Belarus
You will find many of the common international coffee preparations in Belarus. There isn't a uniquely "Belarusian" coffee drink in the same way some countries have a traditional tea or coffee preparation, but there is one notable regional specialty: Raf coffee.
Here are the different ways to order coffee in Belarus and what's in them:
Common International Coffee Drinks (widely available):
Most cafes in Belarus, particularly in urban areas, will offer standard espresso-based drinks. While some smaller, traditional establishments might not have all of these, modern coffee shops will.
Espresso: A concentrated shot of coffee.
Doppio: A double shot of espresso.
Americano: Espresso diluted with hot water.
Cappuccino: Equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and frothed milk. It has a balanced coffee-to-milk ratio and a thick, airy foam.
Latte: Espresso with a larger proportion of steamed milk and a thin layer of foam on top. It's creamier and milkier than a cappuccino.
Flat White: Similar to a latte, but with less frothed milk and a velvety, microfoam texture. It often has a stronger coffee flavor than a latte due to the higher coffee-to-milk ratio.
Macchiato: Espresso "marked" with a small amount of steamed milk or foam.
Mocha: Espresso, chocolate syrup (or cocoa powder), and steamed milk, often topped with whipped cream.
Filter Coffee (V60, Chemex, Aeropress, etc.): Brewed coffee made by pouring hot water over ground coffee, allowing it to drip through a filter. The specific method influences the taste profile. You can often find these in specialty coffee shops.
Iced Coffee: Typically black coffee or an espresso-based drink served over ice, sometimes with milk or sweetener added.
Regional Specialty:
Raf Coffee (Раф-кофе): This is a very popular coffee drink in countries of the former USSR, including Belarus.
Ingredients: It's made by adding cream (often with a fat content of up to 30%) and vanilla sugar (or syrup) to a single shot of espresso. The entire mixture is then steamed together to create a smooth, velvety texture.
Distinction from Latte: The key differences from a latte are the use of cream instead of milk, vanilla sugar (or syrup), and the fact that all ingredients are foamed together, rather than just the milk.
Taste: It's known for its creamy, sweet, and often vanilla-infused flavor, which can sometimes overshadow the espresso notes.
Ordering Tips:
Language: While many coffee shops in tourist areas or larger cities might have staff who speak some English, it's always helpful to know a few phrases in Belarusian or Russian.
You can often get by with just naming the drink you want, e.g., "Капучына, калі ласка" (Kapuchyna, kali laska - Cappuccino, please).
In Russian (widely understood): "Эспрессо, пожалуйста" (Espresso, pozhaluysta - Espresso, please).
Specialty Shops: In Minsk, you'll find a growing number of "third wave" coffee shops that focus on high-quality beans, various brewing methods, and knowledgeable baristas. These are good places to ask for recommendations or try different single-origin coffees.
Sweeteners/Milk: Most places will offer sugar and sometimes artificial sweeteners. If you prefer plant-based milk (soy, oat, almond, coconut), it's becoming more common in modern cafes. You might ask for "расліннае малако" (raslinnaye malako - plant milk) or simply name the type of milk you want.
While coffee has gained immense popularity, it's worth noting that historically, traditional Belarusian drinks like sbiten (a hot, honey-based beverage with spices, often non-alcoholic) and various kvasses (fermented beverages) were more prevalent before tea and coffee became widespread. These are distinct from coffee but reflect some of the country's beverage heritage.
*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.