Palau
Palau's coffee scene, particularly in the capital of Koror, is a delightful blend of local ingredients, growing cafe culture, and influences from its American and Asian ties. While not a major coffee-producing nation on a global scale, there are efforts to incorporate local flavors and provide a range of familiar options for residents and tourists.
Here are the different ways you can expect to order coffee in Palau and what's in them:
Locally Sourced & Inspired Coffee:
Palauan Coffee / Local Brew: This would be coffee made from beans grown within Palau, offering a taste unique to the islands.
What's in it: Arabica coffee beans grown in Palau. The preparation might be a simple drip or pour-over or potentially used for espresso in a cafe that supports local sourcing.
How to order: Ask for "local coffee" or inquire about "Palauan coffee" or a "local blend."
Standard Espresso-Based Coffees (Common in Cafes and Resorts):
In Koror, many cafes, hotels, and resort restaurants are equipped with espresso machines and offer a menu familiar to those from Western countries.
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 dusted with chocolate powder.
Flat White: Espresso with velvety, steamed milk and very little foam. While less common than in Australia/NZ, some modern cafes 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.
Ristretto: A shorter, more concentrated espresso shot, often with a sweeter profile.
Iced & Blended Coffee Drinks:
Iced and blended coffee options are highly sought after in Palau.
Iced Coffee: This can vary. It might be a simple black coffee over ice. However, very commonly, it could be a drink with coffee, milk, ice cream (often vanilla), and sometimes whipped cream and syrup.
Iced Latte/Cappuccino/Mocha: The chilled versions of their hot counterparts, made with espresso, cold milk, and ice, with various flavorings.
Frappe / Blended Coffee: These are widely popular, made by blending coffee, ice, milk, and various flavorings, often topped with whipped cream.
Cold Brew: Some modern cafes may offer cold brew, which is coffee steeped in cold water for an extended period, resulting in a less acidic, smoother concentrate served over ice.
Other & Simpler Options:
Drip Coffee / Brewed Coffee: Standard brewed coffee, available black or with milk/creamer and sugar.
Instant Coffee: Still a common and convenient option in homes, smaller, less specialized eateries, and guesthouses.
Flavored Lattes/Coffees: Beyond chocolate, you'll commonly find vanilla, caramel, and hazelnut syrups available for lattes and other drinks in modern cafes.
Key things to remember when ordering coffee in Palau:
Koror is the Hub: Most of the specialized coffee options (espresso, lattes, etc.) will be found in cafes and hotels within Koror.
Specify Your Preference: If you just ask for "coffee," especially outside of a dedicated cafe, you might get instant coffee or a simple brewed coffee. Be specific if you want an espresso-based drink.
Embrace Local Flavors: If available, definitely try coffee with locally sourced beans or with coconut milk for an authentic Palauan touch.
"Alii!" (Hello!): A friendly greeting in Palauan is always a good start.
Cash is Best: While some larger establishments accept cards, having US Dollars (the official currency) is essential for smaller shops and local vendors.
*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.