São Tomé and Príncipe
São Tomé and Príncipe, often called the "Chocolate Islands" due to their rich cocoa history, also have a significant, though perhaps less publicized, coffee heritage. They grow both Arabica (including traditional varieties like Red Bourbon, Yellow Bourbon, and Typica) and Robusta coffee, and uniquely, also cultivate Liberica coffee, particularly on Príncipe. The coffee culture is heavily influenced by its Portuguese past.
Here are the different ways to order coffee in São Tomé and Príncipe and what's in them:
Local São Toméan Coffee (often just "Café" or "Café Santomense"):
This is the authentic local experience, often found in roças (old plantations), local eateries, and some guesthouses. The taste will reflect the local beans, which can be Arabica, Robusta, or even Liberica.
What's in it: Locally grown and roasted coffee beans, typically brewed strong. The method might be a simple drip/filter or a more traditional boiled coffee style where grounds are directly immersed in hot water. Sugar is almost always offered and often added generously. Fresh milk or condensed milk (leite condensado) might be available. São Toméan coffee is known for its smooth, low-acidity profile with notes of chocolate and caramel.
How to order: "Um café" (a coffee) or "Café Santomense." You can specify "com açúcar" (with sugar) or "sem açúcar" (without sugar), and "com leite" (with milk).
Instant Coffee (Nescafé):
Like in many parts of the world, instant coffee is widely available for convenience in homes, smaller shops, and budget accommodations. "Nescafé" is often used as a generic term.
What's in it: Soluble coffee granules dissolved in hot water. Typically served with sugar and often with powdered milk or fresh milk.
How to order: "Nescafé." You can ask for "com leite" (with milk) or "com açúcar" (with sugar).
Espresso (Um Café / Bica):
Due to the strong Portuguese influence, espresso is very common in cafes (cafeterias), bakeries (padarias), and restaurants, especially in São Tomé city.
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. Local beans are increasingly used for this.
How to order: "Um café" (this is the most common way to order an espresso in Portuguese-speaking countries), "Um bica" (another common Portuguese term for espresso), or "Um expresso." You can ask for "um duplo" for a double shot.
Galao:
A popular Portuguese-style coffee with milk, often served in a tall glass. It's akin to a latte.
What's in it: Typically one-quarter espresso to three-quarters foamed milk.
How to order: "Um galão."
Meia de Leite:
Literally "half milk," this is another common Portuguese-style coffee, similar to a larger cappuccino or a more balanced latte.
What's in it: Half coffee (espresso) and half steamed milk, usually served in a medium-sized cup.
How to order: "Uma meia de leite."
Cappuccino:
A widely recognized espresso-based drink, available in most modern cafes.
What's in it: Equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam.
How to order: "Um cappuccino."
Latte (or "Café Latte"):
Also available in contemporary cafes.
What's in it: Espresso with a larger proportion of steamed milk and a thin layer of foam.
How to order: "Um latte" or "Um café latte."
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: "Um Americano."
Mocha:
A coffee-chocolate combination, available in many modern cafes. São Tomé's excellent cocoa means a local mocha is a real treat.
What's in it: Espresso, steamed milk, and chocolate (syrup or cocoa powder).
How to order: "Um mocha."
Iced Coffee / Iced Latte:
Cold coffee options are increasingly found in cafes.
What's in it: Chilled brewed coffee with ice, or espresso with cold milk and ice.
How to order: "Café gelado" (iced coffee) or "Latte gelado" (iced latte).
Key things to remember when ordering coffee in São Tomé and Príncipe:
Local Beans: Take the opportunity to try coffee made with local São Toméan beans (Arabica, Robusta, or even Liberica).
Sweetness: São Toméans, like many Portuguese-speaking cultures, often enjoy their coffee sweet. If you prefer less sugar or no sugar, specify "pouco açúcar" (little sugar) or "sem açúcar" (without sugar).
Language: Portuguese is the official language. Using Portuguese terms will be most effective. English might be understood in tourist-heavy areas and higher-end establishments, but basic Portuguese phrases will be very helpful.
Relaxed Pace: Embrace the laid-back island pace. Service might be slower than you're used to, but it's part of the charm.
São Tomé and Príncipe offers a unique coffee experience, deeply rooted in its agricultural heritage and Portuguese influences, with the chance to taste some truly distinct local beans.
*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.