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The best independent guide to Lisbon
LisbonLisboaPortugal.com
The best independent guide to Lisbon
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Coffee Guide for Lisbon and Portugal
The national drink of Portugal is, coffee, not the weak muddy water that is drunk in many other countries but an intensely strong caffeine shot that gives tourists first the shakes then prevents them from sleeping during the night. The most common form of coffee drunk in Portugal is called a Bica, this is the European equivalent of an espresso and is drunk by the majority of Portuguese after meals and throughout the day, even just before bed.
A traditional Portuguese breakfast, two cakes and a strong coffee!
A Bica is very bitter and is served with (usually) with two packs of sugar – often both backs are needed to counteract the bitter flavour. The price of a Bica ranges from €0.6-€1.0. A Galao is a much larger milky coffee; the same intense shot of espresso used in a Bica is then diluted down with milk.
These drinks are prepared by steaming the glass and adding only mildly warm milk. Often the glass feels incredibly hot to the touch while the drink is at the perfect temperature to drink. The half size Galao is called a Meia de leite, this is the suggested drink for tourists new to the dangers of Mediterranean espressos and is actual a refreshing drink in the middle of a long day.
A Garoto is mostly milk with just a partial shot of espresso and a favourite for children. A Garoto is produced like a Galao but the coffee has been run through the espresso machine twice. A glass of tap water can be requested in all cafés while ordering a coffee and is provided for free.
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