Fun fact: Pretty much all of the robusta beans in Spain come from Vietnam. And the arábica beans from Brazil. I lived believing we drank Colombian coffee carried on a donkey by Juan Valdez! ;)
“Latin Americans get the side eye when they order with overly flowery language and a smile”. That good old-fashioned Spanish racism is now called “side eye”?
True. Some Spaniards are finally coming to terms with their racist past and present. But I’ve seen many Spaniards give more than side eye to Latinos and it has nothing to do with language.
Any tips on how to order (and get) a Manzanilla (sherry). Asking for Manzanilla only seems to work in Sanlucar de Barrameda. Imagine my disappointment when a camomile tea arrives everywhere else.
Gracias. I have found asking for a well known brand can be a good strategy. My pronunciation of "Vermut" meets confused stares but "Martini Rojo" usually brings results.
I love your post, thank you! I always say “americano”🤣. Also I’m in love with cortado. And in Valencia we say “cafe del tiempo” when we want it with ice)
Great post. Despite trying not to, I'm guilty of throwing in far too many 'por favors' and 'gracias.' I was once told off for it - 'Every time you say thank you, I have to answer. Please stop.' I love barraquitos on Tenerife, but ordering one can get complicated. In some parts of the north of Tenerife, it's called zaperoco. Even the locals can't agree when to call it a barraquito and when to call it a zaperoco.
Excellent article, Blanca. I’m looking forward to experiencing Spanish coffee culture in person with you someday! Coffee and sugar packets with proverbs :)
Amazing article! You have described the coffee culture in Spain very well. I liked the description of the “bar de toda la vida”, or “cafeteria/bar de barrio”, as we say in Madrid. It's true that you can take a “café con leche (en vaso)” there about 1.50€ and breakfasts with toast or a brioche for 2.50€. I didn’t know the Asian coffee of Cartagena, but I have found some places that serve it in Madrid. I have found two bars where you can take Asian coffee in my quartier.
I really enjoyed this run-through!Café bombón is magical and highly addictive - and I don’t even like sweet coffee. I think it must just be part of my Murcian heritage like rice and Licor 43.
Fun fact: Pretty much all of the robusta beans in Spain come from Vietnam. And the arábica beans from Brazil. I lived believing we drank Colombian coffee carried on a donkey by Juan Valdez! ;)
Wow how interesting! Thanks for sharing that fact Mateo.
“Latin Americans get the side eye when they order with overly flowery language and a smile”. That good old-fashioned Spanish racism is now called “side eye”?
Thanks Danny for reading. I disagree with your opinion though.
Spanish laws including the law of grandchildren and the latest Sanchez led regularización of immigrants point to the contrary.
True. Some Spaniards are finally coming to terms with their racist past and present. But I’ve seen many Spaniards give more than side eye to Latinos and it has nothing to do with language.
I’ve been ordering coffee in Spain for over 20 years- this review is authentic
Thanks John!
Any tips on how to order (and get) a Manzanilla (sherry). Asking for Manzanilla only seems to work in Sanlucar de Barrameda. Imagine my disappointment when a camomile tea arrives everywhere else.
I’d settle for fino / ask for Tio Pepe! Or try : me pone una manzanilla de Sanlucar de Barrameda?
Gracias. I have found asking for a well known brand can be a good strategy. My pronunciation of "Vermut" meets confused stares but "Martini Rojo" usually brings results.
I love your post, thank you! I always say “americano”🤣. Also I’m in love with cortado. And in Valencia we say “cafe del tiempo” when we want it with ice)
Thanks. I love that Valencian incongruency!
Lots of little sugar sachets down here in Axarquia.
Spanish fortune cookies!
also share some photos!
Cafe con hielo is cafe del tiempo here in Valencia.
Interesting!
Great post. Despite trying not to, I'm guilty of throwing in far too many 'por favors' and 'gracias.' I was once told off for it - 'Every time you say thank you, I have to answer. Please stop.' I love barraquitos on Tenerife, but ordering one can get complicated. In some parts of the north of Tenerife, it's called zaperoco. Even the locals can't agree when to call it a barraquito and when to call it a zaperoco.
It’s funny this happens that they give out! My South American and irish friends always despair. What is polite is a social construct.
I only had barraquitos in Santa Cruz interesting they use different names on the island. I will add zaperoco! Thanks Jack.
¿Y trifásico? ¿Y, en Catalunya, cigaló?
Los añado gracias!
Loved this - thank you.
(I'd only add Valencia's version of the carajillo: the cremaet)
Gracias!
Omg- leave it to you to write a Spanish coffee thesis! Amazing.
haha. I could have written one article just on decaf de sobre! thanks for reading!
Excellent article, Blanca. I’m looking forward to experiencing Spanish coffee culture in person with you someday! Coffee and sugar packets with proverbs :)
Thanks Lori!
Amazing article! You have described the coffee culture in Spain very well. I liked the description of the “bar de toda la vida”, or “cafeteria/bar de barrio”, as we say in Madrid. It's true that you can take a “café con leche (en vaso)” there about 1.50€ and breakfasts with toast or a brioche for 2.50€. I didn’t know the Asian coffee of Cartagena, but I have found some places that serve it in Madrid. I have found two bars where you can take Asian coffee in my quartier.
Thanks Kika for reading!
I really enjoyed this run-through!Café bombón is magical and highly addictive - and I don’t even like sweet coffee. I think it must just be part of my Murcian heritage like rice and Licor 43.
Thanks Claire! Café Bombón is my sure way to siesta. Licor 43 rocks.
And of course Murcian Calasparra rice is a dream!