Ordering coffee in Portugal can be challenging for foreigners. Coffee plays a crucial role in Portuguese culture, and sharing a cup is a reason to socialize. Additionally, savoring a good coffee is a pleasure highly valued by the Portuguese. However, for a foreigner, requesting a simple coffee in Lisbon or anywhere in Portugal may not be a straightforward task. In fact, the beverage commonly known as “espresso” in other countries can have various names in Portugal. This article aims to acquaint readers with the different terms used to refer to coffee in Portuguese lands, providing an understanding of the diverse ingredients found in various coffee-based drinks.
A. Bica, café ou cimbalino (depending on the region of the country): it’s a coffee that foreigners commonly refer to as “espresso.”
B. Abatanado: It is similar to the famous “Americano” but in a smaller quantity. Two espressos with a good amount of water. Some people call it a “double.”
C. Carioca: it’s a weak coffee. The beans are placed in the machine, and a coffee is extracted. Then, another coffee is pulled using the same beans.
D. Italiana: It’s a very short coffee, half an espresso. It is said to be stronger than the regular espresso.
E. Meia de leite: Served in a larger cup, it is a coffee and milk drink. An espresso is pulled, and then the larger cup is filled with milk.
F. Galão: Similar to meia de leite but served in a glass. It has more milk and more coffee.
G. Café duplo: Two coffees or two espressos without adding water (so a bit different from abatanado).
H. Café pingado: It’s a coffee with a little milk (a few drops of milk).
I. Garoto: It’s a coffee with milk foam. This term is more common in the south of Portugal.
J. Descafeinado: It’s a decaffeinated coffee (actually, it’s a coffee with much less caffeine because it still contains some).
K. Café em chávena escaldada: It’s a regular espresso, but in this case, the person drinking it wants the beverage to be hotter.
L. Café em chávena fria: Exactly the opposite of the previous one. Those who drink it want the coffee less hot. Often the waiter rinses the cup with water before pulling the coffee.
M. Café com cheirinho: The famous “cheirinho” means a bit of brandy in the coffee. Some believe this drink works as a digestive.
N. Café sem ponta: The coffee is pulled normally, but the cup is only filled after the first drops of coffee come out.
O. Café com gotas de limão: A regular coffee with a few drops of lemon. Some believe it helps with headaches.
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