Namibia
Namibia has a burgeoning coffee culture, particularly in its urban centers like Windhoek and Swakopmund. Due to its historical ties (including German influence) and modern tourism, you'll find a mix of international coffee preparations alongside more accessible instant options.
Here are the different ways to order coffee in Namibia and what's in them:
Filter Coffee / Brewed Coffee:
This is a common and straightforward option, available in many guesthouses, lodges, and local restaurants.
What's in it: Typically made with locally roasted Arabica beans or imported blends. It's brewed by pouring hot water over ground coffee beans held in a filter, often using drip machines or French presses.
How it's served: Black, with sugar and milk (fresh or UHT/powdered) usually offered on the side.
How to order: "Filter coffee," "Brewed coffee," or simply "Black coffee."
Instant Coffee (Nescafé):
Ubiquitous in homes, smaller eateries, and many budget accommodations throughout Namibia due to its convenience. "Nescafé" is often used as a generic term for any instant coffee brand.
What's in it: Soluble coffee granules dissolved in hot water. Almost always served with sugar and often with milk (powdered milk or fresh milk).
How to order: "Nescafé." You can specify "with milk" or "with sugar."
Espresso:
Widely available in modern cafes, hotels, and upscale restaurants in urban areas. Namibian specialty roasters often provide excellent 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: "Espresso." You can also ask for a "Doppio" for a double shot.
Cappuccino:
A very popular espresso-based drink, readily available in most contemporary cafes.
What's in it: Equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam. Often served with a dusting of cocoa powder or cinnamon.
How to order: "Cappuccino."
Café Latte (or "Latte"):
Another common Italian-style coffee drink found in modern cafes.
What's in it: Espresso with a larger proportion of steamed milk and a thin layer of foam, making it creamier than a cappuccino.
How to order: "Latte" or "Café Latte."
Flat White:
Gaining popularity in more specialty-focused cafes.
What's in it: Espresso with microfoam (velvety, steamed milk with very fine bubbles), less foamy than a cappuccino, resulting in a stronger coffee flavor that blends seamlessly with the milk. Often made with a double shot of espresso.
How to order: "Flat White."
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, available in many modern cafes.
What's in it: Espresso, steamed milk, and chocolate (syrup or cocoa powder).
How to order: "Mocha."
Iced Coffee / Iced Latte / Cold Brew:
Increasingly popular, these cold coffee options are found in contemporary cafes.
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 for an extended period, resulting in a smoother, less acidic taste, usually diluted with water or milk and served over ice.
How to order: "Iced Coffee," "Iced Latte," or "Cold Brew" if the cafe offers it.
Flavored Lattes/Cappuccinos:
Many cafes will offer syrups to flavor your coffee, such as vanilla, caramel, or hazelnut.
What's in it: Your chosen espresso-based drink with an added flavored syrup.
How to order: "Vanilla Latte," "Caramel Cappuccino," etc.
Key things to remember when ordering coffee in Namibia:
Sweetness: While not as universally sweet as some other African countries, sugar is almost always offered. If you prefer less or no sugar, specify.
Language: English is the official language and widely spoken, so ordering in English will be perfectly understood. Afrikaans and German are also spoken by significant portions of the population.
Cafe Culture: Coffee shops are becoming important social hubs, offering spaces for meetings, work, or relaxation.
Namibia's coffee offerings have evolved significantly, providing a range from convenient instant coffee to high-quality, specialty espresso beverages.
*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.