In Italy, Cappuccino After 11 AM Is A Strict No, And There’s A Surprising Reason Behind This Tradition

Cappuccino in Italy

Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/ Liubov Kaplitskaya

Cappuccino is one of the most loved types of coffee. It is creamy, frothy, and so comforting. But did you know that ordering and drinking cappuccino after 11 am in Italy is considered a sin, as many Italians avoid ordering this drink in the afternoon? This may sound surprising to many. Here is the reason why cappuccino is considered a morning drink strictly in Italy.

No Cappuccino After 11 AM In Italy

Cappuccino is not just coffee; it is sometimes considered comfort in a cup! Here, we can go to a cafe at any time of the day, order a cup of cappuccino and no one would really bat an eye. But in Italy, your order for a cappuccino after 11 am can definitely raise eyebrows. We are not saying that it is impossible or a literal sin, but the servers and some Italians there may definitely judge you.

Since cappuccino is made mostly with milk, it is considered a breakfast drink in Italy. It is heavy, no doubt, which is why they consider it a proper meal and usually enjoy it with a sweet pastry. For them, lunches are elaborate. It could be pizzas, pastas and more. So, why would they drink a cappuccino with it? According to a belief in Italy, pairing lunch with a heavy, milky drink can interrupt digestion and also cause weight gain.

Also Read: Bullet Coffee With A Desi Twist? Try Chef Sanjyot Keer’s Kesar Elaichi Coffee Recipe

Here’s What To Order In The Afternoon

So, if you are in Italy, ordering a breakfast drink in the afternoon hours may cause some reactions, and yes, some servers may just straight-up refuse to serve it to you. They could deny it by telling you that they don’t make cappuccinos in the afternoon. Then what should a coffee lover do?

In Italy, do what Italians do! Order an espresso and they will happily serve it to you. You can also order a macchiato, which is an espresso with a splash of milk, and is meant to be savoured during the lazy afternoon hours.

Though many modern cafes in Italy are evolving with time and are open to serving any coffee you want, at some places where traditions are followed, this rule still applies. So, if you ever visit Italy, make sure to keep this belief in mind and order just like they do! After all, experiencing local traditions can make your holiday even more interesting.

Also Read: Ever Wondered Why Coffee Makes You Feel Sleepy Instead Of Alert?

Do you know any other fascinating traditions about coffee? If yes, do let us know in the comment section below!

Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/ Liubov Kaplitskaya

FAQs

What is a cappuccino?

A cappuccino is a coffee made with espresso, steamed milk and milk foam.

Is coffee a popular beverage in Italy?

Yes, coffee is considered an important part of Italian food and cafe culture.

What does cappuccino taste like?

Ashmeet Guliani: Ashmeet Guliani is a Content Writer at Curly Tales with over three years of experience writing about food, travel, fashion, and lifestyle. With a B.Sc in Home Economics from the University of Delhi, her interest in reading and writing led her to pursue a career in writing. In her free time, she explores cafes, browses bookstores, listens to Hindi retro songs, and watches K-dramas!