For Brazilians, coffee is the perfect ending to any meal, often accompanied by a sweet treat or milk. In Italy, however, coffee is an institution with specific times and customs. With experiential tourism booming, knowing how to behave like a local is essential.Eat an ItalianThis is what truly sets the modern traveler apart.
Check out the 5 rules every Brazilian needs to know before entering a Bar (which in Italy is the place to have coffee):
1. Cappuccino has a specific time (and it's early!)
This is rule number one. For an Italian, milk is considered a heavy food that helps with satiety at breakfast. Therefore, ordering a cappuccino after 11 am (And especially after lunch) is seen as a geographical error. Post-meal coffee is always the All espresso brewing methods Pure, to aid digestion.
2. At the counter or at a table? The price changes.
In Brazil, the price is the same wherever you sit. In Italy, there is... Price at the Bank (at the counter) and the Price at the Table (on the table).
- The tip: If you just want a quick coffee, drink it standing at the counter. If you sit down, be aware that you will pay a service charge (coperto) that can triple the price of the drink.
3. Coffee "to go"? Almost never.
Although large chains are trying to change this, the quintessential Italian still sees coffee as a short break. The concept of walking down the street with a giant paper cup (American style) is not part of the culture. Coffee is served in hot ceramic cups to be consumed right there, in a sip or two.
4. The glass of water has an order.
Many bars serve a small glass of water with the espresso. The common mistake? Drinking the water after the coffee.
- The rule: Water is used to cleanse the palate before coffee, so you can taste all the notes of the bean. If you drink it afterwards, you're telling the barista that the coffee was bad and you want to get rid of the taste!
5. “Latte” is not what you think.
If you go to a bar and order just a "Latte," you'll receive a glass of pure, chilled milkIn Brazil, we associate the word with coffee with creamy milk. In Italy, if you want the full drink, order a... Caffè Latte or a Latte Macchiato .
