If you find yourself in the beautiful city of Prague and in need of a caffeine fix, ordering coffee can be a delightful experience. However, it’s important to know the local customs and terminology to ensure you get your coffee just the way you like it. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps of ordering coffee in Prague.
1. Understand the Coffee Culture
Before diving into the specifics of ordering coffee, it’s useful to understand the unique coffee culture in Prague.
Czechs love their coffee and take their time enjoying it. Cafés are popular gathering places where friends meet to chat and relax over a cup of java.
2. Know Your Coffee Options
When it comes to ordering coffee, Prague offers a variety of options to suit every taste:
- Espresso: A small concentrated shot of strong black coffee.
- Americano: A diluted espresso with hot water added.
- Cappuccino: Equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam.
- Latte: Similar to cappuccino but with more steamed milk and less foam.
- Mocha: A latte with added chocolate syrup or powder.
3. Learn Some Key Phrases
To make your ordering experience smoother, here are some key phrases in Czech that will come in handy:
- Jedno espresso prosím: One espresso, please.
- Americano bez mléka prosím: Americano without milk, please.
- Cappuccino s mlékem prosím: Cappuccino with milk, please.
- Latte s ovesným mlékem prosím: Latte with oat milk, please.
- Mocha se sójovým mlékem prosím: Mocha with soy milk, please.
4. Find a Café and Place Your Order
Now that you’re equipped with some basic knowledge, it’s time to find a cozy café and order your coffee:
a) Greet the Barista
When you enter the café, make sure to greet the barista with a friendly “Dobrý den” (Good day) or “Ahoj” (Hello).
b) Request a Menu if Needed
If there isn’t a menu displayed, ask for one by saying “Můžu si prosím vzít menu?” (Can I have the menu, please?).
c) Place Your Order
Using the phrases you’ve learned earlier, confidently place your order. For example, “Jedno espresso prosím” (One espresso, please).
d) Enjoy Your Coffee
Once your coffee is ready, find a comfortable spot and savor every sip. Take this opportunity to immerse yourself in Prague’s charming atmosphere.
5. Paying for Your Coffee
In most cafés in Prague, you’ll need to pay at the counter after placing your order.
Simply approach the counter and say “Zaplatím” (I will pay). You can then settle the bill with cash or card.
Remember, tipping in cafés is customary in Prague. It’s common to leave a small tip of around 10% of the total bill amount.
Now that you’re armed with the knowledge of how to order coffee in Prague, go ahead and explore the city’s vibrant café scene. Enjoy your coffee adventure!