Togo
Togo is primarily a Robusta coffee producer, known for its bold and earthy flavor. While it exports much of its coffee, there's a local coffee culture that blends traditional methods with the pervasive influence of instant coffee and, increasingly, modern café styles in urban centers.
Here are the different ways to order a coffee in Togo and what's in them:
Traditional Togolese Coffee (Local Brew):
This is the most authentic way to experience coffee in local eateries (maquis), markets, or from street vendors. It's typically strong and often prepared with specific additions.
What's in it: Locally grown Robusta coffee beans, usually roasted dark and ground. It's often prepared by boiling the ground coffee directly in water or using a simple filter method. Sugar is a common and often generous addition. You might find it served with or offered alongside condensed milk (lait concentré) or powdered milk, reflecting a preference for creamy and sweet coffee. Sometimes, a touch of ginger or other local spices might be incorporated for flavor.
How it's made: Prepared in a small pot over a charcoal stove, boiled to extract a strong infusion.
How to order: You can simply ask for "Café" (French for coffee). Expect it to be strong and sweet. If you prefer it less sweet or without milk, you'd specify.
Instant Coffee (Nescafé):
Ubiquitous throughout Togo, instant coffee is the most convenient and widely available option in homes, offices, and budget accommodations. "Nescafé" is often used as a generic term for any instant coffee brand.
What's in it: Soluble coffee granules dissolved in hot water. Typically served with sugar and often with powdered milk (like Nido) or fresh milk if available. Pre-mixed "3-in-1" sachets (coffee, powdered milk, sugar) are also very common.
How to order: "Nescafé." You can specify "avec du lait" (with milk) or "avec du sucre" (with sugar) in French.
Espresso:
In Lomé, the capital, and other larger towns, you'll find modern cafes and hotels equipped with espresso machines. These cater to a more international clientele and a growing local interest in specialty coffee. Togolese Robusta can produce a bold and full-bodied espresso.
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: "Un espresso." You might also find "un double espresso" for a double shot.
Cappuccino:
A popular espresso-based drink, readily available in contemporary cafes.
What's in it: Equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam.
How to order: "Un cappuccino."
Café Latte (or "Latte"):
Also found in modern cafes, known for its creamier texture.
What's in it: Espresso with a larger proportion of steamed milk and a thin layer of foam.
How to order: "Un latte" or "Un café latte."
Americano:
A common choice for those who prefer a longer black coffee from an espresso base.
What's in it: Espresso diluted with hot water.
How to order: "Un Americano."
Café au Lait:
A general term for coffee with milk, often brewed coffee rather than espresso. This is typically a milky, milder drink, popular for breakfast.
What's in it: Brewed coffee (could be traditional or drip) mixed with a good amount of hot milk. Often served in a bowl or a large cup.
How to order: "Un café au lait."
Iced Coffee / Iced Latte:
Cold coffee options are increasingly popular in modern cafes.
What's in it: Chilled brewed coffee with ice (for iced coffee), or espresso with cold milk and ice (for iced latte).
How to order: "Café glacé" (iced coffee - French) or "Latte glacé" (iced latte - French).
Key things to remember when ordering coffee in Togo:
Robusta Dominance: Togo primarily grows Robusta coffee. Expect a bold, earthy, and sometimes slightly bitter flavor profile, particularly in local brews.
Sweetness: Togolese people generally prefer their coffee sweet. If you want less sugar, be sure to specify: "moins de sucre" (less sugar) or "sans sucre" (without sugar) in French.
Language: French is the official language and is widely understood, especially in urban and commercial settings. Local languages like Ewe are also spoken. Using French terms for coffee orders will be most effective.
Cafe Culture: In Lomé, cafes are becoming more common social hubs where people meet for business or leisure. You'll find a mix of international and local styles.
Tea: While coffee is consumed, tea, particularly mint tea, is also very popular and enjoyed throughout the day.
*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.