Grab your favorite mug and let’s dive into the wild world of coffee culture. From quirky cafes to mind-blowing brewing techniques, we’re about to explore the coolest trends that are shaking up the coffee scene.
Cat Cafes: Feline and Caffeine
The first cat cafe opened in Taiwan in 1998, not Japan as many people think. The concept was inspired by the fact that many apartments in Taipei didn’t allow pets. So, animal lovers could get their kitty fix along with their caffeine hit.
Some cat cafes even partner with local animal shelters, so you might end up adopting your new feline friend along with your daily brew.
Nitro Cold Brew: The Smoothest Sip in Town
Alright, let’s talk about a coffee trend that’s smoother than a jazz saxophone solo – nitro cold brew. This isn’t your average iced coffee, folks. It’s a cold brew that’s been infused with nitrogen gas, giving it a creamy, stout-like texture without any added dairy.
Nitro cold brew actually has less caffeine than regular cold brew. The nitrogen bubbles create a stronger flavour, so you need less coffee to pack the same punch. And get this, some coffee shops are even serving nitro cold brew on tap, just like beer.
But the coolest part? You can make nitro cold brew at home with a special dispenser. Imagine impressing your friends with barista-level coffee right from your kitchen.
Coffee Flour: Grounds for a Revolution
Now, let’s chat about a trend that’s good for both your taste buds and the planet – coffee flour. You heard that right, flour made from coffee. But here’s the kicker: It’s not made from coffee beans, but from the fruit that surrounds them.
Normally, this fruit gets discarded during coffee production, creating tons of waste. But some clever folks figured out how to dry and mill it into a nutrient-rich flour. It’s gluten-free, packed with fibre, and has a subtle coffee flavour that works great in baked goods.
You’ll be shocked to know that coffee flour has more iron per gram than fresh spinach. Not only that, it’s also helping coffee farmers earn extra income.
Filter Kaapi: India’s Frothy Delight
Let’s take a quick trip to South India for our last coffee trend. Filter kaapi might not be as famous as chai, but it’s a beloved ritual in many South Indian homes. This strong, frothy coffee is made by mixing finely ground coffee with chicory, and then brewing it in a traditional filter.
The hot coffee and milk mixture is rapidly poured back and forth between a tumbler and a davara (a wide-mouthed vessel) from a great height. This creates a frothy top and cools the coffee to the perfect drinking temperature.
Some cafes in Chennai are now serving “meter coffee”, where the pouring is done from a height of one meter! It’s part performance art, part delicious beverage.
So there you have it, coffee enthusiasts, a whirlwind tour of some of the coolest trends in coffee culture. Whether you’re a casual sipper or a hardcore bean fiend, there’s never been a more exciting time to be a coffee lover. So why not shake up your routine and try something new?
