I can’t survive without coffee. The first sip of freshly brewed coffee is what opens my eyes, stirs my soul, makes me feel alive. Just like myself, there are thousands and thousands of coffee lovers all around the world. The first sip is what they need to get the day going. Now, if you call yourself a coffee lover, a pilgrimage around the world I search for unique, delicious coffee is a must. In honour of International Coffee Day (October 1), we bring you five must-try coffees from around the world which you will never regret.
Egg coffee, Vietnam
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’s been around for 60 years and this decadent concoction should be definitely on your must-try list.
Turkish coffee, Turkey
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.
Irish coffee, Ireland
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.
Kaffeost, Finland
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 cofee a delightful treat for lovers. It’s almost a dessert but not so which you must try in Finland.
Espresso, Italy
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?
So, which one is first on your list?