Guyana
Guyana's coffee culture is a blend of its Caribbean heritage, British colonial influence, and the growing availability of modern coffee trends. While the country produces its own coffee, particularly in the Pomeroon-Supenaam region, much of it is exported. Domestically, coffee is widely consumed throughout the day, often with a preference for sweeter preparations.
Here are the different ways you can expect to order coffee in Guyana and what's in them:
Traditional & Everyday Coffee:
Instant Coffee: This is incredibly common in Guyanese homes and many casual eateries. You'll typically be given a mug of hot water and a sachet or jar of instant coffee granules, along with milk (evaporated milk or powdered milk is very popular) and sugar to add to your liking. Brands like Milo (though technically a chocolate malt drink, it's often consumed like coffee or tea) are also popular hot beverages.
Brewed Coffee / Filter Coffee: In more traditional settings or homes, coffee might be made with a drip coffee maker or a French press. This is straightforward black coffee, and you'd typically add your own milk and sugar.
"A Black Coffee": If you simply ask for "coffee" in some smaller, traditional places, you might get instant coffee or basic brewed coffee, served black. You'll then be offered milk and sugar.
Coffee with Milk (Common Variations):
Coffee with Milk (or "Coffee with 'fresh' milk"): This is a very common way to enjoy coffee. It's typically brewed coffee mixed with hot milk. The term "fresh milk" might be used to distinguish it from evaporated or condensed milk, which are also frequently used. The ratio of coffee to milk can vary greatly depending on personal preference and where it's made.
Sweetened Coffee: Regardless of the type, Guyanese often prefer their coffee sweet. Sugar (often Demerara sugar, produced locally) is almost always added, and sometimes condensed milk for extra sweetness and creaminess.
Modern & Specialty Coffee (Growing in Urban Areas):
In Georgetown, the capital, and increasingly in other urban centers, you'll find modern coffee shops with espresso machines, offering a range of globally recognized coffee drinks:
Espresso: A single shot of strong, concentrated coffee.
Double Espresso: Two shots of espresso.
Americano: An espresso shot diluted with hot water, offering a black coffee with more volume and less intensity than a straight espresso.
Latte: Espresso with a large amount of steamed milk and a thin layer of foam on top.
Cappuccino: Espresso with steamed milk and a generous cap of foamed milk, often dusted with cocoa powder or cinnamon.
Flat White: Espresso with steamed milk, but with very little or no foam, creating a velvety texture.
Mocha: Espresso combined with chocolate (syrup or powder) and steamed milk, often topped with whipped cream.
Iced Coffee / Cold Brew: Cold coffee options are gaining popularity in modern cafes, ranging from simple iced coffee (hot coffee poured over ice) to more elaborate cold brews or blended drinks.
Things to Note when Ordering:
Sweetness is Key: Always assume sugar will be involved, or be prepared to add it. If you prefer unsweetened coffee, specify "no sugar" or "without sugar."
Milk Preference: If you like milk, clarify if you prefer "fresh milk," evaporated milk (which is very common), or condensed milk for a sweeter, richer taste.
"Smoko": While not a coffee order itself, "smoko" is a traditional mid-morning break across many parts of the Caribbean and British-influenced areas. It's a time for a hot beverage (tea or coffee) and a snack, often a local pastry or baked good.
Guyana's coffee scene is evolving, with a renewed focus on its own coffee production and a growing appreciation for specialty coffee alongside its traditional preparations.
*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.