Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe's coffee industry has faced challenges in recent decades, but it's known for producing high-quality Arabica beans, particularly from the Eastern Highlands (Manicaland region, including Chipinge and Vumba). These beans are often described as having bright acidity, full body, and complex flavors with notes of citrus, caramel, floral, and sometimes a wine-like acidity. While traditionally a tea-drinking nation due to British influence, a burgeoning coffee culture, especially in urban areas like Harare and Bulawayo, means you can find a variety of ways to order coffee.

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

Traditional Zimbabwean Coffee (Local Brew):

This is the authentic way coffee is consumed in many homes and local, less formal establishments. It's typically strong and often sweetened.

• What's in it: Ground Arabica coffee beans, often roasted locally. The preparation can involve boiling the ground coffee directly in water or using a simple filter method. Sugar is commonly added, often in generous amounts. Cinnamon or cardamom might occasionally be included for added flavor. Milk (fresh or powdered) is usually offered as an option.

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

• How to order: You might simply ask for "Coffee" or "Black Coffee." Expect it to be strong and likely offered with sugar.

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

This is the most common and convenient form of coffee throughout Zimbabwe, found 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 incredibly popular for their convenience.

• 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, hotels, and a growing number of cafes.

• What's in it: Ground Zimbabwean Arabica beans (often sourced from the Eastern Highlands) or imported blends, 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 origin of the Zimbabwean beans they are using.

Espresso:

In Harare, Bulawayo, and other larger towns, a growing number of modern cafes and hotels are equipped with espresso machines. Zimbabwean Arabica beans are well-suited for high-quality espresso, offering a rich and fruity profile.

• 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."

Flavored Lattes/Cappuccinos:

Many cafes will offer syrups to flavor your coffee, such as vanilla, caramel, or hazelnut.

• What's in it: Your chosen espresso-based drink with an added flavored syrup.

• How to order: "Vanilla Latte," "Caramel Cappuccino," etc.

Key things to remember when ordering coffee in Zimbabwe:

• Zimbabwean Arabica Quality: Zimbabwe produces excellent Arabica coffee, particularly from the Eastern Highlands. Look for local roasters and cafes that highlight their Zimbabwean beans for a unique and high-quality experience. The flavor profile is often described as sweet and fruity with a powerful scent and a wine-like acidity in the aftertaste.

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

• Cafe Culture: The coffee shop scene is growing in cities like Harare, with places serving as popular hangout spots for both coffee and meals.

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

• Tea Drinking Nation: While coffee is gaining popularity, Zimbabwe historically has been more of a tea-drinking nation due to its British influence. You'll find tea widely available as well.

*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.