Bangladesh
Bangladesh's coffee culture is rapidly evolving, especially in urban centers like Dhaka and Chattogram. While tea has traditionally been the dominant beverage, coffee is gaining significant popularity, particularly among the younger generation and working professionals. This shift is driven by increased exposure to Western trends and the growth of modern coffee shops.
Here's a breakdown of how coffee is typically ordered and what's in them in Bangladesh:
General Ordering & Common Terms:
Similar to many global coffee markets, you'll generally specify:
Hot or Cold:
Hot Coffee (গরম কফি - Gorm Kofī): Standard black coffee.
Iced Coffee (আইস কফি - Aise Kofī): Very popular.
Sweetness:
Bangladeshi palates generally prefer sweet beverages, so coffee is often served with sugar already added, or sugar/syrup provided on the side. You might ask for "kom chini" (less sugar) or "chini chara" (without sugar).
Milk:
Milk is a common addition, often evaporated milk or powdered milk in simpler settings, and fresh milk in modern cafes.
Common Coffee Drinks and Their Ingredients:
You'll find a blend of instant coffee use at home and local stalls, alongside international coffee shop staples in urban cafes.
Home & Local Stall Preparations (often using instant coffee):
Instant Coffee (ইনস্ট্যান্ট কফি - Instant Kofī): This is by far the most common way to consume coffee at home or at roadside stalls. Brands like Nescafe (Classic, 3-in-1, Americano, Gold) are widely available.
Ingredients: Instant coffee powder, hot water, sugar (often a significant amount), and milk (powdered, evaporated, or sometimes fresh).
"Doodh Kofī" (Milk Coffee): A simple, milky coffee often made with instant coffee.
Ingredients: Instant coffee, hot milk, sugar.
"Kala Kofī" (Black Coffee): A straightforward black coffee.
Ingredients: Instant coffee, hot water, sugar (optional).
"Desi Style Cold Coffee" (দেশী স্টাইল কোল্ড কফি): A popular homemade or local cafe cold coffee that's more like a blended milkshake.
Ingredients: Instant coffee, milk (often chilled), sugar, ice, and frequently vanilla ice cream, blended together. Often garnished with chocolate syrup or whipped cream.
Modern Coffee Shop Options (in urban centers):
Coffee shops in Dhaka, Chattogram, and other growing cities offer a wide range of espresso-based drinks, similar to Western cafes. Chains and local independents are popular.
Espresso (এসপ্রেসো - Espressō):
What it is: A concentrated shot of coffee, the base for many drinks.
Ingredients: Finely ground espresso beans, hot water.
Americano (আমেরিকানো - Amerikānō):
What it is: Espresso diluted with hot water. Can be ordered hot or iced.
Ingredients: Espresso, hot water.
Latte (ল্যাটে - Lyāṭē):
What it is: Espresso with steamed milk and a thin layer of foam.
Ingredients: Espresso, steamed milk. Flavored lattes (vanilla, caramel, hazelnut) are also very popular.
Cappuccino (ক্যাপুচিনো - Kyāpuchinō):
What it is: Espresso with steamed milk and a thicker layer of foam.
Ingredients: Espresso, steamed milk, foamed milk.
Mocha (মোকা - Mōkā):
What it is: A latte with chocolate syrup or powder.
Ingredients: Espresso, steamed milk, chocolate syrup/powder.
Frappe / Blended Iced Coffee (ফ্রাপ্পুচিনো / ব্লেন্ডেড আইস কফি):
What it is: Blended iced coffee drinks, often with various syrups, whipped cream, and toppings.
Ingredients: Coffee (often espresso or strong brewed coffee), milk, ice, sugar/syrup, and various flavorings (caramel, chocolate, vanilla) and toppings.
Cold Brew (কোল্ড ব্রু - Kōlḍ Bru):
What it is: Coffee steeped in cold water for an extended period, resulting in a smooth, less acidic concentrate.
Ingredients: Coarsely ground coffee, cold water.
Pour-Over / Drip Coffee:
What it is: Filtered coffee made by pouring hot water over ground coffee. Often found in specialty coffee shops for appreciation of origin and roast.
Ingredients: Ground coffee, hot water.
Where People Order Coffee:
At Home: Instant coffee is the most popular.
Roadside Stalls/Small Tea Shops: Simple, often instant coffee based, served hot and sweet.
Modern Coffee Shops/Cafes: Primarily in urban areas, offering a full range of espresso-based and brewed coffees. These are popular hangout spots.
Convenience Stores: Canned or bottled iced coffee drinks from international brands are available.
The coffee landscape in Bangladesh is dynamic, with increasing demand for diverse and quality coffee experiences, blending traditional instant coffee consumption with a growing appreciation for specialty coffee.
*The content in this document was generated using artificial intelligence, drawing from various online sources, and subsequently refined for accuracy and conciseness in 2025. Users are advised to consult multiple sources to corroborate information and should not rely solely on this document for comprehensive research.