Milan’s profound love affair with coffee has roots that stretch back to the 1600s, tracing its origins to the city’s trade connections with Venice. Coffee beans, sourced from exotic locales like Ethiopia, the Middle East, and the Ottoman Empire, were introduced to Milan during this period. In those bygone days, the general populace savored their coffee from pushcarts right on the city streets, a practice affectionately referred to as “caffè del ginoeucc,” a local term reminiscent of “knee” (perhaps due to the carts’ humble height). However, the earliest versions of the modern-day cafés were exclusive enclaves reserved for intellectuals and the elite of society.
Fast-forward through the annals of history, and while the mode of coffee consumption has undeniably evolved, Milan’s unwavering passion for coffee remains an integral part of daily life, straddling the realms of social interaction and cherished ritual.
As many readers are aware, Italians hold their coffee in the highest regard. According to a 2016 report, a staggering 97 percent of the population indulges in at least one cup of coffee each day. A more recent study, conducted this year, reveals that the average Italian consumes four to five espressos daily. The day’s coffee journey typically begins with the first morning espresso sipped at home. Around mid-morning, Milanese locals flock to their favorite “bar” (which doubles as a café) for their second dose of aromatic delight. Post-lunch, it’s practically mandatory to indulge in another cup, and onlookers might marvel at the brisk queues forming at cafés throughout Milan’s city center as patrons rush in for their espresso fix before returning to their daily grind. A final espresso is often reserved for the afternoon, while dedicated coffee aficionados cap off their day with one last espresso after dinner.
In Milan, coffee isn’t just a beverage; it’s a cherished tradition that courses through the veins of the city, connecting its diverse inhabitants in a shared love for this timeless elixir.
