CYPRUS'S COFFEE CULTURE ENGRAINED INTO CYPRIOT CULTURE
AN OTTOMAN IMPORT
Cyprus Coffee has been engrained into Cypriot society since the time of its Ottoman rulers. They introduced the hot beverage after conquering the island in 1571.  Ottoman rule was initially rejected by most Cypriots and because of this they initially shunned the new-style coffee houses that began to operate all over the island. Coffee drinking was mainly reserved for the Ottomans and it remained unpopular on the island until the latter part of the 16th century. With further integration, Ottoman rule became the norm, ushering in a new coffee revolution. Coffee drinking began to flourish and it became an integral part of Cypriot life. The concept of the traditional coffee shop became known as the ‘‘KAFENIEON’  and it still plays a significant role in Cypriot social life today.Â
CYPRUS COFFEE DEVELOPMENT
Cyprus coffee has developed over the centuries and the beverage has gone through quite a change from the original Ottoman import centuries ago. Today, the Cyprus version, of this type of coffee, is considered a unique Cypriot product. The modern refininement of the actual beans used creates a unique aroma and taste that makes all the difference. Cyprus coffee uses a blend of finely ground Arabica and Robusta beans that originate from Brazil, Ethiopia and India. Along with its unique pungent aroma, the coffee also has a strong tobacco chocolate earthy flavour. Turkish coffee, on the other hand, which remains as the closest version to the original Ottoman import, mainly uses Arabica beans from Yemen. This offers a different ambience altogether.Â
PREPARATION
The main difference between Cyprus coffee and other regular European versions of the drink is the way it is prepared. No brewing takes place when making a Cyprus coffee. It is freshly prepared on the spot by bringing a small coffee pot, known as a ‘Mbriki’ to a slow boil over a low flame or a bed of hot sand. This means that more nutrients, antioxidants, and health-boosting compounds are present in it. The coffee is then taken off the boil as soon as it starts to rise. This method allows for a frothy top called ‘Kaimaki’ to form. This signifies that the coffee is ready resulting in a very strong, thick and frothy coffee. The coffee is usually served in small traditional coffee cups that resemble that of Italian espresso cups. It is customary for a glass of cold water to always accompany each coffee.
ORDERING A COFFEE
Several places on the island serve Cyprus coffee. These include the traditional coffee shops or ‘KAFENIEON. Most speciality coffee shops, as well as the modern coffee chains also readily serve the drink. A typical Cyprus coffee is available in mainly three different variations. ‘Sketos’ translates to plain with no sugar, ‘Metrios’ translates to medium sweet, and ‘Glykos’ translates to sweet.Â
THE STORY OF THE WATER
A glass of ice cold water always accompanies every cup of coffee. Most Cypriots pour a little of this water into their coffee before drinking it. This has become an island wide custom, but most do not know the real reason behind this formality. If asked, most will say that water is poured into the coffee to cool it down before drinking. Others will say that the water balances the strong coffee taste but the origins of this custom lie elsewhere and are quite sinister in nature. During the reign of the Ottoman’s, poison was often used to dispose of adversaries. Coffee became the preferred way of administering it. The poison used was tasteless and odourless, and once administered was slow and deadly. It was later discovered that water was the only way of detecting the poison. This meant that coffee drinkers began to pour a little water into their cup before drinking it. If the coffee was tainted then it would turn green. As time went on, this practice stopped for obvious reasons, but Cypriots today still pour a little water into their coffee without really knowing why!
FORTUNE TELLING
The Ottomans, along with their coffee, also brought TASSEOGRAPHY to the island. This form of fortune-telling came hand in hand with coffee and has now existed on the island for centuries. This is another reason why Cyprus coffee is deeply engrained into Cypriot culture. Cup readers use the coffee grounds left at the bottom of the coffee cup to predict future events based on their interpretation of the shapes. In order to achieve a reading, the cup must be turned over into the saucer to cool after the coffee has been drank. After a few minutes, the cup reader interprets the patterns created by the coffee grounds telling the drinker what lies ahead for them! Drinking Cyprus coffee is a popular tradition that stands as a symbol of both hospitality and friendship throughout the island. This is firmly illustrated by not only the ‘KAFENIEON’ but also the modern Coffee shops that regularly serve as popular gathering places for locals on the island to socialise and enjoy a cup of coffee or two.
