How do you like your coffee?

Coffee is something that transverses culture. It’s been enjoyed by innumerable people across the world for centuries, and as such has picked up some interesting twists with each culture’s take. Here are a few ways coffee is enjoyed across the world – you might even pick up a few ideas for your next morning buzz.

Vietnam

Iced coffee is a caffeinated staple across many different cultures. The Vietnamese approach adds a sweet twist, swapping fresh milk for sweetened condensed milk. With fresh milk historically not readily available, Vietnamese coffee became enjoyed the way it is today – a dark roast coffee poured over sweetened condensed milk and served over ice.

Ethiopia

You can’t fake originality. We can thank Ethiopia for our treasured beverage – it’s the birthplace of coffee and has been consumed by its people for over 1,000 years. Ethiopia’s coffee, called buna, is still traditionally served in a tableside ritual that involves red raw beans roasted and transformed into the recognisable drink over a period of two to three hours.

Italy

Coffee may as well be synonymous with Italy. When you order a caffé, don’t be surprised when you receive a shot of espresso. Forget about instant coffee, Italian espresso involves only the best. Milky coffee is also available, though is generally only drunk in the morning.

Ireland

If you enjoy your coffee strong – in a different way – you may opt for the Irish interpretation. It involves hot coffee, sugar, whipped cream and whiskey. Though generally enjoyed after dinner, it’s hard to argue against the warming concoction on a cold morning.

Finland

Would you like CHEESE with that?! Finland’s kaffeost involves coffee poured over chunks of cheese curds. The cheese is derived from milk of cows, goats or even reindeer! If you’re not quite adventurous enough for cheesy coffee, there’s plenty of the cheese-less stuff available too. – Finns actually consume more coffee than anyone else in the world.

Japan

Japanese coffee is all about convenience, and what’s more convenient than a vending machine? Coffee in a can came into prominence in Japan in the 1960s, and is enjoyed either hot or cold. This ultra-convenient and portable alternative is found in Japanese supermarkets, vending machines and convenience stores.

Turkey

There is a Turkish proverb that coffee should be ‘black as hell, strong as death and sweet as love’. The coffee grounds are not filtered, but rather left to float and settle at the bottom of the drink. The coffee is served in small cups along with a glass of water, and is an important part of social occasions.

Does your workplace thrive on coffee? This could provide a great conversation starter about cultural diversity! You can make cultural diversity something to be discussed and celebrated by holding A Taste of Harmony where your team come together and share dishes and drinks from their cultural of origin or affinity.

Click here to learn more about A Taste of Harmony and how your workplace can register to get involved.