Coffee Culture in Porto: How to Order like a Local

Portugal has a huge coffee culture, and there are cafes everywhere. Whether you are on a mission to find coffee art, the perfect flat white, or simply need a pick-me-up after a morning of sightseeing, there are tons of options in Porto and Northern Portugal. But you will have a better time of it if you understand a bit about the coffee culture here and how to order what you want.

We are an American family that lives in Porto. We love finding the best local spots to share a coffee break, or interesting cafes to take friends and family.

In this post we will go over the different types of coffee drinks in Northern Portugal, what they are, and how to order them. While Portugal is not a large country, there are significant differences in the terminology used in the North (Porto) vs the South (Lisbon and the Algarve).

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A basic coffee (single espresso) in Porto is not expensive- we routinely find them for around 1.20€. Although sometimes more expensive in touristy locations, a simple espresso will rarely be over 2€. As you choose more complex, milky versions, the price can go up quickly.

Just about every restaurant, bar, cafe, ice cream shop, and bakery has an espresso machine, and their coffee is usually quite good. There are also lots of specialty coffee shops that are focused on unique blends or international styles.

In Portugal, even the cafes in hospitals have good coffee, and you can order an espresso at the Leroy Merlin (Portugal’s version of Home Depot) along with a pastry or sandwich.

If you are looking for a flavored latte, soy milk, or matcha, check out our list of cozy specialty coffee shops in Porto.

The coffee culture here is very social. You will typically find people enjoying a coffee in the morning with a torrada (toast) or traditional pastry, or going out after lunch for coffee and a sweet with friends or co-workers.

Sitting to enjoy a coffee and pastry is on our list of the best things to do in Porto! Taking your time in a cafe is also a great activity for a rainy day.

Coffee to-go or takeaway is not readily available here, and you will rarely find coffee served in a paper cup. Even at a service station along the highway, you will find a cafeteria-style cafe with tables. You are expected to sit down, drink your espresso in a cup with a saucer and spoon, and then get back on the road.

In Portugal, “um café” means espresso. While you can find specialty coffee shops that serve pour-over coffee, “filtro” or “café de filtro” do not expect to find American-style drip coffee in Portugal.

Occasionally, you will see someone drinking “a café” (an espresso) at the counter of a small cafe, but this is not done nearly as often as you will see in places like Italy, where standing and quickly finishing an espresso is the norm.

Usually, you are expected to sit, and often won’t pay until after you have finished your drink and pastry, leaving room for an additional round if you desire.

Interested in Portuguese? We’ve got a handy guide for first-time visitors that will teach you a few basic phrases for traveling around and being polite.

If you want something with milk, you will need to know what to ask for. Portuguese menus often include lattes and cappuccinos, but these are based on more traditional drinks and may not be what you are used to getting in other countries.

Menu signage in many traditional Portuguese cafes can be spotty. Sometimes the menu is only posted out front or along a side wall. With coffee, while they may not list every drink they have, if you know what to ask for, you will find they can usually make it.

So, what are the typical Northern Portuguese coffee drinks? Here is a list of the most common coffee drinks you will find. Remember that in Portugal, most coffee drinks are derived from espresso, not drip or pour-over coffee.

Um Café

This is a shot of espresso, and the most common coffee order in Portugal. In the Algarve or Lisbon, you might also hear this called “uma bica”, and in Porto, it is “um cimbalino.” However, the term “Um Café” is just fine to use.

Um Café Curto or Um Café Italiana

This is a strong, shorter shot of espresso. I know, you probably did not know you could get less than a shot. Think one swig and go…

Um Café Cheio

This is a longer pour, where they let the machine extract a longer shot of espresso and fill up the little cup.

Um Café Duplo

This is a double shot of espresso typically served in a coffee cup, but it will only be around halfway full. This is my go-to drink as it just lasts longer than a single. But this is not a traditional Portuguese drink; rather, it is a translation of the Italian Doppio.

Here in Portugal, people will usually order a single café and slowly enjoy it. If they want another, they will order another. They will not just order a larger coffee to begin with. This is true here when ordering beer as well.

Um Café Descafeinado

A decaffeinated shot of espresso. Theoretically, this can be ordered in three sizes as well. Though I don’t know anyone who drinks them here, the term “descafeinado” can be added to any other type of drink order as well.

Um Carioca

This is a shot of espresso that has been pulled from grounds that have already been used once, creating a second shot that is much milder. Why? I don’t know! Perhaps in a time when people had little and less to waste, you could save money by ordering this way, as the espresso grounds had already been paid for?

Um Abatanado or Um Americano

Called an Americano in Porto and the north, and an Abatanado in Lisbon, this is a shot of espresso with added hot water. This is about as close as you can get to a cup of American-style black coffee, though it still may not be a full pour. To ensure you get a full cup, ask for “um Americano cheio.”

Um Café Pingado

This is a shot of espresso topped up with a little foamed milk in a small espresso cup. The Portuguese version of something between a macchiato and a cortado.

Um Pingo

Um Pingo is a term used in northern Portugal, meaning “a drop.” A Pingo is a café curto, a short (strong) shot of espresso with a little foamed milk added. This is often called a Garoto in Southern Portugal, literally translated as “kid.”

Um Café com Cheirinho

Translated as coffee with a scent, this is a shot of espresso with a few drops of aguardente or brandy. Many older Portuguese supposedly start their day off with one.

Um Meia de Leite

This is a shot of espresso with equal parts steamed milk. It is similar to a cortado, which is one of my favorite coffee drinks. This is often translated, however, as a flat white, so the amount of milk used may vary. You may occasionally see “branco liso” on a menu, which is a direct translation of flat white.

Um Galão

This is the Portuguese version of a Latté and is typically served in a glass, so you can see the layers. It is basically a glass of milk with a shot of espresso. But if you want it stronger, you can ask for “um galão escuro.”

Um Cappuccino

This is your traditional Italian drink with equal parts espresso, milk, and foam.

Specialty shops may have a vegetarian alternative like soy, but more traditional cafes will not. If available, these will be clearly listed on the menu as “leite vegetal” with options of soya (soy), amêndoa (almond), or aveia (oat).

Packets of sugar are generally served beside each coffee.

“Olá, bom dia”, if it is before noon, and “Olá, boa tarde” if it is in the afternoon.

If you are struggling (like me in the morning pre-coffee), you simply say, “Um café duplo por favor.”

In most cases, once the staff notice your stammering Portuguese and terrible accent, they will respond in English, but still be pleased that you are making an effort. Here’s how to ask for your coffee in a complete sentence:

When you ask for something, you start with “Quero” (I want), or “Queria” (I’d like), and then your drink of choice.

It is also best to end with a please. “Se faz favor” or “por favor” are two ways to say please, so use whichever is easier for you. Now put it all together!

“Olá, bom dia. Quero uma meia de leite, por favor.”
“Hello, good morning. I’ll have a flat white, please.”

“Olá, boa tarde. Queria um café, se faz favor.”
“Hello, good afternoon. I’d like an espresso, please.”

Don’t forget to end with thank you, “obrigado” (if you are male), or “obrigada” (if you are female).

Generally, international credit cards are accepted, you may see signs indicating “MB Way Only,” which means only Portuguese credit cards are accepted, and you will need to pay cash. Other places only accept cash, so it’s best to carry a few euros with you.

In most places, a server will take your order, and you will only pay when you are finished. In Portuguese culture, you will never be rushed away from a table, and you are welcome to take your time. If you would like your bill, you will need to ask for it. It would be rude for a server to bring you a bill that you hadn’t requested.

When you want the bill, simply say “A conta por favor“.

Tipping is not traditional, though you can round up a few coins if you like.

In very traditional, busy cafes, you may order at a counter and be given a small plastic card. Place this on your table. The server will look for the number to deliver your food and drink.

This card acts as your “tab”- if you order additional items, the server will take the card and add them to your bill. When you are finished, bring the plastic card to the register, they will swipe it, and tell you how much you owe.

There You Have It

We’ve covered coffee culture in Porto, the types of coffee drinks you’ll find, and what they are called in Northern Portugal. You know how to order and how to pay your bill. You are now ready to confidently enjoy an afternoon coffee like a local!

Need some food to go with that coffee? This list of traditional Portuguese dishes will get you started. We’ve included suggestions of where to try them.

First-time visitor to Porto? Check out our 3 day itinerary for Porto. If you’re in a rush, we’ve got all the highlights in a 1 day itinerary as well.

We have a full list of activities in Porto, and also activities in Matosinhos, the nearby beachside town. Don’t miss our guide to moving around Porto.