Marshall Islands
The coffee scene in the Marshall Islands, particularly in the capital of Majuro, is a blend of practical necessity (instant coffee) and a growing embrace of modern cafe culture. While you won't find extensive local coffee cultivation, cafes are emerging to cater to both locals and the international community.
Here's a breakdown of how you can order coffee in the Marshall Islands and what's in them:
Basic & Instant Coffee (Most Common):
Instant Coffee: This is the most prevalent form of coffee, especially in homes, smaller shops, and guesthouses throughout the islands. It's convenient and economical.
What's in it: Instant coffee granules dissolved in hot water. You'll typically add sugar and often powdered milk or creamer (fresh milk might be less common or refrigerated).
Drip Coffee / Brewed Coffee: Some larger hotels or more established local eateries might offer a basic brewed coffee.
What's in it: Ground coffee beans brewed with hot water through a filter. Served black, with sugar, and milk/creamer available.
Modern Cafe Offerings (Primarily in Majuro):
In Majuro, you'll find a few dedicated cafes that offer a more extensive menu of espresso-based drinks, similar to what you'd find in the US, Australia, or New Zealand.
Espresso / Short Black: A concentrated shot of coffee.
Doppio: A double shot of espresso.
Americano: Espresso diluted with hot water.
Latte / Café Latte: Espresso with a larger amount of steamed milk and a thin layer of foamed milk on top.
Cappuccino: Espresso with steamed milk and a thicker layer of foamed milk on top, often with a dusting of chocolate powder.
Flat White: Espresso with velvety, steamed milk and very little foam. Some cafes, especially those with Australian/NZ influence, might offer this.
Macchiato (Caffè Macchiato / Espresso Macchiato): Espresso "marked" with a small dollop of steamed milk or foam.
Mocha / Mochaccino: Espresso combined with chocolate syrup (or cocoa powder) and steamed milk, often topped with whipped cream.
Iced Coffee: Iced options are popular. This can range from a simple black coffee over ice to a more elaborate, dessert-like drink with milk, ice cream, and sometimes whipped cream and syrup (similar to the Australian style).
Iced Latte/Cappuccino/Mocha: The chilled versions of their hot counterparts, made with espresso, cold milk, and ice.
Blended Coffee / Frappe: Some cafes might offer blended ice coffee drinks with various flavorings and toppings.
Potential Local Influences & Specifics:
Sweetness: Like many Pacific cultures, there's often a preference for sweet beverages. Coffees might be served pre-sweetened, or ample sugar will be readily available.
Focus on the Experience: In the Marshall Islands, the coffee experience often ties into the social aspect and enjoying the relaxed island pace.
Tips for Ordering in the Marshall Islands:
Specify Your Preference: If you want machine-made coffee, explicitly ask for "espresso," "latte," or "cappuccino." Otherwise, especially in smaller places, you might get instant coffee by default.
"Coffee" (general): This will most likely result in instant coffee with sugar and creamer.
Cash: While credit cards are accepted in some larger establishments, having local currency (US Dollars are the official currency) is always advisable for smaller shops and cafes.
"Maloelap!" (Hello!): A friendly greeting goes a long way.
*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.