Discover the best of coffee around the world

Consumed by millions on a daily basis, coffee is a globally enjoyed beverage, whether the purpose encompasses a shot of energy, or as a side beverage to enjoy over a lengthy chat. Starting its journey as a small seed, it continues down the chain to be picked, roasted, ground and finally brewed into the delicious cup of rich liquid we all enjoy. Although enjoyed by millions around the globe, everyone’s experience of coffee differs. With a surplus of variations available to make, and different types of coffee beans growing on our planet, every nation likes to put their own little twist on their cup of coffee and coffee around the world differs greatly. Some, bitterly delicious, other sweet and rich, here are some of the different types of enjoyed coffee around the world:

1. Turkey – Türk kahvesi

Deeply ingrained into their culture, Turkish coffee is made to enjoy with others. To make this rich, aromatic and strong cup of coffee, finely ground unfiltered coffee grounds are traditionally cooked in a small metal pot called cezve along with any desired sugar. Served in ornate cups, coffee is often enjoyed with others over a long conversation.

2. Mexico – Café de ollo

This spiced coffee is an absolute treat Sweet with a spicy kick, this coffee is brewed in a clay pot with cinnamon and piloncillo; the rawest form of sugar cane. It is served on similar clay mugs. Some recipes call for the addition of cloves and oranges, however, most households keep it sweet and simple.

3. Sweden – Kaffeost

The North of Sweden serves up one of the most unique coffee combinations. The Sami people of Swedish Lapland warm themselves up with cups of coffee served with Kaffeost – cheese curds. The cheese curds are often dipped and mixed directly into the coffee. Although it may sound slightly odd, the Sami people love the combination and thoroughly enjoy the treat.

4. Hong Kong - Yuengyang

A beautiful fusion of two loved beverages, Yuenyang combines tea and coffee to create a delicious blend. This drink is served throughout Hongkong and is a fine balance between tea and coffee. Mixing together the perfect ratio of both is crucial in making the perfect cup of Yuengyang. Many say that if the perfect balance is reached, it will neither taste like black tea or coffee, but rather like a blend of chai (milky tea) and hot chocolate

5. Vietnam - Cà phê (sữa) đá

As the second largest coffee producing country on the globe, it is no surprise that Vietnam serves up some of the best coffee and in the best way possible as well. Although commonly Arabica coffee beans are sought after, Vietnamese coffee uses Robusta coffee beans, With a higher caffeine kick, higher acidity and a stronger brew, the Robusta coffee beans provide a different and distinctive taste

The Vietnamese artfully transform this often bitter coffee into a beautiful steaming cup of creamy coffee that perfectly balances the dark, rich bitterness of the coffee beans with the sweetness of the creamy condensed milk.

This coffee is prepared using the drip method. Traditionally it is brewed using a phin filter which is set up to filter the coffee and slowly catch the drops of brewed coffee. Sweetened condensed milk is then either added to the coffee or is already present in the cup to perfectly counterbalance the dark aromatic coffee. This method of making coffee forces one to stop and savour the experience of enjoying the coffee.

Some coffee shops also add whipped egg whites and yoghurt to the coffee for an even more unique coffee experience.

Here is a recipe on how to make Vietnamese coffee for you to enjoy from the comfort of your home:

How to make Vietnamese coffee:

Ingredients:

• 3tbsp Vietnamese coffee (ground)
• 170 - 220 ml of water 
• 1-3 tbsp of condensed milk

Method:

1. Distribute the coffee evenly into the filter. Do not shake the filter or your filter may become clogged
2. Pour a desired amount of sweetened condensed milk into the bottom of a mug/glass
3. Place the filter over the glass and pour two tbsp of hot, almost boiling water into the filter. Wait for 5 seconds to "bloom" the coffee. The coffee grounds will expand slightly. 
4. Gently press on the filter to compress the bloomed coffee. This will give a more flavourful coffee.
5. Slowly pour the remaining of the water into the filter.
6. Wait for around 5 minutes for the coffee to finish brewing and dripping into the cup
7. Remove the filter and then stir to mix the coffee and the condensed milk together. 
8. Enjoy!!

If making coffee at home doesn't appeal to you, then instant Vietnamese coffee is also an amazing option. Easy, fast and just as delicious, instant Vietnamese coffee brings culture into your homes in a matter of a few seconds. At Sing Kee, we now offer Vietnamese Instant coffee packs for you to enjoy Vietnamese coffee without the hassle. Go and check them out over here.