Traveling internationally is a boatload of fun, but you do always have to make sure you brush up on your etiquette before you leave. But hey, good news: If you're leaving on a jet plane anytime soon, this “coffee etiquette around the world” infographic will tell you everything you need to know about how to order and enjoy your coffee while you're abroad. When in Rome, right? Especially when you're literally there.
I'll be honest: When it comes to food and drink, I'm pretty much always of the Reese's Peanut Butter Cups school of thought — that is, there's no wrong way to do it. If it tastes good to you, then go ahead and eat, drink, and be merry. I realize, however, that not everyone follows this philosophy; things get particularly thorny when you leave the shores of your homeland and venture abroad, too, so for that reason, this etiquette guide is enormously useful.
A few takeaways:
- Dunking is acceptable in France, but only if the following three conditions are met: It's a cafe au lait served in a wide mug, you're eating a croissant, and it's morning.
- Don't expect a fast coffee in Ethiopia. Think of it more like British high tea or a Japanese tea ceremony: There's a whole ritual that goes along with it, so it'll take at least an hour.
- There's no need to order espresso to go in Italy. The proper way to drink an Italian espresso is quickly while standing at the bar, so who needs a to-go cup? Also, it's really just not done there, so it's probably best avoided.
- You try to see your fortune in your coffee grounds in Turkey. Fun fact: There's actually a word for reading fortunes in things like coffee grounds and tea leaves, and that word is “tasseography.”
Check out the full infographic below:
Image: FoodPackignLabels.net
