A Coffee Journey Around the World

The Culture Hidden in Every Cup of Coffee

Coffee has probably become an indispensable part of our lives. It can be said that this beverage comes in an incredibly diverse and rich variety. Let’s explore some signature coffee styles from different countries!

Türk Kahvesi – The Fortune-Telling Drink of Turkey

Turkish coffee is unique both in its brewing style and in the way it is enjoyed. The coffee grounds are ground very finely, then soaked in cold water and heated under specific conditions. After brewing, the coffee is reheated two or three times until it becomes thick and dark, then poured into a cup.

The art of preparation is shown in creating a thick foam layer on top of the coffee cup. To enhance the flavor, cardamom or other spices are often added.

Enjoying Türk kahvesi is also a way to relax or practice patience, as you must wait for the coffee grounds to settle completely before drinking. Interestingly, after finishing the coffee, people often turn the cup upside down onto the saucer and read their fortune based on the coffee grounds left behind, a practice known as coffee grounds fortune-telling (fassomancy).

The Beauty of East Meets West in Hong Kong’s ‘Lovebirds’ Coffee

 

Yuanyang coffee is a very popular beverage in Hong Kong. It is a unique blend of coffee and black tea (or milk tea), sometimes garnished with fresh flowers. This drink embodies the Eastern philosophy of yin-yang balance. People believe coffee is a warming drink, while tea has a cooling effect; combining the two creates harmony for the body.

The Yuanyang coffee cup carries a harmonious fusion of Eastern and Western cultures. Its classic hues quietly peek through the vibrant and modern cityscape of Hong Kong.

Yuanyang coffee, a poetic and romantic name, offers the distinctive bitter and strong aroma of coffee, mingled with the light freshness of tea and a gentle sweetness of sugar — all blending together like the flavor of love itself.

Café Bombón – The Charming Drink from the Land of Guitars

Café Bombón originated in the Valencia region of Spain, and quickly spread elsewhere. The recipe is very simple, consisting of espresso and sweetened condensed milk mixed in a 1:1 ratio. First, the espresso is poured into a clear glass, then the condensed milk is slowly added to settle at the bottom.

Thus, a cup of café bombón has two distinct layers of color, looking incredibly enticing! The barista often adds a layer of fresh cream on top to enrich the flavor and make the drink more vibrant and visually appealing.

 

Germany and the Coffee That Awakens All the Senses

If you are a fan of the seductive aroma of rum, Germany’s Pharisäer coffee is an excellent choice. This drink is a unique combination of black coffee, rum, sugar, and rich whipped cream.

When drinking Pharisäer, you’ll experience the distinctive flavor of rum spreading through all your senses.

The story goes that Pastor Georg Bleyer was very strict and often scolded his congregation for indulging in drinks he felt showed a lack of devotion to God. To avoid his wrath, the congregation served a drink made from rum and coffee.

To mask the rum’s scent, they added a layer of whipped cream on top. However, the pastor soon discovered the trick. In his anger, he exclaimed, “Ihr Pharisäer!” meaning “You… hypocrites!” From then on, the drink was named “Pharisäer Kaffee.”

Vietnamese Drip Coffee – A Distinctive Mark of Vietnamese People

For a long time, the image of the drip filter (phin) has been a hallmark of Vietnam’s coffee culture.

Vietnamese coffee brewing is simple and unpretentious. Just put an adequate amount of coffee into the phin, press gently with the lid, pour hot water according to your desired amount, and wait for the extraction process. The hot water slowly and naturally seeps through the coffee grounds, allowing the coffee to reach perfect extraction. Thus, phin coffee tastes fresh, mellow, and very aromatic.

Enjoying the rich traditional coffee aroma, along with the peaceful moments of watching each drop fall, offers a tranquil pause that helps restore balance amid today’s hectic pace of life.

 

With its special charm, coffee is a widely embraced beverage all around the world. Although the main ingredient is coffee itself, the brewing methods and ways of enjoying it vary from place to place, creating a rich and diverse coffee culture globally. In every country, coffee captivates people in its own unique way. When you have the chance to visit different countries, don’t forget to savor and experience the distinct flavors of coffee in each place!

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