Mozambique
Mozambique's coffee scene is an exciting mix of its own emerging local production (with unique indigenous species and growing Arabica cultivation), a strong influence from its Portuguese colonial past, and the widespread use of instant coffee.
Here are the different ways to order coffee in Mozambique and what's in them:
Traditional Mozambican Coffee (often "Café" or "Coffee"):
While there isn't one single "traditional Mozambican coffee" style as codified as in some other countries, local preparation often involves a strong, direct brew. With increasing focus on local beans, this experience is evolving.
What's in it: Often made with locally grown Arabica (e.g., from Gorongosa, Chimanimani, Niassa) or, historically, indigenous varieties like Coffea racemosa or Coffea zanguebariae (like "Café do Ibo," which is naturally low in caffeine). It's typically a strong, black coffee. Sugar is usually offered and often added generously. Milk might be available if requested, though it's less common in the most basic traditional preparations.
How it's made: Can be prepared simply by boiling ground coffee directly in water or using a basic filter.
How to order: Simply "Café" (Portuguese for coffee) or "Coffee." You'd specify "com açúcar" (with sugar) or "sem açúcar" (without sugar), and "com leite" (with milk) if desired.
Instant Coffee (Nescafé):
This is a ubiquitous option across Mozambique, found in homes, smaller restaurants (barracas), and hotels. "Nescafé" is often used as a generic term for any instant coffee brand.
What's in it: Soluble coffee granules dissolved in hot water. It's almost always served with sugar and often with powdered milk (like Nido) or fresh milk.
How to order: "Nescafé." You can ask for "com leite" (with milk) or "com açúcar" (with sugar).
Espresso:
Due to strong Portuguese influence, espresso is a very common sight in cafes, bakeries (padarias), and restaurants in urban centers like Maputo, Beira, and Nampula. Mozambican-grown Arabica is increasingly being used for espresso.
What's in it: A concentrated shot of dark-roasted coffee, made by forcing hot, pressurized water through finely ground coffee beans using an espresso machine.
How to order: "Um café" (a coffee, implying an espresso), "Um bica" (common Portuguese term for espresso), or "Um expresso."
Galao:
A very popular Portuguese-style coffee with milk, similar to a latte but often served in a glass.
What's in it: About one-quarter espresso and three-quarters foamed milk, served in a tall glass.
How to order: "Um galão."
Meia de Leite:
Another common Portuguese-style coffee, literally "half milk."
What's in it: Half coffee (espresso) and half steamed milk, often served in a medium-sized cup.
How to order: "Uma meia de leite."
Cappuccino:
A widely recognized espresso-based drink available in most modern cafes.
What's in it: Equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam.
How to order: "Um cappuccino."
Latte (or "Café Latte"):
Also available in contemporary cafes.
What's in it: Espresso with a larger proportion of steamed milk and a thin layer of foam.
How to order: "Um latte" or "Um 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: "Um Americano."
Mocha:
For chocolate and coffee lovers, available in many modern cafes.
What's in it: Espresso, steamed milk, and chocolate (syrup or cocoa powder).
How to order: "Um mocha."
Iced Coffee / Iced Latte / Cold Brew:
Becoming more common in trendy cafes in warmer urban areas.
What's in it: Chilled brewed coffee (for iced coffee) or espresso with cold milk and ice (for iced latte). Cold brew is a concentrated coffee steeped in cold water.
How to order: "Café gelado" (iced coffee), "Latte gelado" (iced latte), or "Cold brew" if the cafe offers it.
Key things to remember when ordering coffee in Mozambique:
Language: Portuguese is the official language. Using Portuguese terms will be most effective, though English might be understood in tourist-heavy areas and higher-end establishments.
Sweetness: Mozambicans often prefer their coffee sweet. If you want less sugar or no sugar, specify "pouco açúcar" (little sugar) or "sem açúcar" (without sugar).
Local Coffee Brands: Look out for local brands like "Nossa Gorongosa," "Café Chimanimani," "Café Niassa," "Café Vumba," "Café de Manica," and "Café do Ibo" if you want to try Mozambican-grown coffee.
Cafe Culture: Cafes are popular social spots, particularly for men, where people meet, chat, and relax.
Mozambique's coffee landscape offers a pleasant mix, from its emerging single-origin specialties to the deeply ingrained Portuguese espresso culture, providing diverse options for any coffee lover.
*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.