How is coffee consumed around the world ?
What are the consumption habits of neighboring countries?
How is coffee consumed around the world ? ☕️ What are the customs of foreign countries? Some of you went on vacation this summer, perhaps even abroad, and found yourselves ordering a coffee in one of the many coffee shops in Norway or Japan? Or perhaps some of you have tried the famous Italian espresso…
First of all, it’s important to know that there’s a distinction between “common” coffee and specialty coffee. The latter is becoming increasingly popular, but is unfortunately not consumed enough in most coffee-consuming countries. For example, when we think of Italian coffee, we think of a full-bodied, bitter cup. This is usually because the coffee bean has been overcooked and therefore doesn’t offer all the flavors it originally contained… 🙁
Every country has a different relationship to the production and preparation of the wonderful product that is coffee. In this article, we take a look at the different ways coffee is consumed in different cultures. 🌏
In Italy 🇮🇹
Their “colazione” (breakfast in english) will very often be accompanied by an espresso. Espresso is their favorite, because it’s a quick, robust energy boost. It’s best consumed standing up, at the corner café ☕️. In fact, if you’re lucky enough to visit Italy and stop off at a café, you’ll see many Italians hurrying past to sip their espresso before heading off to work.
In fact, if you go there, be careful of the bill! In some places, if you sit down to drink your coffee, you’ll be charged a service fee! 💰
Also, urban legend has it that most Italians are lactose intolerant (odd for the land of mozzarella 🤣). This is why they don’t drink cappuccino after 11 a.m.! In fact, it’s a widespread habit! You can be sure of looking like a tourist if you order a café au lait after that time 🤣
When it comes to making coffee, they use the famous Italian “moka” coffee maker or the piston coffee maker. Both these coffee makers use gentle extraction methods.
We explain the principle in our articles on the V60 or the Aeropress 😉
In the Nordic countries 🇸🇪 🇳🇴 🇩🇰
In Sweden, Denmark, Norway and the Nordic countries in general, coffee is perceived as a rich product. It’s mainly consumed as a mild beverage! Light or even very light roasts are preferred! If you’re not familiar with these terms, we’ve written an article on the basics of roasting. It will help you understand the terms related to this practice 😉.
People in the Nordic countries are the world’s biggest coffee consumers ! 🌏 Indeed, it’s a real pleasure for them to prepare it according to the rules of the art, or to visit their favorite coffee shop to discover the latest novelties. There, a good coffee is a must! You’ll see plenty of coffee shops with their cocooning, aesthetically pleasing ambience if you take to the streets of Copenhagen, Oslo or Stockholm… 🌞
For the record, alcohol was even replaced by coffee in 19th-century Norway! At the time, many households made all sorts of spirits at home. To combat alcohol consumption, the Church chose to promote a less dangerous beverage: coffee ☕️. And that’s when coffee entered the mainstream, never to leave it.
(Continuing with the Nordic anecdotes, many of you may have discovered matcha a few years ago. Although this green tea has in truth been around for millennia, it has been brought back into fashion by Danish influencers who extol its virtues on the body and health in general 🍵.
If you want to know more about matcha, go here 😉
In Japan 🇯🇵
The Japanese are also big coffee drinkers. They drink it in filter, espresso and even in cans! Surprising, isn’t it? We’ll tell you more about it later, but first let’s talk a little about the history of Japan and coffee… ☕️
The Japanese have been coffee drinkers for a very long time, and are notably the originators of Cold Brew: coffee brewed directly cold, for a very mild coffee with no bitterness. In the streets of Tokyo or Osaka, you’ll find numerous coffee shops serving specialty coffee 😌! Indeed, their culture of tea and true appreciation of this beverage has helped them to consume coffee as a rich product. For the record, Japan boasts an impressive record at the World Barista Championship (WBC). They stand out for their perfectionism and creativity in terms of recipes and ways of consuming coffee. 🌟
In terms of how to consume it, they are very adept at takeaway coffee. In Europe, we place more importance on taking the time to savor coffee and to sit down to enjoy their coffee, or their beverage more broadly. So they like their coffee to go in a cup, or in a can 😮 !
Coffee cans in Japan
Indeed, it will be very common to see vending machines filled with cans of coffee… It will have a more down-market feel of course, but it’s a ubiquitous product in Japan! 🤯 You’ll be able to find them in supermarkets and konbini (mini-markets), all the major Japanese beer, soda and beverage companies, as well as most coffee companies sell canned coffee. Some vending machines even offer hot coffee in winter, with an automatic reheating system!
So we admit it, their way of consuming coffee seems rather peculiar to us, but it’s worth remembering that they’re one of the biggest coffee importers in the world and they have unique roasts! 🤩 Their diversity in terms of coffee ranges is almost spectacular…
In France 🇫🇷
At L’Occasion Café, we’re big fans of specialty coffee. However, France remains a country that consumes (a lot of) so-called “common” coffee. This means coffee that’s quick to prepare and of low quality.
Indeed, most French people drink coffee as a matter of urgency. The urgency of waking up, getting down to work or enjoying a “café-clope” break. But very few actually enjoy the flavors this beverage has to offer. 😔
However, specialty coffee is gradually taking on a greater role in society. Many people are turning to this more ethical and tasty option, much to our delight.⭐️
Because our mission is not only to serve you good drinks in the coffee shop, but also to educate you on the subject and share our passion with you ❤️.
So we hope we’ve been able to teach you a bit more about how coffee is consumed around the world! Perhaps you’ll have the chance to learn even more on your travels (we hope you do 😊).
See you soon at Occasion Café! ✅
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