Pu’er Coffee

 While ordering a straight espresso isn’t all that common in many coffee shops in China, the scene looks very different abroad—especially in Europe. There, starting the morning with a single espresso is almost second nature. If you pay close attention, you’ll notice that an espresso is almost always served with a small glass of water and a spoon. This pairing has become an unwritten standard in cafés around the world. Today, let’s talk about why such a small cup of coffee comes with a glass of water and a spoon—and what roles they actually play. The Role of the Glass of Water Let’s start with the water, which is relatively easy to understand. No matter what kind of coffee you order, a glass of water is often considered an essential part of good café service. Beyond simply quenching your thirst, its most important function is to cleanse your palate. Espresso is intensely aromatic and concentrated. Taking a sip of water before your first taste helps wash away lingering flavors fro...

 Many people think of espresso simply as the base of popular drinks like lattes, Americanos, flat whites, or cappuccinos. Because espresso is so concentrated, a lot of people aren’t used to drinking it straight and prefer to dilute it with various add-ins. But that doesn’t mean espresso isn’t meant to be enjoyed on its own! As I’ve shared many times, plenty of coffee lovers overseas prefer espresso specifically for its intensity—the bold flavor and the long-lasting finish after each sip. Yet even among those who drink espresso daily, many still can't handle it straight because not everyone enjoys such a strong bitterness. And that's exactly why so many creative espresso drinks exist. Unlike well-known espresso-based drinks like lattes or Americanos, these variations aim to keep the espresso's concentration as intact as possible. By adding small amounts of flavoring ingredients, they help balance the bitterness without taking away the boldness. This lets you enjoy the full...