Navigating Coffee Culture An Expats Guide to Togo
As an expat living in Togo, you don't want to miss out on the rich tapestry of coffee culture that this West African country has to offer. Whether you're a seasoned coffee lover or just starting to explore the world of coffee, this guide is for you. We'll delve into everything from understanding coffee origins and production to embracing favorite coffee style drinks and local coffee customs and traditions. So grab your cup, sit back, and let's explore the vibrant coffee culture of Togo.
Understanding Coffee Origins and Production
Togo is not a major player in the global coffee market, but that doesn't mean you can't find some outstanding coffee here. Togo's coffee harvest season runs from December to March, with most coffee grown in the southeastern regions of the country, particularly around the Kpassé and Kloto mountains. These regions provide the ideal terroir for coffee cultivation: high altitude, temperate climate, and rich soil enriched by volcanic ash. But imported coffee is still quite common in Togo, as local production doesn't always meet demand. If you're looking to try locally grown coffee, head to one of the many coffee shops and cafes in Lomé, Togo's capital city, where you can sample some of the finest beans in the country.
Embracing Favorite Coffee Style Drinks
While Colombian, Brazilian, and Ethiopian coffee are undoubtedly the highest-profile varieties in the coffee world, Togo boasts its own unique coffee styles and blends. Here are a few of our favorites:
- Café Togo: This traditional brew is made using a cloth filter called a doube doube, similar to the Indonesian kopi tubruk. Water is poured over coarsely ground coffee, and the resulting brew is thick, strong, and packed with flavor.
- Café Mojo: This bitter and robust local blend is grown in the Togolese-Beninese border region and is sought after for its rich flavor.
- Café avec lait: Many Togolese prefer their coffee with a splash of milk, making this a popular order in local cafes. The addition of milk can help balance out the strong, earthy flavor of some local blends.
- Cappuccino: French-style cappuccinos are a staple in many Togolese cafes, offering a fresh take on this Italian classic.
Embracing Coffee Drinking Customs and Traditions
Coffee is a deeply ingrained part of Togolese culture, helping foster social connections and powering busy workdays. For many Togolese, coffee is a social affair: it's often served with traditional pastries like makhroum or bissap, consumed slowly, and savored over a long discussion. Togolese coffee drinkers have a simple code of conduct that encourages respect for the beverage, the drinker, and one's surroundings:
- Clear your throat before taking a sip.
- Avoid making noise while drinking, as this can disrupt the solemn atmosphere.
- Drink slowly and savor every sip, showing reverence for the aroma and flavor of the beverage.
- Always finish your cup, to signal your appreciation and respect for the host.
We hope this guide has offered you a taste of the rich coffee culture in Togo! From understanding coffee origins and production to embracing local coffee customs and traditions, we encourage you to explore the vibrant coffee scene here in Togo and connect with the local expat community through this beloved beverage.
Looking for some recommended coffee shops and cafes to try in Togo? Head to the lively strip of Rue Anani in Lomé, where you'll find several cozy coffee shops serving up some of the best coffee in the country. Our personal favorites include KOKO'RE STUDIO, Le Cafe Pause Gourmet, and AllianceFrançaise de Lomé.