How to Order Coffee in French

Coffee brings people together, and when you’re in France, a visit to a traditional cafe is as essential as climbing the Eiffel Tower. So if you’re trying to become a French local, learning how to order coffee in french is the first step. In this article, you’ll learn all the vocabulary and expressions you need to pass as a local when ordering your morning brew.

Coffee in french is actually very different than in the United States. The French like their coffee strong, so it’s typically served in a smaller cup than what American coffee drinkers are used to. The coffee is often made using a single shot of espresso, and topped with a splash of milk. The best part is that, unlike in the United States, it’s not always served with sugar!

The coffee is also served in a bowl for breakfast, so you can dip your croissant or baguette into it. It’s called “cafe gourmand,” and is one of the staples of French cuisine. During “le gouter” (the afternoon snack around 4pm), you can try a cup of coffee with some tiny pastries, called “des mignardises,” on the side.

To get your coffee to go, ask for “un café à lait et sucre, s’il vous plait.” This means “with milk and sugar.” Note that the French are not as comfortable with skim milk or other alternative milks, so it may be difficult to find something you’re comfortable with. You also won’t find a lot of sugar dispensers like you might see at Starbucks or other American restaurants, so you’ll need to specify if you want any.