Just can’t figure out which coffee to order?

Regular coffee is typically brewed by dripping or steeping ground coffee in hot water for longer periods. In some cafes it is referred to as Drip Coffee. The caffeine content in espresso is higher and the brew is served in 1-2 ounces shots.

Latte: Just coffee If you want ‘just coffee’ and can’t deal with going through an extensive menu, order a Latte. It comprises a shot of Espresso and steam milk with just a touch of foam. Almost like filter coffee minus the desi taste. It’s refreshing and you could ask them to add a flavour like the now popular pumpkin spice. Just don’t expect latte to be served as hot as filter coffee.

Ordering in a cafe can be a challenge for those who are unfamiliar with the coffee vocabulary. What would you prefer, is it Decaf, Americano or regular Cappuccino? Before we dive into the brew, most of the cafe coffees have espresso which is quite different from coffee decoction. Espresso is concentrated coffee made by forcing hot water through finely-ground coffee at high pressure, usually with an espresso machine. This process extracts flavours quickly, creating a thick, concentrated shot in about 25-30 seconds. Regular coffee, on the other hand, is typically brewed by dripping or steeping ground coffee in hot water for longer periods. In some cafes it is referred to as Drip Coffee. The caffeine content in espresso is higher and the brew is served in 1-2 ounces shots.

So, here’s a guide on the different kinds of brews served at cafes.

Cappuccino: If you just ‘like coffee’ This is perfect for someone who ‘likes coffee’ but it isn’t their passion. Made like Latte Cappuccino has more foam than steamed milk. You could order a cappuccino with a sprinkle of chocolate cocoa or cinnamon powder and wait for a cup of delicious foam with a design on top. Sip cautiously for beneath the foam is hot coffee that’s waiting to see the day.

Macchiato Cortado and Flat White If you don’t like milk but wouldn’t dare have coffee plain then Macchiato might make the cut for you. Made with Espresso and a little bit of foam Macchiato has its own kick. But if you want the steamed milk version then order a Cortado. Wait a minute - isn’t Espresso and steamed milk just a Latte? No. A Latte has a little bit of foam a little bit of steamed milk and Espresso while a Cortado has equal parts of Espresso and steamed milk and no foam. To add to the confusing mix some cafes will offer you a Flat White. That’s Cortado – it uses a thicker milk texture. Like we said all these brews are easy to understand but it does get confusing.

Mocha: If you love chocolate For the chocolate lovers there’s no other brew as pleasing as the Mocha. It has Espresso chocolate steamed milk and foam – the works.

Americano to perk you upCall it what you want but an Americano is just Espresso diluted with hot water. Drink it black and make it last through the day. For coffee aficionados Americano has long become their default drink to perk up their day.

Vietnamese Iced Coffee: The thirst quencher A popular drink with coffee lovers the Vietnamese Iced Coffee is the perfect thirst-quencher. Using a Vietnamese Phin filter or the French Press hot water is passed through the coffee grounds in the filter letting it drip into a glass that has sweetened condensed milk. Once the coffee has dripped into the glass the concoction is stirred and poured into a glass filled with ice. It is a robust version of iced coffee.

Irish Coffee: For an intoxicating mix If you are offered Irish coffee - not available in cafes - get set for an intoxicating mix of black coffee whiskey and sugar. The drink is topped with cream so weight-watchers should count this as a dessert.