Malawi
Malawi, often called "The Warm Heart of Africa," is gaining recognition for its high-quality Arabica coffee, particularly from regions like Mzuzu, Thyolo, and Mulanje. While coffee is a significant export, local consumption, especially of specialty coffee, is still developing compared to tea (which is also a major crop). However, you can certainly find various ways to order coffee.
Here's a breakdown of how you might order coffee in Malawi and what's in them:
Traditional Brewed Coffee (often just "Coffee" or "Black Coffee"):
This is the most common and accessible way to get coffee, especially in local eateries, guesthouses, or homes.
What's in it: Locally grown Malawian Arabica coffee beans (often from cooperatives), typically roasted and ground. It's usually prepared as a strong, straightforward brew, often using simple methods like a French press or by directly boiling ground coffee with water. Sugar is almost always offered and often added generously. Milk (powdered or fresh, if available) might be offered as well.
How to order: "Coffee" or "Black Coffee." You can specify "with milk" (ndi mkaka) and "with sugar" (ndi shuga) or "without sugar" (opanda shuga).
Instant Coffee (Nescafé):
Like many countries, instant coffee is very popular due to its convenience and lower cost, especially in homes, smaller shops, and budget accommodations. "Nescafé" is often used as a generic term.
What's in it: Soluble coffee granules dissolved in hot water. Often served with sugar and powdered or fresh milk.
How to order: "Nescafé." You can specify "with milk" or "with sugar."
Espresso:
In more upscale cafes, hotels, and restaurants in major cities like Lilongwe and Blantyre, you'll find modern espresso machines. Malawian Arabica is increasingly being used to make high-quality espresso.
What's in it: A concentrated shot of coffee, made by forcing hot, pressurized water through finely ground coffee beans.
How to order: "Espresso." You can ask for a "Doppio" for a double shot.
Cappuccino:
A popular espresso-based drink available in modern cafes.
What's in it: Equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam.
How to order: "Cappuccino."
Café Latte (or "Latte"):
Another common Italian-style coffee drink found in urban cafes.
What's in it: Espresso with a larger proportion of steamed milk and a thin layer of foam.
How to order: "Latte" or "Café Latte."
Americano:
For those who prefer a longer black coffee from an espresso base.
What's in it: Espresso diluted with hot water.
How to order: "Americano."
Mocha:
A coffee-chocolate combination.
What's in it: Espresso, steamed milk, and chocolate (syrup or cocoa powder).
How to order: "Mocha."
Iced Coffee/Iced Latte:
Cold coffee drinks are becoming more available in modern cafes.
What's in it: Chilled brewed coffee or an iced latte (espresso, cold milk, often served over ice).
How to order: "Iced Coffee" or "Iced Latte."
Key things to remember when ordering coffee in Malawi:
Mzuzu Coffee: If you see "Mzuzu Coffee" on a menu, it refers to the product of the Mzuzu Coffee Planters Cooperative Union, which is a highly regarded source of Malawian specialty coffee.
Sweetness: Malawians generally have a sweet tooth, so if you don't like a lot of sugar, specify "less sugar" or "no sugar."
Local vs. International: In smaller, local establishments, your options will primarily be traditional brewed coffee or instant coffee. For espresso-based drinks, you'll need to seek out dedicated coffee shops or higher-end hotels in major towns.
Language: While English is an official language and widely spoken, especially in urban areas and tourist spots, knowing a few Chichewa (the local language) phrases can be appreciated:
Kofi (Coffee)
Ndi mkaka (with milk)
Ndi shuga (with sugar)
Opanda shuga (without sugar)
Zikomo (Thank you)
Malawi's coffee scene offers a spectrum from the simple, strong local brew to internationally recognized espresso beverages, all often made with excellent Malawian Arabica beans.
*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.