8 Coffee Orders Every World Traveler Should Know

What’s the first thing you do when you land in a new city? For many, it’s a visit to a local cafe. Coffee isn’t just a drink; it’s an essential part of culture and a window into life around the world. From the bustling streets of Istanbul to the chic cafes of Paris, coffee culture offers a unique way to connect with people and places.

Whether you’re a seasoned explorer or planning your first overseas trip, knowing these 8 iconic coffee orders can elevate your travel experience. Each sip tells a story of tradition, flavor, and culture.

Cafe au Lait in France

Picture yourself sitting at a Parisian cafe, watching the world go by, a cafe au lait in hand. This quintessential French coffee order blends equal parts of rich coffee and steamed milk, creating a creamy, comforting treat.

How It’s Made

Cafe au lait is typically prepared using strong brewed coffee, rather than espresso, paired with steamed milk. The result is smooth and indulgent, perfect for sipping over breakfast or an afternoon treat.

How to Order

“Un café au lait, s’il vous plaît.” Knowing this simple phrase will not only score you your favorite beverage but also a smile from the barista.

Best Places to Try

Head to Café de Flore or Les Deux Magots in Paris for an authentic experience.

Espresso Romano in Italy

Italy is the heart of coffee culture, and the Espresso Romano adds a unique twist to the classic espresso shot. This unique drink is paired with a slice of lemon, which may enhance the flavor or reduce bitterness (depending on who you ask!).

How It’s Made

Served as a single espresso shot with a fresh lemon slice on the side, this coffee order keeps it simple yet distinctive.

How to Order

“Un caffè Romano, per favore.” Espresso bars in Rome are the ideal spots to try this drink.

Best Places to Try

Visit Sant’Eustachio Il Caffè or Tazza D’Oro in Rome for a delicious shot.

Turkish Coffee in Turkey

Turkish coffee (Türk kahvesi) isn’t just a drink; it’s a cultural experience. Served unfiltered and brewed in a traditional cezve, it’s an integral part of Turkish hospitality.

How It’s Made

Finely ground coffee is simmered with water and sugar over low heat to produce a foamy, thick coffee with grounds at the bottom. Often accompanied by Turkish delights, it’s a sweet treat for the senses.

How to Order

“Bir kahve lütfen.” A polite request and you’ll be treated to an aromatic coffee steeped in tradition.

Best Places to Try

Stop by Mandabatmaz in Istanbul for a historic coffee experience.

Cortado in Spain

If you’re in Spain and prefer a balanced coffee that’s neither too strong nor too milky, the cortado is your best bet. It’s an espresso “cut” with a touch of warm milk, creating a harmonious blend.

How It’s Made

A perfect cortado keeps a 1-to-1 ratio of espresso to milk, making it stronger than a latte but smoother than an espresso.

How to Order

“Un cortado, por favor.” Ordering this will have you fitting in like a local.

Best Places to Try

Popular cafes in Madrid, such as Toma Café, serve up unforgettable cortados.

Flat White in Australia and New Zealand

If you’re traveling to the Southern Hemisphere, you’ll come across the flat white, the pride of Australia and New Zealand. Known for its smooth microfoam and bold espresso flavor, a flat white is perfect for coffee aficionados.

How It’s Made

Velvety microfoam is poured over a well-extracted espresso shot. It’s often mistaken for a latte but has less milk and a richer espresso flavor.

How to Order

Simply ask, “A flat white, please.”

Best Places to Try

The Grounds of Alexandria in Sydney or Coffee Supreme in Auckland are iconic spots to enjoy a flat white.

Cafe Bombon in Vietnam

Cafe Bombon, or “Cà phê sữa nóng,” is a Vietnamese specialty that combines the robust flavor of strong coffee with the sweetness of condensed milk.

How It’s Made

The coffee is brewed using a phin filter, served hot, and layered over a generous helping of sweetened condensed milk. It’s dessert in a cup.

How to Order

“Cà phê sữa nóng” will get you this delicious beverage.

Best Places to Try

Explore Hanoi’s Old Quarter and try authentic cafe bombon in charming street-side cafes.

Kaffeost in Sweden

Want to try something truly unique? Sweden’s kaffeost is coffee served over cubes of cheese. Yes, you read that right! The cheese softens and absorbs the coffee, creating a rich, hearty drink.

How It’s Made

A mild cheese, often Leipäjuusto, is cubed and placed into the coffee. It’s part drink, part snack, and fully delightful.

How to Order

Ask for “Kaffeost” in the northern parts of Sweden, especially in Lapland.

Best Places to Try

Visit a traditional café in Swedish Lapland for an unforgettable kaffeost experience.

Yuanyang in Hong Kong

A fusion of cultures is what defines Hong Kong, and this extends to its coffee. Yuanyang blends equal parts coffee and Hong Kong-style milk tea for a creamy, caffeine-packed treat.

How It’s Made

Strong black coffee and rich milk tea come together to create this unique drink, popular in cha chaan tengs (local tea restaurants).

How to Order

“Yuenyeung” is the term you’ll use to enjoy this local favorite.

Best Places to Try

Head to Australia Dairy Company or Lan Fong Yuen in Hong Kong to savor this drink.

Capture the Flavor of the World

Coffee isn’t just a drink; it’s a bridge to culture and connection. From the citrusy notes of an espresso Romano in Italy to the sweet richness of cafe bombon in Vietnam, each coffee order carries the soul of its origin.

Next time you travel, skip the usual coffee chains and order a local favorite. You’ll not only get a taste of the region but also connect with its culture in a meaningful way.

What’s your favorite coffee to order abroad? Share your experiences in the comments below or recommend a unique coffee we should add to our next list. And don’t forget to check out our guide to the best coffee brewing methods for a deeper understanding of what goes into every cup.

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8 Coffee Orders Every World Traveler Should Know

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From cafe au lait in France to flat white in Australia, explore iconic coffee orders from around the world. Enhance your travel experience, one cup at a time.

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