Croatian Learning Community and Resources

I Would Like a Coffee, Please/ Molim Vas Jednu Kavu!

Coffee culture is an integral part of Croatian society, and it is common for Croatians to consume several cups of coffee daily. In fact, it is considered a social norm to offer guests a cup of coffee upon arriving at someone's home. There are many different ways to enjoy coffee in Croatia, and here are a few things to know about drinking coffee in our country. As well, drinking a cup of coffee is not so much about the coffee, but about socialising, so make sure you're taking one with good company and not in a rush! 

Photo: Unsplash

One popular way to enjoy coffee in Croatia is by ordering a 'kava' at a local café. Kava is a strong, espresso-style coffee that is served in a small cup. It is often consumed quickly, as it is considered rude to linger over a cup of kava for too long, although we do it frequently, waiters don’t approve of that. 

Photo: Unsplash

The second most popular is probably a ‘macchiato'- a coffee made with a small amount of espresso and a dollop of foam on top. And if you want to complicate it a little bit more, there is a small and big macchiato.  

In Croatia, it is also common to find 'kava s mlijekom', or coffee with milk. This type of coffee is similar to a latte and is often served in a tall glass with steamed milk. It can be made with warm ('kava s toplim mlijekom') or cold milk ('kava s hladnim mlijekom' ), so make sure the waiter knows which one you prefer when ordering. 

Photo: Unsplash

Not that common, but offered in every place, there is also an 'americano'- a coffee made with espresso and hot water, resulting in a drink that is similar in strength to drip coffee.  

In addition to traditional coffee, Croatia is also home to many coffee shops which offer a range of specialty coffee drinks such as 'lattes', 'cappuccinos', and 'mochas'. These coffee drinks are made with espresso and milk, and are often flavored with syrups or spices. The most common one is cappuccino- a coffee made with espresso, steamed milk, and a generous amount of foam. A latte is a quite late variation for Croatia- a coffee made with espresso and steamed milk, topped with a thin layer of foam. Mocha is available in coffee shops that offer more diverse coffees, consisting of a coffee made with espresso, steamed milk, and chocolate syrup, and often topped with whipped cream.  

If you are visiting Croatia during the summer months, you may also come across 'ledena kava', or iced coffee. This refreshing drink is made by brewing strong coffee and then pouring it over ice and sometimes even ice cream.  

There are more particular coffees as well. For example, in Split area is still popular a sweet version of 'kava sa šlagom' consists of fan espresso and cold whipped cream. People from the Dalmatian area preferred the typical cream, made by a Croatian national ice cream company. 

Photo: Unsplash

If you rather drink your coffee at home, the most common way to do it was the traditional coffee made in a stovetop coffee pot called a 'džezva' which is typically served in small cups. It is made by adding finely ground coffee to the pot, along with water and sugar to taste. The mixture is then stirred and heated until it reaches a boil, at which point it is poured into the cups. Coffee is an integral part of Croatian culture, with a rich history dating back to the 16th century, and drinking it at home is almost obligatory. And when having a headache, Croatian people would recommend drinking coffee with lemon juice. 
 
Overall, coffee is an important part of Croatian culture and a social and enjoyable experience, with a variety of traditional and specialty coffee drinks available for people to enjoy. Whether you prefer a strong, bold espresso or a sweet, milky latte, there is a type of coffee in Croatia to suit every taste.