How 10 Chefs from 10 Different Countries Make Coffee

From the ceremonial to the everyday, ten chefs from ten different countries come together to share the unique and cherished ways they prepare their coffee. This journey across the globe reveals that a simple cup of coffee is not just a beverage, but a rich tapestry of tradition, nostalgia, and personal taste.

France: The Art of the French Press

For the French, coffee is an integral part of their DNA, a tradition often starting in the early teenage years. The preferred method is the French press, which allows the coffee grounds to be fully immersed in water, resulting in a brew rich with oils and a full-bodied flavor. Using a coarse grind of Colombian coffee beans and water heated to a precise 200°F to avoid bitterness, the coffee is steeped for five to six minutes. The result is often enjoyed as a "café au lait," with gently warmed and foamed milk, served in a wide, traditional bowl perfect for dipping croissants and baguettes.

Nigeria: The Comfort of Nescafé

In Nigeria, the go-to coffee is Nescafé, often prepared by "mallams" at bustling street-side kiosks. This version is a simple yet satisfying blend of instant coffee, a generous amount of sugar, and Carnation evaporated milk. A unique technique involves pouring the hot mixture back and forth between two cups from a height, a process that cools the drink and ensures all the ingredients are perfectly blended. For many, this sweet and creamy drink is a powerful taste of home.

United States: The Classic Drip Coffee

The quintessential American coffee experience often involves a straightforward cup of drip coffee, customized to individual preference. Using whole beans like a Mocha Java blend, the coffee is ground to a fine, but not espresso-fine, consistency. Brewed in an automatic drip machine, where hot water sprays over the grounds in a filter, the ideal cup is dark and robust. A splash of half-and-half is the classic addition, lending a luxurious and creamy texture that evokes a sense of nostalgia and comfort.

Japan: The Elegance of Siphon Coffee

In Japan, siphon coffee is a popular and almost ceremonial experience, often enjoyed in traditional cafes known as "kissaten." This vacuum brewing method involves a two-chambered glass siphon. Water in the bottom chamber is heated, forcing it into the top chamber where it mixes with precisely ground coffee beans. After a brief brewing period, the heat is removed, and the brewed coffee is drawn back down through a cloth filter. This meticulous process yields a smooth, aromatic coffee with a clean taste, best enjoyed black to appreciate its full potential.

Algeria: The Original Iced Coffee, Mazagran

Algeria lays claim to the world's first iced coffee, the "Mazagran." This strong, sweet, and refreshing beverage has its roots with soldiers during the colonial era. Brewed using a traditional moka pot to create a very strong, almost chocolatey espresso, the hot coffee is poured over ice. A significant amount of sugar and the juice of fresh lemon are added to cut through the bitterness, creating a unique coffee lemonade. Served with a lemon wedge, it’s a vibrant and invigorating drink.

India: The Frothy "Tick-Tick Coffee"

Known affectionately as "Tick-Tick Coffee" due to the sound made during its preparation, this Indian style of coffee is a lesson in emulsion. It starts with instant coffee and sugar, to which a tiny amount of water is added. The mixture is then whipped vigorously with a spoon until it transforms into a pale, thick, and frothy paste. Hot milk is poured into this emulsion, creating a light, smoky, sweet, and wonderfully milky coffee that is a comforting taste of home.

China: Nostalgic Three-in-One

While tea is the dominant beverage in Chinese culture, many grew up with the convenience and sweet taste of three-in-one instant coffee. These packets, containing coffee, creamer, and sugar, offer a taste of nostalgia and are making a comeback. The preparation is as simple as it gets: empty the packet into a mug, add hot water, and stir. The result is a sweet, dessert-like drink perfect for after a meal.

Turkey: A Rich Tradition and a Fortune to Tell

Turkish coffee holds a significant place in the culture, woven into daily life and special ceremonies. It is prepared by cooking finely ground, medium-roast coffee in a special pot called a "cezve." Water is measured using the coffee mug, and a teaspoon of coffee is added per cup. The mixture is heated slowly, and just as it begins to foam and rise, it's poured into cups, ensuring each gets a share of the prized foam. Served with a glass of water to cleanse the palate, this strong coffee is meant to be sipped slowly. The tradition extends even after the coffee is finished, as the remaining grounds are often used for fortune-telling.

Mexico: Spiced and Sweet Cafe de Olla

"Cafe de Olla" is a traditional Mexican coffee, often made with instant coffee, cinnamon, and "piloncillo" (unrefined whole cane sugar). Water is brought to a boil in a pot with a cinnamon stick and the piloncillo until the sugar dissolves. The instant coffee is then stirred in. This aromatic and sweet coffee is traditionally served in a wide bowl, perfect for dipping bread, and its warm, spiced aroma is a cherished morning memory for many.

Ecuador: An Aromatic, Spiced Brew

Thanks to its equatorial location, Ecuador produces some of the world's finest coffee. A traditional preparation involves boiling water with cinnamon sticks and anise to create a fragrant base. This aromatic water is then used to make a pour-over coffee using a cloth filter, often referred to as a "sock." The medium-grind coffee, from regions like Loja, is placed in the filter, and the spiced water is slowly poured over it. The resulting brew is a delightful blend of coffee, cinnamon, and anise aromas, typically enjoyed black with a little sugar.