For thousands and thousands of coffee lovers all around the world, the first sip of coffee is what they need to get the day going. Now, if you call yourself a coffee lover, a pilgrimage around the world in search for unique, delicious coffee is a must. On International Coffee Day, we bring you five must-try coffees from around the world which you must taste at least once on your travels.
Rich, thick and absolutely delicious, indulging in an egg coffee is a must in Vietnam. This Southeast Asian country is famous for a lot of things, from natural beauty to delicious street food. However, the Vietnamese pride themselves for their coffee. While condensed milk and coffee or Ca Phe Da the world knows about, have you heard of egg coffee Ca Phe Trung is a mixture of coffee (but obviously), condensed milk, sugar and egg yolks. It&rsquos been around for 60 years and this decadent concoction should be definitely on your must-try list.
Strong, dark and unqiue. That's how you would decode Turkish coffee. It's prepared in special copper vessel or cezve. Using only the finest ground Arabica, water and sugar, bring the mixture to a boil, let the foam rise before taking it off the heat. It's no wonder that the preparation, brewing techniques and warm hospitality associated with Turkish coffee has put it on the Unesco's Intangible Cultural Heritage List in 2013.
Whoever thought of mixing whiskey with coffee was a genius. The sweet taste of coffee mixed with the warmth of Irish whiskey is heaven for any coffee lover. Combine thick cream and sugar with it and its simply outstanding. A mug or glass of Irish coffee (make sure its original) will take you back to winter days, sitting snug under a blanket and sipping the brew in anticipation. Though the original recipe does not call for whipped cream, be warned that in most places that are not Ireland, it's served with it.
Instead of a light-as-air tiramisu like dessert, instead, indulge in Kaffeost or what the Finnish call coffee cheese. Yes, you heard that right. Bite-sized pieces of squeaky cheese is kept at the bottom of a mug and warm espresso poured over it makes the coffee a delightful treat for lovers. It's almost a dessert but not so which you must try in Finland.
Can you imagine visiting Italy and not having espresso Why espresso is often what the Italians live for. The small "shot" of coffee with a thin, thin layer of cream is best drank at a bar just the way locals do. Remember to drink it quickly while the cream is still on the top. Did you know that while you can drink an espresso at any time of the day, ordering a cappuccino post 11am will make you stand out like a sore thumb in Italy.
In India, coffee is enjoyed in a variety of styles, each with its unique flavour and preparation. One of the most iconic is South Indian filter coffee, a strong, aromatic brew made from finely ground coffee beans, often served with frothy milk and sugar in traditional steel tumblers. For the adventurous, chicory-blended coffee offers a distinctive, slightly bitter taste that has deep roots in Indian coffee culture. Bella kaapi, popular in Karnataka, is a traditional coffee sweetened with jaggery, giving it a rich, earthy flavor that pairs well with the strong coffee. Chukku kaapi, on the other hand, is a spiced coffee made with dry ginger and other warming spices, known for its medicinal properties and enjoyed as a soothing drink, especially in cooler weather or during ailments. Both styles reflect the region's unique blend of flavour and tradition.