Gambia
Gambia's coffee scene is a blend of traditional West African influences, particularly from Senegal, and more modern, international coffee shop trends, especially in tourist areas and the capital, Banjul. Instant coffee is very common.
Here are the different ways you might order coffee in Gambia and what's in them:
Instant Coffee:
How to order: Often simply "coffee" or "instant coffee" (or "café" in French-influenced areas).
What's in it: This is the most widely available and consumed coffee, particularly in homes, small shops, and local eateries. It's powdered or granulated coffee dissolved in hot water. It's usually served with sugar and condensed milk or powdered milk on the side, allowing you to sweeten and whiten it to your taste.
Café Touba:
How to order: "Café Touba." This is a significant and popular spiced coffee from neighboring Senegal, and its consumption is widespread in Gambia due to cultural ties and proximity.
What's in it: The defining ingredient is Selim pepper (also known as djar in Wolof or Guinea pepper), which is roasted along with coffee beans (typically Robusta) and sometimes cloves. The mixture is then ground and brewed, often through a filter. It's known for its strong, spicy, and sometimes smoky flavor, and is usually served very sweet. The Selim pepper, a product of the region, gives it a unique kick.
Espresso-based Drinks (in cafes and hotels):
In tourist hubs like Kololi, Senegambia, and parts of Banjul, you'll find modern cafes and hotels equipped with espresso machines offering familiar Western-style coffee drinks.
Espresso:
How to order: "Espresso" or "double espresso."
What's in it: A concentrated shot of coffee, extracted under high pressure.
Americano:
How to order: "Americano" or "black coffee." You might specify "white Americano" if you want milk.
What's in it: Espresso diluted with hot water.
Cappuccino:
How to order: "Cappuccino."
What's in it: Equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and frothed milk.
Latte / Café au Lait:
How to order: "Latte" or "Café au Lait."
What's in it: Espresso with a larger proportion of steamed milk and a thin layer of foam. "Café au Lait" is a more general term for coffee with milk.
Mochaccino / Mocha:
How to order: "Mochaccino" or "Mocha."
What's in it: Espresso, steamed milk, and chocolate (syrup or powder), often topped with whipped cream.
Iced Coffee:
How to order: "Iced coffee."
What's in it: Typically brewed coffee or espresso poured over ice, often with milk and/or sugar or syrup added.
Filter Coffee / Brewed Coffee:
Some cafes or guesthouses might offer standard brewed coffee, though it might not be as common as instant or espresso drinks.
How to order: "Filter coffee" or "brewed coffee."
What's in it: Coffee prepared by pouring hot water over ground coffee in a filter, resulting in a less concentrated brew than espresso.
Local Considerations:
Sweetness: Gambians generally prefer their coffee sweet, so sugar will almost always be provided, often in generous amounts.
Milk: Condensed milk or powdered milk are common additions, even in places that offer fresh milk for espresso drinks.
"Attaya" (Tea): attaya (strong green tea, often brewed with mint and sugar) is an even more pervasive and culturally significant hot beverage in Gambia, frequently served in social settings. Don't be surprised if tea is offered before coffee.
When ordering, especially in local establishments, it's best to confirm if you're looking for instant coffee or a specific espresso-based drink. If you see street vendors, they are often selling Café Touba.
*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.