One of my defining characteristics is my (slightly) problematic addiction to coffee (even though I physically can only handle 2-3 cups max without bouncing off the walls…). Sometimes I go to bed thinking about how great my first cup of coffee will taste in the morning. However, while in France, I’ve had to adjust my coffee drinking habits a bit. You know what they say though: when in Rome [Paris], do as the Romans [Parisians] do!
My beloved coffee vending machine. So many choices!
Caffeine Differences in Drip Coffee and Espresso
One of the first things I noticed about the coffee-drinking habits in Paris is that a lot of people drink espressos rather than black coffee. Unfortunately for me, I enjoy drowning my large coffee in flavored creamer, which is impossible to do with espresso. I’ve had a few espressos during my time here, and while I enjoy them, their tiny size means my coffee-drinking experience goes by faster. I then asked myself, “What is the appeal of a tiny espresso?” Answer: the concentration of caffeine per ounce.
I did a little research into caffeine content in espressos versus 8oz. of drip coffee, and I learned that espressos are served in much smaller amounts because the caffeine in it is more concentrated per ounce. This makes it possible for people to drink a lot of espressos throughout the day and not become super wired. Typically, I consume one to two 8oz. cups of drip coffee per day back in the States, and I expect it to keep me awake for the rest of the day (note: it does not). Drinking espresso would provide me with little boosts throughout the day that could prove more affective than only drinking drip coffee in the morning.
Social Differences in Caffeine Consumption
Usually, I drink coffee in the morning while eating breakfast or on the go while I’m rushing to class. Occasionally, I’ll meet a friend for coffee. I’ve observed that Parisians drink either espressos or smaller cups of coffee while they sit outside cafés and talk with friends. This seems like a much more relaxed and social approach to daily caffeine consumption than in the U.S.
Sidebar: I’ve also noticed this relaxed, un-rushed approach with meals. People take their time to really enjoy their meal, and they don’t end up asking for a leftover box.
My Silly American Moments
I’m the type of person who doesn’t like to stand out when visiting new places. I prefer to watch what native people are doing so that I can model them and not insult anyone with my American ways. In France, unless it’s breakfast time, it’s typical to order coffee for dessert after a meal. However, on a couple of occasions, I’ve forgotten this fact and ordered coffee for during my meal, only to hear a confused “Maintenant?” (Now?). All of my waiters/waitresses were nice about it, but I felt very silly once I realized my deviation from typical coffee-drinking habits.
My takeaways:
- Espressos are nice because you can drink a lot of them throughout the day and not get wired.
- Take a moment to slow down within your day and drink coffee with with your friends.
- Coffee is a nice way to conclude your meal.
It took me a while to get used to the different way people drink coffee here too! It’s nice to see that people here are more relaxed when it comes to getting coffee or eating meals with their friends or family. I feel like everything in the US, especially meals at restaurants, can be so rushed that it makes going out to eat somewhat unenjoyable at times.
I’ve noticed a lot of these things too. I also enjoy a little coffee with my cream and sugar rather than the other way around, so finding coffee I liked to drink in Paris was kind of difficult. But I do like the more social and slower aspect of drinking coffee here in Paris.