Café culture in Greece and Cyprus

Café culture is thriving in Greece and Cyprus, so if you want to enjoy a drink and watch the world go by, there are many establishments to choose from. Apart from the many καφετέριες (kaffe-tair-iyess)cafés, and μπαρ, bars where people can go to enjoy a coffee or a drink, an establishment familiar to visitors to Greece and Cyprus is the καφενείο (kaffe-nee-oh) or coffee-house. These are traditionally frequented by men playing τάβλι (tav-lee), backgammon, or cards, or engaged in often heated discussions over a cup of Greek καφέ (kaffeh), coffee.

This strong brew is mixed to order, so you have to specify whether you would like it γλυκό (ghlee-koh), ‘sweet’ with two sugars, μέτριο (meh-tree-oh), ‘medium’ with half a sugar, or σκέτο (skettoh), without sugar. The same choice applies to φραπέ (frappeh), iced coffee. This refreshing drink is made frothy by mixing or shaking the coffee granules with sugar and a little water, and can also be enjoyed με γάλα (meh ghalla), with milk.