Zambia

Zambia is an emerging player in the specialty coffee scene, known for its high-quality Arabica beans (particularly from the Northern Province, like around the Mafinga Hills). These coffees often boast notes of citrus, berries, and chocolate, with a balanced acidity and medium body. While traditional brewing methods are still present, a modern cafe culture is definitely growing, especially in cities like Lusaka.

Here are the different ways to order a coffee in Zambia and what's in them:

Traditional Zambian Coffee ("Kofi" / Local Brew):

This is the more traditional way coffee might be prepared in homes or local, less formal eateries.

• What's in it: Ground coffee beans, often locally roasted Arabica. Traditional preparation methods can include boiling ground coffee directly with water. Cinnamon or cardamom might be added for flavor. Sugar is commonly added, and milk (fresh or powdered) is usually offered alongside.

• How it's made: Simple boiling or basic filter methods.

• How to order: You might simply ask for "Kofi" (the local term for coffee) or "Coffee." Expect it to be strong and likely offered with sugar.

Instant Coffee (Nescafé / 3-in-1 Coffee):

Extremely prevalent and convenient throughout Zambia, especially in homes, offices, and smaller local shops. "Nescafé" is often used as a generic term for any instant coffee brand.

• What's in it: Soluble coffee granules dissolved in hot water. Often served with sugar and milk (powdered milk is common, but fresh milk is also used). "3-in-1" sachets, which pre-mix coffee, powdered milk, and sugar, are also very popular.

• How to order: "Nescafé" or "3-in-1 coffee." You can specify "with milk" or "with sugar" if it's not a pre-mix.

Filter Coffee / Brewed Coffee:

A common and accessible option in many guesthouses, lodges, and restaurants, especially those catering to tourists or a more discerning local palate.

• What's in it: Ground Zambian Arabica beans (often from regions like Northern Province), freshly roasted. Brewed using drip machines, French presses, or increasingly, pour-over methods (like Chemex or V60) in specialty cafes.

• How it's served: Black, with sugar and milk (fresh or UHT/powdered) usually offered on the side.

• How to order: "Filter coffee," "Brewed coffee," or "Black coffee." Many specialty cafes will highlight the region or processing method of the Zambian beans they are using.

Espresso:

In Lusaka, Livingstone, and other urban centers, a growing number of modern cafes and hotels are equipped with espresso machines. Zambian Arabica beans are well-suited for high-quality 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: "Espresso" or "Single Espresso." You can also ask for a "Double Espresso" or "Doppio."

Cappuccino:

A very popular espresso-based drink, readily available in most contemporary cafes.

• What's in it: Equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam. Often topped with a dusting of cocoa powder or cinnamon.

• How to order: "Cappuccino."

Café Latte (or "Latte"):

Another common Italian-style coffee drink found in modern cafes.

• What's in it: Espresso with a larger proportion of steamed milk and a thin layer of foam, making it creamier than a cappuccino. Often served in a glass.

• How to order: "Latte" or "Café Latte."

Flat White:

Gaining popularity in more specialty-focused cafes for those who want a stronger coffee flavor with milk.

• What's in it: Espresso (often a double shot) with microfoam (velvety, steamed milk with very fine bubbles), less foamy than a cappuccino, allowing the coffee flavor to be more pronounced.

• How to order: "Flat White."

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: "Americano."

Mocha:

A coffee-chocolate combination, available in many modern cafes.

• What's in it: Espresso, steamed milk, and chocolate (syrup or cocoa powder), often topped with whipped cream.

• How to order: "Mocha" or "Café Mocha."

Iced Coffee / Iced Latte / Cold Brew:

Increasingly popular, these cold coffee options are found in contemporary cafes.

• What's in it: Chilled brewed coffee (for iced coffee), or espresso with cold milk and ice (for iced latte). "Cold Brew" involves steeping coarsely ground coffee in cold water for an extended period, producing a less acidic, smoother concentrate, which is then diluted with water or milk and served over ice.

• How to order: "Iced Coffee," "Iced Latte," or "Cold Brew."

Key things to remember when ordering coffee in Zambia:

• Zambian Arabica Quality: Zambia produces high-quality Arabica coffee, known for its balanced, smooth profile with citrus, berry, and sometimes chocolate notes. Many cafes will proudly feature local Zambian beans.

• Sweetness: Zambians generally prefer their coffee sweet. If you like it less sweet or unsweetened, make sure to specify.

• Cafe Culture: Lusaka and Livingstone have a growing cafe culture, serving excellent Zambian coffee and creating inviting social spaces.

• Language: English is the official language and is widely understood, so ordering in English will be perfectly clear. Various local languages are also spoken.

Zambia's coffee scene offers a spectrum from the simple, local "kofi" to the globally recognized espresso beverages, all often showcasing the country's own high-quality Arabica 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.