Solomon Islands

The coffee culture in the Solomon Islands is still developing, with a growing interest in locally grown beans and café experiences, particularly in Honiara. While you might find some standard international coffee shop offerings, the unique local way of enjoying coffee is also prevalent.

Here's a breakdown of how you might order coffee in the Solomon Islands and what's typically in them:

Traditional Solomon Islands Coffee:

• How to order: This is often referred to as simply "coffee" in local settings, and you might encounter it in homes or more traditional eateries.

• What's in it: The traditional preparation involves boiling ground coffee with sugar. This is similar to "cowboy coffee" found in other parts of the world, resulting in a strong, rustic brew that is often sweet. The coffee used would be locally grown Solomon Islands beans, known for their smooth, well-balanced cup with subtle fruit notes and gentle acidity.

International Coffee Shop Offerings (especially in Honiara):

In larger towns like Honiara, you'll find modern cafes that offer more familiar coffee drinks, often using a mix of local and imported beans.

• Espresso: A concentrated coffee shot.

• What's in it: Finely ground coffee beans, hot water under high pressure.

• Cappuccino:

• What's in it: Espresso, steamed milk, and a layer of frothed milk on top. Sometimes topped with a sprinkle of cocoa powder.

• Latte:

• What's in it: Espresso and a larger amount of steamed milk, with a thin layer of foam.

• Iced Coffee:

• What's in it: Typically brewed coffee (often espresso or strong filter coffee), ice, and milk. Sweeteners like sugar or syrup might be added. Some variations might include vanilla, caramel, or other flavorings.

• Black Coffee/Filter Coffee:

• What's in it: Brewed coffee without milk or sugar. This could be drip coffee, pour-over, or French press.

Specialty and Local Blends:

• Local Blends: These will feature coffee beans specifically grown in the Solomon Islands, often from areas like Guadalcanal. The flavor profile will be unique to the region's volcanic soil and microclimates.

• What's in it: Primarily Solomon Islands coffee beans, brewed as espresso, filter coffee, or used as the base for milk-based drinks.

Key things to note when ordering:

• English is widely spoken: While there are many local languages, English is an official language, so you should be able to order easily in cafes.

• "Sugar" and "Milk": Be prepared to specify if you want sugar or milk, as local preferences might lean towards black and strong, or sweetened.

As the coffee scene evolves in the Solomon Islands, you might see more diverse brewing methods and creative coffee drinks emerge, but these are the most common ways to enjoy coffee there.

*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.