How Serbia took coffee drinking to a whole new level
If you think coffee is just a wake up tool get ready for a game changer!
Statistically, Serbia is number 6 on the list of top 10 coffee consumers in the world. We rank higher than Germany and Denmark. Funny fact, when you think about other things coffee is associated with, like high levels of productivity or long working hours... Not really considered the most hard working nation, and definitely not prone to working overtime, when it comes to coffee, Serbia still outdrank Denmark and even the stereotypical “workaholic” country of Germany. How can that be, you ask?
Wait for it…
Another list we rank high on is the list of European countries with the highest unemployment rate. Which only adds to the confusion. How can a country with so many unemployed folks drink so much coffee? Or, better yet, afford it?
Now is the time to officially introduce the concept of kafenisanje. The phenomenon is so well known and widespread that it forged its own word in the Serbian language. What it actually means depends on different factors like the people, the season and the weather, but some key elements are always found in its core:
- It’s most often enjoyed in the afternoon hours
- It must last at least an hour and a half
- You must dress to impress, even if going to the cafe just around the corner
Let me explain that better. See, in the face of several economic crises we’ve endured over the last few decades, and the lack of good job offerings that consequently followed, we’ve found ourselves with a lot of free time but not remotely enough money to actually make good use of that time (like…say…traveling or remodeling the kitchen). So we took the little pleasures still accessible and extended them as much as we possibly could. So, while your average drinking coffee experience might take 20 minutes, maaaaaybe half an hour (depending on the size of your beverage), for us it can last indefinitely.
Because it’s not about the coffee. Let’s face it, no cappuccino, no matter how big it is, can taste good after sitting for an hour and a half! The special value of this ritual lies in the fact that it provides a platform for spending quality time with friends and making that cup last until the last word is spoken. And boy do we like to talk!
If you ever find yourself in a city like Belgrade or Novi Sad, and you’re walking around exploring the city, a few things might catch your eye. You might notice how all the cafes seem to be jam packed. Or how attractive everyone seems to look. You might even notice the variety of coffee to choose from is more of a mind baffeling 20 page booklet than an actual menu!
See, the thing is, kafenisanje in Serbia has become a form of outing. It’s almost like a day time version of partying (hence the dressing up). A mixture of posing, people watching and socializing, it’s a wonderful way to spend a few hours of any given day. Though considered a time wasting activity by the elderly, it seems to maintain a high level of popularity among the younger generations. Ever heard of the expression “Time you enjoy waisting is time not wasted.”? Consider kafenisanje the practical application of this.
We may not be considered the wealthiest, most developed country, but we sure know how to make and (more importantly) keep friendships for a really REALLY long time. I’m talking kindergarden-to-retirement kind of friendship. The “Remember when we were 6 and I made you eat your bugger?” kind. Because we’ve found a way to maintain closeness over something as simple as a cup of coffee. So who cares if your latte macchiato lost its foam or your espresso tastes like it was made with swamp water, the stories you shared over it hold immeasurable value!
And that is what makes kafenisanje a ritual that will never lose it’s appeal!
