The World of Coffee

In the quiet corners of quaint cafes and bustling city streets, a beloved elixir interlinks within the rhythms of our lives. Coffee. A captivating beverage steeped in history, culture, and sensory delight, invites us on a global expedition like no other. Coffee has become more than just a simple beverage but a cultural phenomenon that has weaved its way into the societies we know and align with today. Many cultures carry a tradition or ritual surrounding the consumption and preparation of coffee. A subculture of coffee enthusiasts is already on the rise, with more and more people developing tastes and preferences that run parallel to their personalities.

ETHIOPIA: ORIGINS OF COFFEE

Ethiopia holds a significant place in coffee’s history as its birthplace. The coffee ceremony in Ethiopia serves as the primary means of welcoming guests and visitors. Additionally, it is a daily tradition among friends, neighbours, and family, celebrating their relationships and extending hospitality. The coffee ceremony truly embodies the cultural and social fabric of the people. Even in modern times, Ethiopia’s coffee production continues to rely on traditional methods, such as hand-roasting over an open flame, setting it apart from production methods in other countries.

The bars in which they’re served are all part of the experience too. Every neighbourhood has several bars and locals are fiercely loyal to theirs. If you’re staying in the Italian capital, it’s possible to join in with the local rhythm yourself.

ITALY: BIRTH OF ESPRESSO

While they might opt-in for a cappuccino with their breakfast pastry, Italians swear by espresso. This bold, bitter little elixir is what fuels the nation, from the run in the morning right through to the evenings, when it’s sipped slowly after dinner. Most Italians order and drink theirs standing at the bar, it’s often a quick affair on the way to work in the morning but it’s far from a speedy necessity and is instead a muchcherished daily ritual. Whatever you do, don’t call the drink an ‘expresso’ — it’s espresso... with an ‘s’.

ITALY: CULTURAL NORMS

Espresso is a setting on a coffee machine, not a style of coffee in Italy. That is how coffee is served as a default. When ordering coffee in Italy say un caffè and the Barista will know what you want. The Italian taboo of not drinking milk-based coffee drinks in the afternoon comes from their obsession with digestion. In Italy the when is as important as the wear and Italians believe that milk consumed in the afternoon is heavy. If you order cappuccino after 11.00am you risk being instantly branded a tourist.

Italy ranks 18th in the world with per-capita coffee consumption of 3.4 kg. For one of the originators of the world’s Café culture you would think Italy would consume more coffee. But in Italy it’s about how you do it, not about how much.

JAPAN: ATTENTION TO DETAIL

Japan’s coffee culture emphasize attention to detail, where precision and creativity blend seamlessly to create an extraordinary experience. Japanese coffee brewing is an art form that celebrates meticulousness and passion, known best for their specialty coffee shops that focus on showcasing authentic single-origin coffees and latte art. Unlike other societies where coffee serves as a caffeine fix, Japanese people appreciate the beauty and joy that comes from enjoying a perfectly crafted cup of coffee.

SWEDEN: WAY OF LIFE

In Sweden, coffee drinking is considered a way of life with the country ranking as the world’s third-largest consumer of coffee per capita. The term “fika,” derived from the Swedish word for coffee, kaffi, has shaped the tradition of incorporating coffee into everyday culture. Fika goes beyond a simple coffee break; it is a deliberate pause from work and the common daily stresses of life. Participants typically enjoy a cup of coffee accompanied by a traditional sweet treat called fikabröd, or fika bread. The essence of fika lies in slowing down, refreshing the mind, and encouraging social connections. Unlike other European countries, fika extends beyond homes and cafes and is commonly practiced in the workplace, greatly contrasting to the busy routines of countries like the UK, where 82% of employees do not even take a full hour for lunch.

What sets fika apart from a regular coffee break is its ability to unite coffees with a state of mind. It has become a daily ritual that encourages relaxation, mindfulness, and meaningful human interaction. Above all, fika is centred around savouring the coffee and embracing the present moment, serving as a reminder to pause and appreciate the simple pleasures in life.