How To Drink Greek Coffee Like A Local
Drinking Greek coffee is a bit of an art form. In 2011, Greece was ranked 15th for largest coffee consumption in the world, with 5.5 kilograms of coffee consumed per capita each year. It’s safe to say that drinking coffee is very much a part of this Mediterranean country’s cultural identity. But if you haven’t had it before, Greek coffee may be a matter of mystery. Here is a quick guide to drinking it like a local.
The History Of Greek Coffee The origin of Greek coffee can be traced back to 1475 when the world’s first coffee shop was reportedly opened by Greeks, a few years after the Turkish occupation, in present-day Istanbul, then called Constantinople. Kiva Han Coffee Shop was the pioneer, and not long after, there was an explosion of coffee shops. Even today, kafenia are legion in Greece and any other place where Greeks have settled. A kafenio (coffee house) is a gathering place where older Greek men discuss life, play backgammon, enjoy each other’s company, and, of course, relax with an elliniko kafe (Greek coffee), which is usually served until late.