Above: Picture of Kafenio

It has been said that the most vital place in a Cypriot village is the Kafenio – the traditional coffee shop of Cyprus.

The Kafenio is crucial to the community because it is the core of communication between the people there. It is the common place where friends and acquaintances meet-up, talk, chill and chat to simply to pass the time in comfort. It also serves as the host where people play “Tavli” – the Greek counterpart of Backgammon.

Kafenio lovers lounge around the place to drink tea, Greek coffee, fresh juice or have a taste of the home-made fruit squash.

The Greek coffee is prepared either as a “sketo”, “metrio” or “glyko” - depending on your taste buds.

Here’s how you make it:

• measure using the cup of coffee
• use a small coffee pan to pour water
• wait for the water to reach its boiling point

Sekto

• use one or two teaspoon full of coffee
• wait for water to boil
• stir till it you see bubbles forming

Metrio

• add an additional spoonful of sugar

Glyko

• add two additional spoonful of sugar

Always keep in mind that the coffee is constantly served with a glass of cold water.

Take into consideration that each kafenio has its own unique way of preparing its coffee. To be on the safe side, it is advisable to state the quantity or amount of sugar your taste buds desire.

If you happened to get invited by someone into their home for a cup of coffee, you can expect that they usually turn their cups upside down, on the saucer, after they have finished drinking their coffee.

It is also believed that people can foresee your future from the drains of coffee. Try to engage in this practice because you will find yourself having something interesting to talk about right after. Just remember that the predictions will depend solely on your belief in it.