Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone's coffee culture is a fascinating blend of its rich, but often overlooked, coffee heritage (it's home to the unique Coffea stenophylla, as well as Arabica, Robusta, and Liberica) and the practicalities of daily life. While the specialty coffee scene is still developing, particularly in Freetown, you'll find various ways to enjoy coffee.
Here are the different ways to order a coffee in Sierra Leone and what's in them:
Traditional Brewed Coffee (often "Coffee" or "Black Coffee"):
This is a common way to consume coffee in local communities and smaller establishments. It's often strong and may have a distinct local character.
What's in it: Ground coffee beans, which could be locally grown Robusta, Arabica, or even Liberica (Sierra Leone is unique in growing all three main commercial species, plus the rediscovered Stenophylla). The coffee is typically brewed by boiling the roasted grounds directly in water or by using a simple filter. Ginger or cinnamon are common additions to enhance the flavor, reflecting local culinary traditions. Sugar is usually offered and often added generously.
How it's served: Piping hot, in simple cups. Milk might be available upon request.
How to order: Simply "Coffee" or "Black Coffee." You can specify "with ginger" if you want that local touch, and "with sugar" or "without sugar" as per your preference.
Instant Coffee (Nescafé / 3-in-1 Coffee):
This is the most widespread and convenient form of coffee throughout Sierra Leone. "Nescafé" is often used as a generic term for any instant coffee brand.
What's in it: Soluble coffee granules. Many people opt for pre-mixed "3-in-1" sachets that contain instant coffee, powdered milk, and sugar, for ultimate convenience. Otherwise, it's just instant coffee dissolved in hot water, with sugar and milk (powdered or fresh) added to taste.
How to order: "Nescafé" or "3-in-1 coffee." If it's not a pre-mix, you can specify "with milk" or "with sugar."
Espresso:
In Freetown, the capital, a growing number of modern cafes, hotels, and bakeries are equipped with espresso machines. These cater to a more international clientele and a burgeoning local appreciation for specialty coffee. Some of these places are even starting to use locally sourced Sierra Leonean beans.
What's in it: A concentrated shot of dark-roasted coffee, made by forcing hot, pressurized water through finely ground coffee beans.
How to order: "Espresso" or "Single Espresso." You can also ask for a "Double Espresso" or "Doppio."
Cappuccino:
A popular espresso-based drink, readily available in the more modern cafes and hotels in Freetown.
What's in it: Equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam.
How to order: "Cappuccino."
Café Latte (or "Latte"):
Also found in contemporary cafes.
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:
For those who enjoy a chocolate and coffee combination, available in some modern cafes.
What's in it: Espresso, steamed milk, and chocolate (syrup or cocoa powder).
How to order: "Mocha" or "Café Mocha."
Iced Coffee / Iced Latte:
Cold coffee options are increasingly popular in cafes.
What's in it: Chilled brewed coffee with ice (for iced coffee), or espresso with cold milk and ice (for iced latte). Some places might also offer blended frappe-style drinks.
How to order: "Iced Coffee" or "Iced Latte."
Key things to remember when ordering coffee in Sierra Leone:
Local Coffee Revival: There's a concerted effort to revive and promote Sierra Leonean-grown coffee, including the unique Coffea stenophylla (which was once a prized export) and high-quality Robusta and Arabica. Look out for local brands or cafes that highlight their Sierra Leonean beans.
Sweetness: Sierra Leoneans generally prefer their coffee sweet. If you like it less sweet or unsweetened, make sure to specify.
Cafe Culture: The cafe scene, especially in Freetown, is growing.
Language: English is the official language and is widely spoken, so ordering in English will be perfectly understood. Krio is the most widely spoken local language.
Sierra Leone's coffee offerings range from simple, strong local brews and ubiquitous instant coffee to the expanding variety of international espresso-based drinks available in its urban centers, all while potentially showcasing the country's own unique and often overlooked coffee varieties.
*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.