Coffee isn’t just a drink, it’s a global language of comfort, ritual and connection. Whether it’s enjoyed on the go from a street vendor in Vietnam or slowly savoured in a quiet Roman café, coffee has a way of bringing people together.
Let us take you on a journey through eight unique coffee traditions from around the world. Each one tells a story, not just of flavour and technique, but of history, community, and culture. So grab your cup, and let’s begin.
Ethiopian buna
Considered the birthplace of coffee, Ethiopia takes its brew seriously. The traditional Buna ceremony is an experience in itself: raw beans are roasted over a flame, ground by hand, and brewed in a clay jebena. It’s a slow, aromatic process often accompanied by conversation and storytelling.
Turkish coffee
Turkish coffee is brewed unfiltered in a cezve and served in small cups. Ground to a fine powder, the coffee is simmered with water (and sometimes sugar) until it froths. After drinking, the remaining grounds are often used in playful fortune-telling rituals.
Italian espresso
In Italy, espresso isn’t just coffee, it’s a daily ritual. Made by forcing hot water through finely ground beans at high pressure, it’s served as a small but mighty shot topped with a golden crema. It’s bold, quick, and perfectly suited to the rhythm of Italian life, whether enjoyed standing at a bar or after a meal.
Vietnamese phin coffee
Slow and deliberate, Vietnamese coffee is brewed using a phin filter that allows the coffee to drip gradually over a layer of sweetened condensed milk. The result is a rich, creamy, and indulgent drink that’s often enjoyed iced.
Mexican café de olla
Brewed with cinnamon and sometimes piloncillo (unrefined cane sugar) in an earthen clay pot, café de olla is both aromatic and rustic. It’s traditionally prepared in rural kitchens and is often shared during family gatherings and celebrations.
American drip coffee
In America, the automatic drip coffee maker is a staple. It offers convenience and volume, making it ideal for homes, offices, and diners alike. This brewing style reflects the American preference for efficiency and a cup that lasts.
Echoing that same spirit of convenience and comfort, Infuso Coffee Black Brew offers a brewing experience with a modern edge. Using 100% Arabica ground coffee, each drip bag delivers a smooth, aromatic cup with bold flavour. Perfect for those who love their coffee black, clean and effortlessly brewed at home.
Cuban café cubano
Café Cubano is a sweet, potent espresso brewed with demerara sugar, which is whipped into a espuma (foam) and poured over the coffee. Served in tiny cups but meant to be shared, it’s often at street-side cafés or window counters called ventanitas.
Japanese pour-over
Clean, precise, and beautifully minimalist, Japanese pour-over coffee highlights both flavour and form. Using tools like the Hario V60 or Chemex, hot water is poured slowly over freshly ground beans in a controlled circular motion. The result is a clear, delicate brew that reflects Japan’s deep respect for craftsmanship.
Brewing tips for authentic flavours
Want to try some of these brewing methods at home? Here are a few tips to help you get started:
- Start with quality beans: use freshly roasted beans and grind them just before brewing with a burr grinder.
- Watch the water temperature: keep your water between 90°C and 96°C for the best flavour extraction.
- Match grind to method: Each method requires a different grind size and brew time for best results.
Curious about perfecting your brew? Check out our article on top coffee brewing mistakes and how to avoid them to get the most out of every cup.
Coffee may start with the same humble bean, but how it’s brewed and the stories behind it are as varied as the people who drink it. Whether you prefer it sweet, strong, spiced, or slow-dripped, every culture adds its own touch to the brew.
The next time you sip your morning cup, think of it as a passport, an invitation to explore a world of flavours and traditions, one coffee at a time.