You’d be wrong if you thought the UK was the only country that enjoys a cup of coffee or two. For generations coffee has been much loved in pretty much all corners of the globe. So forth, numerous different “coffee cultures” have appeared, all of which are primarily apparent during coffee breaks.
Café Casa explores some of the most interesting coffee break trends around across Europe. We start with Turkey, and for good reason.
Turkish coffee break trends.
We recently produced an article detailing the journey of coffee from east to west. If you’ve given that a read, you’ll know that Turkey was the first European country to embrace coffee.
Turkey is home to a thriving coffee culture. The nations view the beverage as an opportunity to relax with loved ones and there are plenty of coffee houses situated across the country.
Here, coffee is traditionally served in small cups, with a glass of water and a collection of Turkish sweets on the side. According to a famous Turkish proverb: “the memory of a cup of coffee lasts for forty years.”
Danish coffee break trends.
Denmark consumes the fourth most coffee in the entire world, not just in Europe. There is a lot of history behind coffee in Denmark, which is why coffee break trends here are so interesting.
In the late 1800’s, the whole of Scandinavia was rather destitute. Many countries simply couldn’t afford the luxurious available to the rest of the continent. Instead, they found comfort in the coffee bean.
The coffee of choice in Denmark is latte, which is pronounced as “Ladde” here. Health experts believe the country’s high coffee consumption is the reason why they have some of the lowest type 2 diabetes figures across the world.
Finnish coffee break trends.
On the back of Denmark consuming the fourth highest levels of coffee in the world, Finland goes three better. Nowhere in the world consumes more coffee per year than Finland. Like Denmark, this love of coffee started in the 1800’s.
Coffee break trends in Finland are considered to be “one of a kind”. It is very much a social event that is driven by the bitter temperatures the country experiences for a large part of the year. In fact, it is considered rude to drink your coffee alone.
Across coffee houses, homes and businesses, a cup of coffee in Finland is almost always served with traditional cake and is called “Kakkukhavi”.
Croatian coffee break trends.
Known as “Kava”, the history of coffee in Croatia is steeped in tradition. Today, the country is home to thousands of coffee bars across the country, most of which can be found in the capital of Zagreb.
Perhaps the most interesting thing about coffee break trends in Croatia is how varied they are across the land. For example, visit the Istria region and a “veliki macchiato” (Macchiato) is extremely popular, but ask for that in Zagreb and you’ll be met with a very confused look. That’s because the locals don’t drink it!
Despite the difference in favoured coffee in Croatia, it is generally believed that the most popular coffee here is “velika kava s mlijekom”, which is espresso served with frothed milk.
Spanish coffee break trends.
We know all about Spain’s love of coffee, so much so that our very own Café Casa Finca Blend coffee beans are roasted in the southern region of Andalucía.
Like many European countries before it, coffee was a luxury that was originally imported into the country from Turkey. Soon enough however, the Spanish soon found a passion for roasting it themselves and have created a much-loved coffee culture.
The Spanish enjoy a “Café Con Leche” first thing in the morning in particular. Made from half espresso and half hot milk and served in a long thin glass, it’s very similar to a Café Latte. Spain also developed the Café Cortado we enjoy.
Swedish coffee break trends.
Being a Scandinavian country, Sweden was one of the early adopters of the coffee bean. The country has a real passion for the beverage and has some very interesting coffee break trends.
Even though coffee was banned here in 1746, there is no danger of it being taken away from the locals again. Coffee break trends in Sweden are implemented through “Fika”, which is deeply engrained into everyday life.
During Fika, you will share a moment with friends and family over your favourite coffee. More than just a coffee break, Swedish people must always make time for Fika at some point during the day.
