Many of us are united by the same daily routine: starting the morning with a cup of coffee. Not only does it provide that energetic boost, but it also has a host of health benefits, making it the most widely consumed psychoactive substance. But beyond its miraculous biological effects, coffee is also intertwined with intriguing cultural practices.
From the bold, distinctive flavor of Turkish coffee to the lesser-known Vietnamese coffee called Bạc Xỉu and the boozy German drink Pharisaeer Kaffee, there’s beauty in the way different cultures sip and taste. So when you’re in a coffee-heavy region, it pays to ditch the standard order and sample it the way it’s done locally. If you’re in France, for example, it’s all about espresso-based drinks.
So if drip or filter coffee is your go-to, you might want to rethink your order when in France. Most cafes don’t even make it, and if they do, it’s probably made exclusively for tourists. There’s a French name for it: café filtré. However, locals looking for a similar experience almost always opt for the Americano-style café allongé.
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The French prefer espresso-based coffee
As in other parts of Europe, espresso culture is ubiquitous in France. In neighboring Spain, the most common order is a milky café con leche with an espresso base, and we all know how much Italians love espresso. The French also prefer their joe on the intense and concentrated side. Simply ask for “un café” and you’ll be served a shot of espresso, also known as café noir and café express. And don’t expect a cup to go; the culture is to enjoy the drink on the spot. In fact, it’s an all-day ritual, and not even limited to the morning. There’s probably an espresso shot after lunch, and even after dinner.
It is therefore not surprising that a large filter coffee does not quite fit into such a framework. If you still want something softer and with milk, you can always opt for a café crème, which is served with frothed milk. And exclusively for home, there is the milkier and larger café au lait. So there are actually a number of French coffee drinks that you should try at least once, and filter coffee is not one of them.
Read the original article on Tasting Table.
