What is real Greek coffee?
Drinking coffee in Greece is not just a familiar ritual, but an important component of lifestyle. Here they will never drink it on the run and are unlikely to pour it into a plastic cup. In a word, coffee and the rush for the Greeks are absolutely incompatible - and this attitude becomes noticeable almost immediately when you step on the land of Hellas.
On average, 5.5 kg of coffee is produced per person in Greece per year. Thus, in terms of its consumption, a small country with a population of about 11 million people occupies 15th place in the world.
The Greeks can not imagine life without a cup of fragrant black drink - and in the country there are many original variations of its preparation. The most famous of them are three: Elliniko, Frappe and Freddo.
Elliniko
Real Greek coffee is brewed in a classic cezve from finely ground beans. Coffee "dust" is added to already hot water, the liquid is allowed to boil. As the thicker settles to the bottom, the drink acquires a thick and velvety taste. They serve Elliniko hot in small cups with thick walls or traditionally in copper cup holders on a copper platter - so it stays hot longer.
Since the finished Elliniko turns out to be rich and strong, many Greeks prefer to add sugar in it in different proportions:
metrios (1 teaspoon of sugar);
glykos (2 tablespoons);
variglykos (very sweet, more than 2 tablespoons);
sketos (sugar free).
About how sweet Elliniko you would like to try, the barista must be said in advance, otherwise he will add one or two tablespoons to his taste.
Frappe
Although the truly iconic Frappe, or iced coffee in Greek, was in the 60s of the last century, it remains incredibly popular in the country. All you need to make it is instant coffee, cold water or milk, sugar and ice. All ingredients are mixed in a shaker, the finished drink is poured into a tall glass and decorated with fruit slices or berries. It is customary to drink it through a straw and, as always, without rushing.
In Greece you can find various Frappe recipes, for example, with the addition of vanilla ice cream instead of milk. However, all the adherents of this coffee agree on one thing - it is very healthy. The Greeks say that Frappe helps to get tired less and be more hardy, reduces hunger and even lowers blood sugar.
Freddo Cappuccino and Freddo Espresso
This is the newest type of coffee that appeared in Greece - it is prepared, like Frappe, with the addition of ice cubes and is very popular in the summer months. Greek youth is especially fond of such a cold coffee cocktail.
To make Freddo a cappuccino, you need a double portion of freshly brewed coffee, sugar, milk, and, of course, ice - it is put in a glass almost to the middle. Coffee and whipped heavy milk are poured on top. The cocktail is decorated with chocolate chips or cinnamon.
Freddo espresso is prepared similarly, only without the addition of milk.
Where drink coffee in Greece
To try real Greek coffee, you should head to one of two typical local establishments: a cafeteria or a cafenio.
Cafeterias are very popular and are located in all major cities. These are traditional places where, in addition to an extensive coffee list, there is a menu with Greek desserts and snacks. Here you can enjoy your evening with friends and in solitude, reading a book or newspaper. In spring and summer, cafeterias set tables on the street, and at night they often work like bars. This is partly due to the average age of visitors - Greeks over 35 years old are not frequent guests in the cafeteria.
Cafenio, in turn, is authentic Greek cafes, which at all times have been a meeting place for residents, discussions and heart-to-heart talks. Historically, it was men who were going to kafenio: to relax after a hard day's work, report news, play backgammon and, of course, have coffee. It is not surprising that the situation here was and remains as simple as possible.
Although cafeterias have almost completely supplanted cafes from large cities, cafes are still easy to find in Greek provinces. People come here to meet friends, discuss sports or politics. As a rule, the audience of Kafenio is constant and already middle-aged - everyone knows each other well and can communicate directly.
The most famous Greek coffee
Not so many in GreeceGo of famous coffee brands, such as in Belgium or Austria. But there is a special brand in the country that has become a subject of national pride - Loumidis Papagalos (“Lumidis Papagalos”). That is what tourists most often choose when they decide which coffee to bring from Greece as a gift.
The history of the brand began at the beginning of the 20th century, when three brothers opened a small store in Athens. In addition to other goods, coffee was also sold there. Expanding gradually, by the beginning of the 21st century, the family business turned into a large grocery company, whose branches operate in different parts of the world.
Greek coffee "Lumidis Papagalos", or as it is also called, "coffee with a parrot", is made from a mixture of arabica and robusta and has a rich aroma characteristic of these varieties and rich taste. Sold in packages of three different colors: green, black and red - varies in degrees of roasting.
To see the best range of Lumidis products, you should visit the brand's brand store in Athens - Loumidis Coffee Shop (106 Eolou). Here you can choose a wide variety of gifts: from beautifully packaged sets of tea, coffee and sweets to all kinds of coffee accessories.
And in Crete, the most popular brand is Dandalis, named after its founder Alekos Dandalis. A pack of coffee (750 grams) costs around 1011 €. You can buy it both in branded bundles in stores, and by weight. Therefore, if you are considering what kind of coffee to buy in Greece, Dandalis will also be a worthy souvenir option.
Where to have coffee in Athens
Athens has many cozy and beautiful coffee houses where you can immerse yourself in the traditional Greek atmosphere, relax and have a cup or two of fine coffee. Among the most famous places in the city there are three cafes that are traditionally popular with tourists.
Coffee island
An excellent cafe in the city center near Monastiraki Square offers a large selection of desserts and sandwiches, delicious milkshakes and, of course, perfectly prepared coffee. A cup of aromatic drink costs 1.10-1.40 €. Takeaway coffee with you
Cafe lycabettus
Located on Mount Lykavittos, the cafe boasts gorgeous views of the Acropolis and other attractions of Athens. Another “feature” of the restaurant is the delicious Frappe and Freddo espresso, which are so pleasant to savor while admiring the surroundings. The cost of drinks is 4-5 €.
Cave of acropolis
In the tavern at the very foot of the Acropolis you can taste traditional Greek dishes and drinks. Greek coffee, Freddo cappuccino and Freddo espresso, Frappe with ice cream cost from 2 to 4,50 €
