The Coffee Culture of Iceland

If you are interested in sampling a delicious cup of Joe around the world, then why not start with Iceland? This is a close neighboring country to the United States, nearby Europe. You can fly to Iceland from New York in under five hours, and there are a number of activities to keep you entertained, depending upon the season. As it turns out, Iceland has a higher temperature in January than New York City, so it's always a wonderful, warm location for tourists. But how do they serve a delicious cup of Joe?

In Iceland, coffee drinking is a staple of the culture, especially since it is the second most exported commodity in the world next to oil. This popularity is also true in Iceland, and the coffee is served in a number of social celebrations, including weddings. Coffee is also something served to politicians in Iceland when they visit farms in the countryside, where it is customary to enjoy a cup of coffee, otherwise, it is considered rude. Local priests in Iceland also rely upon coffee consumption, even so much that they have developed ulcers from the overuse of Java over the years.

Icelanders often bring home different types of coffee when traveling to other countries, especially with the many choices close by in Europe. The capital of Iceland, Reykjavik, has a thriving coffee culture with many social gatherings in coffee houses, serving as a place to meet with friends and relax for the afternoon. There are no age restrictions within the coffee houses, making them ideal for younger Icelanders, especially since they offer wireless Internet connection and reading materials. Coffee houses became more popular in Iceland around 15 years ago, and many coffee shops serve both alcohol and coffee side-by-side. These are often called bar-bistros that serve elaborate coffee drinks, as well as cakes and pastries. The main influence that you will find within the coffee shops of Iceland is Mediterranean, with Starbucks being a less popular choice in this country.

One of the most well-liked coffee shops in Reykjavik opened in 1958 and is called Kaffi Moka. Since the opening day, the interior design has not changed one bit, but this coffee house operates with the first espresso machine from Italy used in the country of Iceland. Most of the customers in this coffee house are college students, artists, and intellectuals, which actually make up around 90% of the population of Iceland.

In all actuality, Icelandic coffee does not offer a different taste than the coffee produced by other countries, but it is brewed quite strong. The coffee shops in Iceland are not entirely unique, but they do offer the perfect location for socializing, uniting the community, and getting to know your peers. One interesting thing that sets coffee shops in Iceland apart from other countries like the United States is that coffee is rarely ordered to go since the coffee shop is used as a social setting. In Iceland, the locals take the time to truly savor and enjoy their brew.