Vanuatu
Vanuatu boasts a vibrant and growing coffee culture, significantly influenced by its own high-quality local coffee production (especially from Tanna Island) and the cafe trends of nearby Australia and New Zealand. In urban centers like Port Vila and Luganville, you'll find a good range of modern coffee shop offerings, while simpler options are common in more rural areas.
Here are the different ways you can order a coffee in Vanuatu and what's in them:
Locally Grown & Roasted Vanuatuan Coffee (The Signature Experience):
Vanuatu is renowned for its organic Arabica coffee, particularly from Tanna Island, where the volcanic soil and unique climate create distinct flavor profiles (often described as full-bodied, nutty, with chocolate undertones).
"Tanna Coffee" / "Local Coffee" / "Vanuatu Coffee": This refers to coffee made from beans grown and processed within Vanuatu.
What's in it: High-quality Arabica beans, often from Tanna, Santo, or Malekula islands. The specific varietals might include Typica, Bourbon, Arusha, or semi-dwarf Catimor.
Preparation: You can find this served as a drip coffee, plunger coffee (French press), or most commonly in cafes, as espresso using locally roasted beans.
How to order: Ask for "Tanna Coffee," "local coffee," or simply "Vanuatu coffee." Many cafes in Port Vila pride themselves on serving local beans.
Standard Espresso-Based Coffees (Prevalent in Cafes and Resorts):
In Port Vila especially, you'll find numerous cafes that offer a full range of espresso-based drinks, mirroring the styles popular in Australia and New Zealand.
Espresso / Short Black: A single shot of concentrated coffee.
Doppio: A double shot of espresso.
Long Black: Hot water first, then a double shot of espresso poured over it. This preserves the crema and results in a strong, aromatic black coffee.
Flat White: A very popular choice, espresso with velvety, steamed milk that has very little foam. It's a smooth, strong milky coffee.
Latte / Café Latte: Espresso with a larger amount of steamed milk and a thin layer of foamed milk on top. Often served in a glass.
Cappuccino: Espresso with steamed milk and a thicker layer of foamed milk on top, traditionally dusted with chocolate powder.
Macchiato (Short or Long):
Short Macchiato: A single espresso "marked" with a tiny dollop of steamed milk or foam.
Long Macchiato: A double shot of espresso with a dollop of foam and a small amount of milk.
Mocha / Mochaccino: Espresso combined with chocolate syrup (or cocoa powder, potentially even local cacao) and steamed milk, often topped with whipped cream.
Piccolo Latte (or Piccolo): A smaller, more concentrated version of a latte, typically a single ristretto shot with warm, silky milk, served in a small cup.
Ristretto: A shorter, more concentrated espresso shot, known for a more intense, sweeter flavor.
Iced & Blended Coffee Drinks:
Iced and blended coffee drinks are very popular for refreshment.
Iced Coffee: This can vary. Some places might offer a simple black coffee over ice. However, very commonly, if you just order "iced coffee," you're likely to get a cold coffee drink that includes a scoop of vanilla ice cream, milk, and often whipped cream and/or chocolate syrup (similar to the Australian style).
Iced Latte/Cappuccino/Mocha: The chilled versions of their hot counterparts, made with espresso, cold milk, and ice, with various flavorings as appropriate.
Frappe / Blended Coffee: These are widely available, made by blending coffee, ice, milk, and various flavorings, often topped with whipped cream.
Other & Simpler Options:
Drip Coffee / Brewed Coffee: While espresso dominates in cafes, standard brewed coffee is still available, especially at breakfast buffets in hotels or in smaller, less specialized eateries.
Instant Coffee: Still a common and convenient option in homes, smaller shops, and guesthouses throughout Vanuatu, particularly outside of Port Vila.
Coffee with Coconut Milk/Cream: Many cafes will offer coconut milk as a dairy alternative for any coffee drink. This is a delicious local addition.
Flavored Lattes: You might find common flavored syrups like vanilla, caramel, or hazelnut. Some places might even experiment with unique local fruit or spice infusions.
Coffee Cocktails: Some bars and cafes might offer espresso martini-style coffee cocktails.
Key things to remember when ordering coffee in Vanuatu:
"Halo!" (Hello! in Bislama): A friendly greeting in Bislama (the lingua franca) is always appreciated.
Port Vila is the Hub: Most of the specialized espresso and blended drinks will be found in cafes and resorts within Port Vila.
Specify Your Preference: If you want a particular type of coffee (e.g., "flat white" vs. just "coffee"), be specific. If you just ask for "coffee" in a less specialized place, you might get instant coffee or a simple brewed coffee.
Embrace Local Flavors: Don't miss the chance to try locally grown Vanuatuan coffee, especially Tanna Coffee, for an authentic island experience.
*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.