Suriname
Suriname's coffee culture is a fascinating blend of its diverse heritage, with strong influences from its Dutch colonial past, as well as Asian (Javanese, Indian) and African traditions. While Suriname does produce coffee (both Robusta and increasingly Arabica), instant coffee is very common in homes, and the cafe scene, particularly in Paramaribo, is evolving to offer more international espresso-based drinks.
Here are the different ways to order coffee in Suriname and what's in them:
Traditional & Everyday Coffee (Most Common):
Instant Coffee: This is arguably the most widespread form of coffee consumed in homes and smaller, local eateries throughout Suriname. You'll typically be served a mug of hot water and a sachet or jar of instant coffee granules, along with condensed milk (a highly popular addition for sweetness and creaminess) or evaporated milk, and sugar.
Brewed Coffee / Filter Coffee: In some homes and more traditional settings, coffee is brewed using a drip method or a "koffie sok" (coffee sock), a fabric filter bag. This results in a black coffee, to which you'd add milk and sugar.
Kawina Coffee: This is a traditional Surinamese preparation method, rooted in indigenous and Afro-Surinamese customs. It involves boiling water with spices like cinnamon and cardamom, and then steeping ground coffee in this spiced water. Some traditional methods might even use banana leaf filters. The result is a flavorful, aromatic, and often strong coffee.
"Koffie met Melk" (Coffee with Milk): This is a direct translation from Dutch and is commonly understood. It refers to brewed coffee mixed with hot milk. The amount of milk can vary, but it's generally a milky coffee. Often, condensed milk is the preferred choice for both sweetness and creaminess.
"Zwarte Koffie" (Black Coffee): A straightforward black coffee, usually brewed or instant. You would specify this if you don't want any milk added.
Espresso-Based Drinks (Growing in Urban Areas):
In modern cafes, particularly in Paramaribo, you'll find a range of globally recognized espresso-based drinks due to Dutch and broader international influences. Many of these cafes use automatic, pre-programmed espresso machines.
Espresso: A single shot of strong, concentrated coffee.
Dubbele Espresso (Double Espresso): Two shots of espresso.
Americano: An espresso shot diluted with hot water, similar to a drip coffee but with a different flavor profile.
Latte: Espresso with a large amount of steamed milk and a thin layer of foam. This is described as a popular choice in Suriname, often preferred over stronger options.
Cappuccino: Espresso with steamed milk and a generous cap of foamed milk. Often dusted with cocoa powder or cinnamon.
Macchiato: Espresso "marked" or "stained" with a small amount of foamed milk.
Mokka (Mocha): Espresso combined with chocolate (syrup or powder) and steamed milk, often topped with whipped cream.
Cold & Blended Drinks (Increasingly Popular):
Cold coffee options are gaining traction, especially among younger generations and in trendy cafes.
Iced Coffee: Hot coffee poured over ice, often with milk and sugar added.
Blended Coffee Drinks: Various blended iced coffee drinks, often with syrups, whipped cream, and other toppings.
Important Notes for Ordering:
Sweetness: Surinamese people generally prefer their coffee sweet. Condensed milk is a very common addition, providing both sweetness and creaminess. Be prepared to add sugar or specify "geen suiker" (no sugar) if you prefer it unsweetened.
Language: Dutch is the official language, so some Dutch terms are common for coffee. However, English is also widely spoken and understood, especially in Paramaribo.
Brands: You'll find local coffee brands as well as imported ones, often from the Netherlands or Brazil.
Social Ritual: Coffee drinking in Suriname is often a social activity, enjoyed with friends or family, perhaps accompanied by local snacks or pastries.
Whether you're looking for a traditional spiced brew or a modern latte, Suriname's evolving coffee scene offers a taste of its rich cultural tapestry.
*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.