Nigeria
Nigeria has a rapidly evolving coffee culture, particularly in its major urban centers like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt. While tea has historically been the more dominant hot beverage, a new generation of coffee lovers, influenced by global trends and the rise of stylish cafes, is driving a "coffee revolution." Nigeria actually produces all three major coffee species: Arabica, Robusta, and Liberica, though Robusta is the most widely grown.
Here are the different ways to order coffee in Nigeria and what's in them:
Instant Coffee (Nescafé / 3-in-1 Coffee):
This is by far the most popular and widely consumed form of coffee across Nigeria, especially in homes, offices, and smaller local eateries (bukas or mama put). "Nescafé" is often used generically for any instant coffee.
What's in it: Soluble coffee granules. The "3-in-1" sachets are incredibly popular and contain instant coffee, powdered milk, and sugar, pre-mixed for convenience. Otherwise, it's just instant coffee dissolved in hot water, with sugar and milk (fresh or powdered) added to taste.
How to order: "Nescafé" or "3-in-1 coffee." You can specify "with milk" or "with sugar" if it's not a pre-mix.
Local Brewed Coffee (often just "Coffee" or "Black Coffee"):
While less common than instant, you can find simple brewed coffee in some local establishments. This is often strong and may have a unique local character.
What's in it: Ground coffee beans, possibly locally roasted Robusta or Arabica, brewed by pouring hot water over them, sometimes through a simple filter. Ginger or other spices might be added for flavor in some regional variations. Sugar is typically offered.
How to order: "Black coffee" or "Coffee." You'll be offered sugar and milk separately.
Espresso:
With the boom in urban coffee culture, espresso is the base for many drinks in the growing number of specialty coffee shops in cities. Nigerian-grown Arabica beans are increasingly being used for this.
What's in it: A concentrated shot of dark-roasted coffee, made by forcing hot, pressurized water through finely ground coffee.
How to order: "Espresso" or "Single Espresso." You can also ask for a "Double Espresso" or "Doppio."
Cappuccino:
A very popular choice in modern Nigerian 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"):
Widely available in specialty coffee shops.
What's in it: Espresso with a larger proportion of steamed milk and a thin layer of foam, making it creamier.
How to order: "Latte" or "Café Latte."
Americano:
A good option 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 favorite for those who enjoy a chocolate and coffee combination.
What's in it: Espresso, steamed milk, and chocolate (syrup or cocoa powder), often topped with whipped cream.
How to order: "Mocha" or "Café Mocha."
Flat White:
Becoming more common in higher-end or specialty cafes.
What's in it: Espresso with microfoam (velvety, steamed milk with very fine bubbles), less foamy than a cappuccino, allowing the coffee flavor to be more pronounced. Often made with a double shot.
How to order: "Flat White."
Macchiato (Espresso Macchiato):
An espresso "marked" with a small amount of steamed milk or foam.
What's in it: Espresso with a dollop of milk foam on top.
How to order: "Macchiato" or "Espresso Macchiato."
Iced Coffee / Iced Latte / Cold Brew:
Increasingly popular.
What's in it: Varies. "Iced Coffee" might be chilled brewed coffee with ice, while "Iced Latte" is espresso with cold milk and ice. "Cold Brew" involves steeping coffee grounds in cold water for an extended period, resulting in a less acidic, smoother concentrate, often diluted with water or milk and served over ice.
How to order: "Iced Coffee," "Iced Latte," or "Cold Brew."
Flavored Lattes/Cappuccinos:
Many modern cafes offer syrups to customize your coffee experience.
What's in it: Your chosen espresso-based drink with added flavored syrups (e.g., vanilla, caramel, hazelnut).
How to order: "Vanilla Latte," "Caramel Cappuccino," etc.
Key things to remember when ordering coffee in Nigeria:
Growing Local Coffee: Nigeria produces Arabica, Robusta, and Liberica beans. Some cafes are now actively promoting and sourcing local Nigerian beans from regions like Taraba and Cross River. Look out for "Nigerian coffee" on menus for a unique taste.
Sweetness: Nigerians generally prefer their coffee sweet. If you like it less sweet or unsweetened, make sure to specify.
Cafe Culture: Coffee shops in cities are not just for coffee; they are increasingly seen as social and business hubs for networking, meetings, and relaxation, especially among young professionals and expatriates.
*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.