What do the French Like Better: Coffee or Tea?

For many, the debate between tea and coffee is a matter of personal preference, but in the context of French culture, the answer is unmistakably clear: certainly coffee, not the US watered-down kind but the Italian espresso style, the petit café.

A Visit to the French Cafe

I've had the privilege of visiting Paris 15 to 18 times, and it's safe to say that this greatest city in the world never ceases to enchant me. Unless the hotel I stay in has a well-equipped kitchen, I make a ritual of my morning routine: the moment I wake up, I head straight to the café across the street, and the atmosphere there is always the same. People stand at the bar, the baristas are busy, and the soundtrack is made up of the gentle clinking of cups and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee.

Ordering a croissant and a coffee is as much a part of my routine as brushing my teeth. Every morning, everywhere I go, I see that French cafes are filled with patrons enjoying their espresso, cappuccinos, and cafe au lait. It's rare to find a French person savouring a delightful afternoon tea tradition like their British counterparts. The ritual of coffee in the morning and after dinner is a deeply ingrained and cherished tradition in French culture.

The French Coffee Culture

Let us explore the nuances of French coffee culture and the delicious concoctions one might encounter there:

Petit Café: This is the quintessential small espresso coffee, the petit café. It's strong, intense, and served in a small cup. Ristretto: An espresso that is poured more slowly, resulting in a stronger, more concentrated shot. In France, it's often called espresso serait. Macchiato: This is a common modification of an espresso, where a small amount of milk is added. It's referred to as une noisette (a little nut), a playful name referring to the small amount of milk. Cappuccino: A slightly less popular choice in Paris, but still enjoyed by many, especially during the colder months. Cafe au Lait: A perfectly balanced drink that combines coffee and steamed milk, much like a café latte.

The French Tea Preference

Do the French prefer tea over coffee? The answer is largely no, with the notable exception of those who seek a respite from their usual déjeuner café rituals. Tea is more commonly consumed in the afternoons, often with desserts, as part of a thé à la fran?aise or afternoon tea tradition, mirroring the beloved British afternoons. However, it's not typically a morning or post-dinner beverage, unlike its counterpart.

The word thé (tea) is more likely to be found in the context of a gentle, herbal tea after a long day instead of a strong, invigorating start or finish to the day. The selection of tea will be limited to black, green, and herbal varieties, but it's rarely as diverse or robust as the coffee offerings.

Conclusion

In essence, certainly, the French like their coffee better than tea, especially the petit café and its many variations, rather than the US watered-down version of espresso. The rich and intensely flavored coffee caters to the French palate, making it the preferred choice for the morning ritual and post-dinner beverages. While tea has its place in French culture, it takes a backseat to the beloved petit café that defines French coffee culture.