Ordering Coffee Like a Local in Málaga, Spain

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!