A Guide to Filipino Coffee Culture: From Barako to Third-Wave (and How We Drink Coffee in Finland)

Ah, coffee—Filipinos have a special relationship with it. In the Philippines, coffee isn’t just a drink, it’s an event. It’s part of the morning routine, the afternoon pick-me-up, and the late-night bonding session. For Filipinos, coffee has a time and place—any time and any place. If it’s cold, we’ll sip on it like it’s the warmth of the sun. If it’s hot, we’ll still drink it like we’re starring in a dramatic telenovela. It’s pretty much a part of our DNA. Now, as a Filipino living in Finland, you get the chance to experience a whole new coffee culture that might have you questioning: Can I still drink my coffee at 9 pm when it’s -10°C outside? Spoiler: Yes, you can. And here’s how.

The Filipino Coffee Culture: When Is It Not Coffee Time?

Let’s start with the Filipino way. Coffee is more than just a caffeine fix—it’s a reason to sit down, chat, and eat (yes, eat). You might be familiar with the classic kapeng Barako from Batangas, which is basically coffee with an attitude. It's strong, it's bold, and it’s the kind of coffee that wakes you up faster than a 6 am text from your Tita asking if you’re bringing pancit to the party. Barako coffee is like the tough love of coffee. You know it means business. It’s also perfect for pairing with something sweet, like pan de sal or bibingka, and yes, you’ll probably get the “Kain ka pa!” (Eat more!) from your Tita while you sip.

But here's the thing—Filipinos will drink coffee whenever and wherever. Morning? Sure. Afternoon? Definitely. At 11 pm while watching Netflix? Oh, you bet. In fact, during a tropical heatwave, you’ll still see Filipinos holding a hot cup of coffee like it’s the most natural thing in the world. As long as it’s served with a smile (and maybe a side of something sweet), we’re good to go. If there’s no coffee at a Filipino gathering, did it even happen? Probably not.

Enter Finland: The Land of Coffee and Quietude

Now, let’s talk about Finland. Here, coffee isn’t just a drink—it’s sacred. Finland has one of the highest coffee consumption rates in the world, and it’s not because they’re constantly running on caffeine; it’s more of a lifestyle. Finns are all about their kahvia (coffee in Finnish), and they’ll drink it in huge mugs, with a side of pulla (a Finnish cardamom bun) to make it an official coffee break. The coffee is light-roasted, mellow, and smooth—definitely not something to jolt you awake like a cup of Barako.

In Finland, coffee is taken seriously but in a chill, no-pressure way. There’s none of the “Can I get my coffee with a side of existential crisis?” energy like in the Philippines. Here, it’s more like “Sit back, relax, and let’s enjoy the moment.” The Finnish coffee break—kahvitauko—is as important as breathing. You don’t rush through it. It’s an excuse to pause, chat, and refuel in a very calm and collected way. They don’t need their coffee super sweet (no sweetened condensed milk here, sorry) and they don’t need it with a side of drama. But it’s an art—because every cup is enjoyed slowly, like you’re savoring a quiet moment in a snow-covered cabin with nothing to do except think deep thoughts or, more realistically, watch re-runs of your favorite TV show.

The Filipino in Finland: Navigating the Coffee Crossroads

Now, as a Filipino living in Finland, things get interesting. You’ve grown up drinking coffee with gusto—whether it’s sweltering hot outside or freezing cold, a good cup of coffee is always in order. And then you land in Finland, where people sip their coffee so calmly, so… peacefully. At first, it feels like you're in the wrong movie. Are they even awake? Is this what it means to be “chill” with coffee? You might start to wonder if you should change your caffeine habits just to fit in.

But the beauty of it is, you don’t have to. While the Finns are sipping their gentle kahvia with their pulla, you can still go ahead and order your Barako coffee, or any bold brew, and proudly sip it like it’s 90°F outside. Who’s judging? You’re just embracing the Filipino spirit: coffee for all seasons, all times, and all temperatures.

In fact, you might even find that the Finnish coffee scene is starting to evolve. With the rise of local roasters and more diverse coffee shops, the people of Finland are beginning to appreciate a range of coffee flavors and brewing methods. That means you’ll find places in Finland where they do brew your favorite strong espresso, pour over, or even serve beans from the Philippines. Now, that’s a moment of cultural exchange right there—a nice little reminder that no matter where you are, coffee is the universal language.

A Blend of Cultures and Coffee: How We’re Changing the Game

Let’s not forget that coffee is all about connection. The beauty of Filipino coffee culture is how it brings people together, whether it’s shared with your Tita during a casual afternoon visit or with a friend you haven’t seen in years. And in Finland, the concept of the kahvitauko is all about taking a break, recharging, and being present with others. So, in the end, whether you’re sipping on a rich, dark Barako or a delicate cup of Finnish kahvia, it’s really about enjoying the moment.

As a Filipino living in Finland, you’re the perfect mix of both worlds. You can sip your coffee with the passion of a Filipino, while embracing the Finnish art of taking your time and savoring the little things. And hey, if you want to enjoy a hot cup of coffee in -10°C weather while Finnish people sip their light roasts, do it with pride—because you, my friend, are a true coffee champion.

Coffee culture is always evolving, but the one thing that remains constant is the joy it brings. So go ahead—drink your coffee anytime, anywhere, no matter the temperature. After all, a good cup of coffee is a good cup of coffee, whether you’re in the Philippines or Finland. And that’s the kind of connection that makes the world a little warmer, one cup at a time.