Coffee: A Universal Language of Connection
Coffee isn’t just a drink, it’s a universal language that connects people across continents through rich traditions, unique flavours, and cherished rituals.
Every cup tells a story of its origin and the culture that surrounds it, reflecting the diverse ways in which coffee is enjoyed around the world. At Merlo Coffee, we celebrate these diverse traditions and the connections they foster.
Italy: The Art of Espresso & Merlo's Origin Story
In Italy, coffee culture is a way of life, with espresso being the epitome of this tradition. Strong, quick, and often enjoyed standing at a bar. Cappuccinos are strictly a morning indulgence, never after noon, and this ritualistic approach to coffee is deeply ingrained in the Italian lifestyle, making every sip a moment of pure enjoyment. The Italian coffee experience is about more than just the drink; it’s about the moment, the place, and the people.
This rich coffee heritage is also woven into the Merlo family history, originating in Luigi Merlo’s Trattoria in Tirano, Italy. In 1950, Luigi set out to make a new life for his family in Australia, starting in the cane fields of Mackay before moving to Brisbane in 1958. It was in Brisbane that Luigi’s eldest son, Gino, continued the family tradition of hospitality by opening Café Milano in the Queen St Mall in 1960. The centrepiece of his café was a gleaming La San Marco espresso machine, the very first of its kind in Queensland.
With this machine, Gino introduced Queensland to the European tradition of espresso as the perfect end to a meal. Café Milano was a great success and enabled Gino to move on to creating another Queensland first, a silver service restaurant, also called Milano's. It was here that Gino taught his son, and our founder, Dean, all he knows about the art of hospitality - warm service, high standards, and, of course, how to craft the perfect espresso.
Turkey: An Ancient Tradition
In Turkey, coffee is an ancient tradition. Made in a small pot called a cezve, Turkish coffee is unfiltered, thick, and brewed with precision. It’s a staple of hospitality, often shared with friends or family, and even used to tell fortunes from the grounds left at the bottom of the cup. Turkish coffee is more than just a drink; it’s a bridge between the past and the present, connecting generations through shared experiences.
Ethiopia: The Birthplace of Coffee
Ethiopia, the birthplace of coffee, boasts a rich coffee heritage deeply rooted in its culture. The Ethiopian coffee ceremony, known as "jebena buna," is a communal ritual that symbolizes hospitality, respect, and connection. It involves roasting coffee beans over hot coals, grinding them by hand with a mortar and pestle, and brewing the coffee in a clay pot called a jebena.
The coffee is then poured into small cups called sini and served in three rounds, each with a different strength and significance. This ceremony is not just about the drink but about bringing people together, fostering a sense of community and shared heritage. Ethiopia's coffee is renowned for its distinctive flavours, which vary by region and processing method. Coffee farming is also a vital part of Ethiopia's economy, supporting millions of livelihoods and contributing significantly to the country's export earnings.
A Shared Celebration
Whether it’s a quick shot at an Italian café, a slow sip at an Ethiopian ceremony, or a meticulously crafted flat white in Melbourne, coffee is a shared celebration of culture and connection. Each cup is a journey, a story, and a moment of pure enjoyment.
At Merlo Coffee, we celebrate these diverse traditions and the connections they foster. Join us in exploring the rich tapestry of coffee cultures around the world.