Ordering coffee in Málaga, Spain, is a delightful experience, especially with the region’s unique coffee culture. Here’s a simple guide to help you navigate the process:
A Guide to Ordering Coffee in Málaga
Greet the Barista:
A friendly greeting goes a long way. Say “Hola” (Hello) or “Buenos días” (Good morning).
Specify Your Coffee Type:
Málaga has a unique way of ordering coffee, often specifying the proportion of coffee to milk. Here are some common options:
- “Solo” – Espresso, a small, strong black coffee.
- “Corto” – A small amount of coffee with a little milk.
- “Sombra” – A small amount of coffee with more milk than a “corto”.
- “Mitad” – Equal parts coffee and milk.
- “Nube” – A lot of milk with a splash of coffee.
- “Largo” – More coffee than milk, but still not as strong as an espresso.
- “Café con leche” – Half coffee, half milk, similar to a “mitad” but more common to order this way.
Choose Your Size:
If you prefer a larger coffee, you can ask for a “grande” (large) or “doble” (double).
Additional Preferences:
- “Descafeinado” – Decaffeinated coffee.
- “Con hielo” – With ice, if you want an iced coffee.
- “Para llevar” – To-go, if you need your coffee to take away.
Place Your Order:
- For example, “Quiero un café con leche, por favor” (I would like a coffee with milk, please).
- If you want a specific type, such as a “mitad”, you can say, “Quiero un mitad, por favor”.
Pay and Thank:
Pay for your coffee and say “Gracias” (Thank you).
Here’s a sample interaction:
Barista: Hola, ¿qué desea?
You: Hola, quiero un café con leche, por favor.
Barista: Claro, ¿algo más?
You: No, gracias.
Barista: Aquí tiene.
You: Gracias.
Enjoy your coffee experience in Málaga!
