North Korea
North Korea's coffee culture, while perhaps less pervasive than its strong tea-drinking tradition, has been notably growing, especially in the capital city of Pyongyang. Coffee was once considered a luxury and a symbol of capitalism, largely confined to the elite or those with foreign connections. However, in recent years, coffee shops have become more common, even for the rising middle class, and instant coffee has widespread popularity.
Here are the different ways to order coffee in North Korea and what's in them, based on available information:
Commonly Available & Everyday Coffees:
"Stick Coffee" / Instant Coffee (Similar to South Korean coffee mixes): This is the most widespread and accessible form of coffee, particularly in areas outside Pyongyang. Its popularity largely stemmed from the Kaesong Industrial Complex, where South Korean companies provided instant coffee packets to North Korean workers.
What's in it: Typically a single-serving packet containing instant coffee powder, sugar, and creamer (powdered milk). North Korea also produces its own versions, such as "Sambok" coffee, which are similar.
How to order: You would likely ask for "stick coffee" (the common local term) or simply "instant coffee." You might not have much choice in how it's prepared beyond hot water, as it's a pre-mix.
Black Coffee (No specific widely known local term beyond "coffee"): While instant coffee mixes are popular, black coffee would also be available, especially where ground coffee is used.
What's in it: Hot water with coffee, without milk or creamer. Sugar would likely be offered on the side.
How to order: Likely just "coffee" (커피 - keopi) and specify "black" or "without milk/sugar" if options are given.
Coffee with Milk: Basic coffee with milk is also consumed.
What's in it: Coffee (either instant or brewed) mixed with milk, often powdered milk or UHT milk, and sweetened to taste.
How to order: "Coffee with milk."
Modern Cafe-Style Coffees (Primarily in Pyongyang and some tourist locations):
In Pyongyang, coffee shops have been opening up, catering to the elite, the growing middle class, and foreign visitors. These cafes offer more international-style drinks, often using espresso machines. Some of these are joint ventures (e.g., with Austrian companies) or local establishments.
Espresso: A concentrated shot of coffee, serving as the base for other drinks.
Americano: Espresso diluted with hot water. This is noted as a common offering in Pyongyang cafes.
Cappuccino: Espresso with steamed milk and a thick layer of frothed milk.
Latte (Caffè Latte): Espresso with a larger proportion of steamed milk and a thin layer of foam. Vanilla lattes are specifically mentioned as being available in some cafes.
Mocha: Espresso, steamed milk, and chocolate (syrup or powder). Caramel macchiatos are also possible.
Viennese Coffee (Wiener Kaffee): This is a specific type of coffee available at certain cafes.
What's in it: Typically black coffee (often strong, espresso-based) topped with a generous dollop of unsweetened whipped cream.
How to order: "Viennese Coffee" or "Wiener Kaffee."
Hand-Drip Coffee: Some modern cafes are even offering more refined brewing methods.
What's in it: Coffee brewed by pouring hot water slowly over ground coffee in a filter. This method emphasizes clarity and flavor.
How to order: "Hand-drip coffee."
Iced Coffee/Iced Latte: Given the increasing popularity of coffee and the climate, iced versions of popular drinks would likely be available in modern cafes.
What's in it: Brewed coffee or espresso-based drinks served over ice, often with milk and/or sugar.
How to order: "Iced Coffee" or "Iced Latte."
Important Considerations for Coffee in North Korea:
Price: Coffee, especially cafe-style drinks, is expensive for the average North Korean, costing as much as or more than a cup at a Starbucks in Western countries. This makes it a luxury item primarily for the wealthy elite and those with disposable income.
Availability: While instant coffee is relatively widespread, cafe-style coffee is largely concentrated in Pyongyang and specific tourist-focused locations. Outside these areas, options will be much more limited.
Foreign Influence: The growing coffee culture in North Korea, particularly the cafe scene, is heavily influenced by international trends and styles, especially from South Korea (via "stick coffee") and Europe (e.g., Austrian influence).
Local Production: North Korea has started producing its own instant coffee mixes and other coffee-flavored products, sometimes incorporating local ingredients like Gaeseong Koryo red ginseng.
Overall, the coffee scene in North Korea is a developing one, offering a mix of accessible instant options and emerging, more sophisticated cafe experiences for those who can afford them.
*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.