Around the World in 80 sips of Coffee!
Coffee is one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world, enjoyed by millions of people each day. It’s often the centerpiece of our morning routines, after-dinner rituals, and social gatherings. However, coffee isn’t just enjoyed on its own – it’s often paired with an accompaniment, whether it’s a sweet treat, a light snack, or even a savory dish.
OK not 80 sips but we will explore 20 different global accompaniments to coffee, highlighting the diverse ways in which coffee is paired with food and other beverages around the world.
- Croissants – France
The croissant is a classic French pastry that is often paired with coffee. The flaky, buttery layers of the croissant are the perfect complement to a rich and bold coffee, making it a staple of the French breakfast. - Biscotti – Italy
In Italy, biscotti is often paired with coffee for a mid-morning snack or an afternoon pick-me-up. The crunchy texture of the biscotti is a perfect contrast to the smooth and creamy coffee, making it a popular choice for coffee lovers. - Doughnuts – USA
In the United States, doughnuts are a popular choice for pairing with coffee. Whether it’s a classic glazed doughnut or a more creative flavor, the sweetness of the doughnut complements the bitter notes of the coffee, creating a delicious and satisfying snack. - Cardamom Buns – Scandinavia
In Scandinavia, the concept of fika, which means “to have coffee,” is a time-honored tradition. One of the most popular accompaniments to coffee during fika is the cardamom bun, a sweet and spicy pastry that is the perfect complement to a rich and bold coffee. - Baklava – Turkey
In Turkey, coffee is often paired with a sweet treat like baklava. The flaky layers of the baklava are filled with nuts and honey, creating a sweet and crunchy accompaniment to the strong and flavorful Turkish coffee. - Empanadas – Latin America
In Latin America, empanadas are a popular choice for pairing with coffee. These savory pastries are filled with a variety of ingredients, including cheese, meat, and vegetables, making them a satisfying and filling snack to enjoy with coffee. - Danishes – Denmark
In Denmark, danishes are a popular accompaniment to coffee. The flaky layers of the danish are filled with sweet and creamy fillings like fruit, chocolate, and cream cheese, making it a sweet and indulgent snack to enjoy with coffee. - Beignets – New Orleans
In New Orleans, beignets are a popular accompaniment to coffee. These fried dough pastries are dusted with powdered sugar, creating a sweet and indulgent snack that is the perfect complement to a rich and bold coffee. - Iced Coffee and Sweet Treats – Southeast Asia
In Southeast Asia, iced coffee is the drink of choice, especially in the hot and humid weather. The iced coffee is made with sweetened condensed milk, giving it a rich and creamy flavor, and it’s often served with a variety of sweet treats like cake or mochi. - Churros – Spain
In Spain, churros and coffee is a classic breakfast combination that is widely enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. Churros are long, thin fried dough pastries that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. They are often dusted with cinnamon sugar and served hot with a cup of rich and bold Spanish coffee, which is traditionally brewed using dark roasted coffee beans. The contrast between the sweet and crisp churros and the bitter and bold coffee creates a delicious and satisfying experience that is a staple of Spanish breakfast culture. - Cinnamon Rolls – Sweden
In Sweden, coffee and cinnamon rolls are a popular breakfast combination. Cinnamon rolls, also known as “kanelbullar,” are sweet, fluffy pastries that are made with a yeast dough and filled with cinnamon and sugar. They are often topped with a creamy icing, adding an extra layer of sweetness to the pastry. - Pastéis de Nata – Portugal
In Portugal, Pastéis de Nata and coffee is a popular and beloved breakfast combination. Pastéis de Nata, also known as Portuguese Custard Tarts, are small, flaky pastries filled with a creamy custard filling made from eggs, sugar, and cinnamon. The crispy and flaky pastry dough is perfectly balanced with the sweet and creamy custard filling, making it a beloved treat in Portugal. - Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels – Germany
In Germany, Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels and coffee is a popular and beloved breakfast combination. Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels, also known as “Zimtschnecken,” are soft, fluffy, and sweet pretzels that are coated with a mixture of sugar and cinnamon. They are often served warm and are a popular treat in Germany. The sweet and spicy Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels are paired with a hot cup of German coffee, which is traditionally brewed using dark roasted coffee beans.. - Conchas – Mexico
In Mexico, Conchos and coffee is a popular breakfast combination. Conchos are a type of sweet, fluffy, and round pastry that are similar to a cinnamon roll. They are often made with a yeast dough that is rolled out and filled with a mixture of cinnamon, sugar, and butter. The dough is then formed into a round shape and baked until golden brown. - Donuts – Japan
In Japan, Donuts and coffee is a popular breakfast combination. Japanese-style donuts, also known as “dōnuts,” are similar to American-style donuts but are often lighter, fluffier, and less sweet. They come in a variety of flavors and fillings, including matcha green tea, sweet potato, and chocolate. The coffee is typically brewed using a drip method, producing a smooth and rich flavor that pairs well with the light and fluffy donuts. - Waffles – Belgium
In Belgium, Waffles and coffee is a popular and beloved breakfast combination. Belgian-style waffles, also known as “gaufres,” are crisp, light, and fluffy waffles that are often served with a variety of toppings, including whipped cream, fruit, and syrup. The coffee’s rich and bitter flavor balances the sweetness of the waffles, creating a delicious and satisfying breakfast experience. - Strudel – Austria.
In Austria, strudel is a popular dessert often served with coffee. Apple strudel is one of the most well-known variations, but there are also many other types of strudel with sweet or savory fillings. The combination of strudel and coffee is a staple of Austrian cuisine and a common treat enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. - Brigadeiros – Brazil
In Brazil, coffee is often accompanied by sweets such as biscuits, cakes, or brigadeiros (chocolate truffles). Breads like pão de queijo (cheese bread) and coxinhas (chicken-filled doughnuts) are also popular as accompaniments to coffee. Additionally, cafe com leite (coffee with milk) is a common drink in Brazil and can be served alongside these snacks. - Sweet Pastries – Cuba
In Cuba, coffee is often accompanied by sweet pastries, such as croissants or guava pastries. Cuban toast, also known as pan cubano, is another common accompaniment to coffee. Cuban coffee is strong and sweet, and is typically served in small cups. - Fried Dough Sticks – Thailand
In Thailand, coffee is usually accompanied by sweet treats like fried dough sticks, mango sticky rice, or fried bananas. Thai iced coffee, which is made with sweetened condensed milk, is also a popular drink. Snacks like savory custard buns or sesame balls may also be served with coffee.
