The meticulous process involves precise measurements, slow pouring, and an appreciation for the ritual. Kissaten are the classic old-fashioned tea and coffee houses. These cafes are unlike the fast-paced coffee chains. They provide a more nuanced and gourmet coffee experience. The goal of Kissaten is to offer the guests a relaxed atmosphere.
Silk Road Coffee: Your Gateway to the World's Coffees
At Silk Road Coffee, we are passionate about sharing the diverse flavors and traditions of coffee cultures. Each of our blends is carefully crafted to capture the essence of its origin, allowing you to experience the taste, one cup at a time.
Our collection boasts a diverse range of exceptional coffee beans sourced from India’s most renowned coffee-growing regions. Indulge in the aromatic journey of our carefully curated selection, where quality meets passion.
Our mission is to bring the best of coffee cultures to your cup, offering a curated selection of beans that capture the essence of coffee traditions.
Whether you’re an espresso lover or a fan of the pour-over, Silk Road Coffee invites you to explore the world of coffee one cup at a time. https://silkroad.coffee/