Ordering coffee in Australia
The first time I went to Australia, I wasn’t a coffee addict aficionado, so I didn’t really know how to order anything except a cappuccino, latte, and macchiato (I had been to Italy).
The first Australian coffee shop menu really stumped me. I felt foolish for not knowing the difference between a long black and a flat white. They didn’t have just plain coffee on the menu.
Not wanting to appear as out of the loop as I felt, I ordered a latte- should be easy-coffee and milk and some foam. Not exactly so easy. An Australian latte is served in a water-glass, close to 8 ounces, coffee and milk in about equal proportions and only a small amount of foam on top. I didn’t expect to be getting my coffee in a glass with a small napkin tied around it to protect fingers from the heat. It tasted great, however, so it was a good beginning.
Subsequently, I found out that you should order the type of coffee that you want; now that Starbucks shops have proliferated and brought specific types of coffee drinks into the mainstream, “macchiato” and ristretto” seem more familiar.
But there are still some Aussie differences in the names. Here are a few types of common coffees to order in Australia.
“Short Black” is one shot of espresso.
“Long Black” is one or two shots of espresso and hot water added. (Also called the Americano.)
“Flat White” is like a latte, but served in a cup (not a glass). It is the long black with milk. In the US, people call this a “light coffee.”
Australian cappuccino are similar to what we see in the USA: coffee with milk and some foam served in a larger coffee cup. It is usually dusted with cocoa powder.
Sizes are generally small or large, and milk options are full cream, soy, 2%. Skim milk is available some places.
Here’s a link to some Australia coffee tips.
Milk Shake or Frappe
As for other milk-based drinks, a milk shake in Australia is just milk, with syrup or flavoring, served very cold in an ice cream soda glass. There might be some whipped cream and fruit on top. If you want a more American style milkshake you have to order a “frappe.” A frappe is blended milk and ice cream to make a thick consistency. These drinks are often served with whipped cream and cookies and are pretty to look at, as well as tasting delicious.
Ordering coffee and food in foreign countries can be a challenge., We don’t expect to be stumped by what’s on the menu in English-speaking countries but sometimes we are. A little research in advance goes a long way. I hope this eases your mind about getting coffee while in Australia.
