French Coffee Culture: Names, Types, and How to Order
When you think of French culture, sipping a coffee at a sidewalk café might be one of the first images that comes to mind. The French have a special way of appreciating coffee, with unique names, types, and rituals surrounding it. Here’s a guide to ordering and understanding French coffee, so you can blend in at any French café, from the traditional French café to the trendiest Parisian coffee shop.
Popular Types of French Coffee
Un Café
The simplest way to order a coffee in France is to ask for “un café.” This will get you a small espresso shot, strong and intense, perfect first thing in the morning for a quick caffeine hit.
Un Café Allongé
If you prefer a little more water, ask for “un café allongé.” This is similar to an Italian coffee called an Americano. It’s a single shot of espresso with extra hot water, perfect if you want to sip longer without the strength of a full espresso.
Un Café Crème
If you like milk in your coffee, ask for a grand crème. Served in a larger cup with steamed milk, it’s a good option for those who love the smooth texture of coffee mixed with milk.
Un Cafe au Lait
For a milky coffee experience, ask for a cafe au lait, the French version of a café latte. This is in a larger cup with steamed milk but milkier than the cafe creme. In some coffee shops, usually the more modern ones or coffee chains, latte’s are also offered.
Un Café Noisette
Like Italy’s macchiato, the café noisette is an espresso with just a dash of hot milk, creating a nutty colour (hence the name “noisette,” meaning hazelnut). This is ideal if you want a bit of creaminess without the full-on milky coffee experience.
Un Café Américain
If you’re looking for something closest to an American cup of joe, order a café américain. It’s brewed to be lighter than espresso but still has the strength that French people appreciate.
Un Déca
For a decaffeinated coffee, simply ask for “un déca.” This option lets you enjoy all the flavour without the caffeine buzz.
Un Café Gourmand
A café gourmand is more than just a coffee; it’s a little treat in itself! It typically includes a shot of espresso served with a selection of French pastries or desserts. This is a popular coffee order for dessert lovers in French restaurants.
French Coffee Orders for Different Tastes
For those who enjoy experimenting, there are various other options, each with unique twists on the classic coffee. Some examples include café viennois (similar to Vienna coffee, topped with whipped cream) and irish coffee (a mix of coffee, whiskey, and cream for a bolder, warming choice).
Iced Coffee in France
When it comes to iced coffee, the French have their version too. During warmer months, you’ll find café glacé or iced coffee in local cafes or speciality coffee shops. Often served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat, this is an ideal summer refreshment.
How to Order Like a Local
Knowing a few essential phrases can make ordering your coffee more enjoyable and add to the authentic experience. Here’s a handy guide to ordering coffee in French:
- Je voudrais un café, s’il vous plaît – I would like a coffee, please.
- Je vais prendre un café crème – I’ll have a café crème.
- Un café noisette, s’il vous plaît – A noisette coffee, please.
French waiters often appreciate a polite approach, so it’s a good idea to add “s’il vous plaît” at the end of your order.
Coffee Culture at the Café
French cafes are more than just places to grab a coffee, they’re part of the social fabric. You’ll find locals and tourists alike enjoying sips of coffee at a leisurely pace on a café terrace, watching the world go by. Unlike in the United States, where coffee is often ordered to-go, the French prefer to sit and enjoy their coffee with friends or a book. For French people, the best way to drink coffee is to savour it slowly.
Coffee Etiquette Tips
- Don’t expect soy milk or non-dairy options at every café; while they’re increasingly available, many traditional cafes stick to whole milk.
- Avoid requesting a “double shot of espresso” or “extra hot water” unless you’re in a more modern specialty coffee shop.
- At French cafes, it’s common to simply say “un café” when ordering. While coffee snobs might request specific types of coffee beans or mention a preferred French roast, the classic espresso or allongé is typically the standard order.
Embracing the French Coffee Experience
French coffee culture is about more than just the drink itself, it’s about pausing, connecting, and appreciating the present. Whether ordering a café noir or indulging in a café au lait, embracing these traditions can add a new depth to your coffee experience. Next time you’re at a neighbourhood café or a French café terrace, take the opportunity to slow down, sip, and enjoy French coffee the French way.
