Ukrainians take their coffee seriously. Whether it’s a quick espresso at a Lviv kavarnya or a leisurely latte in Kyiv, knowing how to order properly will earn you nods of approval (and maybe even a free pastry). Here’s how to sound like you’ve been sipping coffee in Ukrainian cafés your whole life.
The Basics: Coffee Types
Еспресо
/esˈprɛsɔ/“Espresso”
A strong, concentrated coffee served in small cups. The default order for many Ukrainians.
Американо
/ɑmɛriˈkɑnɔ/“Americano”
Espresso diluted with hot water. Less intense but still robust.
Капучино
[kɐpʊˈt͡ʃɪnɔ]“Cappuccino”
Espresso with steamed milk and foam. Often dusted with cocoa or cinnamon.
Лате
/ˈlɑtɛ/“Latte”
More milk than coffee, creamy and mild. Popular for leisurely mornings.
How to Customise Your Order
Ukrainians love personalising their coffee. Here’s how to tweak yours:
- З цукром / Без цукру (z tsukrom / bez tsukru) – With sugar / Without sugar
- З молоком / Без молока (z molokom / bez moloka) – With milk / Without milk
- З корицею (z korytseyu) – With cinnamon
- З карамеллю (z karamellyu) – With caramel syrup
Pro tip: In fancier cafés, you might hear “на винос” (na vynos) – meaning “to take away”. If you’re staying, just say “тут” (toot).
Putting It All Together
A typical exchange might go like this:
You: “Добрий день! Мені, будь ласка, капучино з корицею.” (Dobryy den! Meni, budʹ laska, kapuchyno z korytseyu.) – “Good day! I’d like a cappuccino with cinnamon, please.”Barista: “З цукром?” (Z tsukrom?) – “With sugar?”You: “Так, одна ложка.” (Tak, odna lozhka.) – “Yes, one spoon.”
Bonus: Café Culture Tips
- Ukrainians often linger over coffee. Don’t rush – cafés are social spaces.
- Tipping isn’t mandatory, but rounding up or leaving 10-15% is appreciated.
- Many cafés serve “фірмова кава” (firmova kava) – house blends worth trying.
- If you’re in Lviv, order a “Львівська кава” (Lvivska kava) – the city’s signature coffee with spices and condensed milk.
For more on Ukrainian food culture, check out our guide on How to Talk About Food and Recipes in Ukrainian.
