Coffee Ceremonies Around the World

This is a guest post by Bethany Ramos. Learn more about how you can guest post for Daily Shot Of Coffee.

Not only is coffee a rich and delicious beverage, but it has a rich and delicious history, with origins traced back to Ethiopia where, according to legend, coffee beans were discovered by a goat herder in the Arabian Peninsula.

Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony

What better place to begin in exploring ancient coffee ceremonies than in the rumored birthplace of coffee, Ethiopia? It only makes sense that the coffee ceremony in Ethiopia is a critical part of both cultural and social life in most gatherings.

When someone is invited to attend an Ethiopian coffee ceremony, it is considered to be a sign of friendship and respect; it also serves as the perfect example of Ethiopian hospitality. When a visitor is invited over, it is expected that a coffee ritual will be performed, no matter what time of day it may be.

Ethiopian coffee ceremonies are never rushed. The coffee ritual could take as long as two hours and is expected to be relished sip by sip. In Ethiopia, coffee is called Bunna and is brewed in a special clay pot to provide a fresh, unfiltered flavor.

After brewing, the coffee must be poured from on high, at least 8 to 10 inches above the cup. This could take months of practice to perfect. And did I forget to mention that coffee is customarily served with popcorn in Ethiopia? A delicious pairing with a freshly brewed cup of Joe.

Viennese Coffee Ceremony

Moving right along, the coffee ceremony in Vienna centers around the typical Viennese café, where a selection of coffee drinks and pastries are available. Viennese coffee houses are known for their sleek marble tabletops, designed in a historic style, with ample room for spreading out and reading the newspaper while relaxing with a cup of coffee.

The first coffee house in Vienna opened in 1685, where popularity quickly peaked in the 19th century when Viennese cafés were frequented by famous politicians, scientists, and artists. In Vienna today, a coffee break is much more than a lull in the workday; Viennese coffee houses are patronized by businesspeople, politicians, and intellectuals as a place to negotiate, discuss, and catch up on current events.

Thai Coffee Ceremony

In Thailand, coffee is seen as a dessert, meaning that it is brewed sweet and rich. Most patrons in Thailand enjoy coffee cold and iced made with cardamom, chicory, and condensed milk.

Within a Thai coffee ceremony, coffee will be brewed in a tall pot through a coffee filter or coffee sock. The brewing method is similar to a French Press, Turkish coffee maker, or teapot. As a result of a filter less brew, Thai coffee comes out notably rich and flavorful with sweet condensed milk added immediately after brewing.

Drinking coffee with condensed milk is an established Thai tradition, dating back to when instant coffee was brewed with condensed milk decades ago. Nowadays, instant coffee consumption in Thailand has decreased, but locals still prefer visiting independent coffee shops that serve traditional Thai coffee.

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Bethany Ramos is a full-time freelance writer and coffee lover that co-owns her own e-commerce website, The Coffee Bump.