How to Order Coffee in a Non-Chinese Menu Café

You’re in a hip European-style café, menu in hand — but there’s not a single Chinese character in sight. Just a list of names like “,” “,” and “.” Sound familiar? Navigating a coffee menu without any familiar language can feel like trying to order in a foreign country, even when you’re still in China.

If you’re staring at a non-Chinese coffee menu and don’t know where to start, the key is learning a few common international coffee names — many are simply European or global terms for classic drinks. With just a bit of background, you’ll know exactly what to ask for, whether it’s a Vienna coffee or a mocha frosty.

What Does the Menu Actually Say?

Here’s a list of common coffee names you might see on a menu with no Chinese characters, along with what they usually refer to:

• Vienna Coffee : A Vienna-style coffee, typically made with espresso and topped with whipped cream, sometimes served with powdered cocoa.
• Mochaccino Coffee : A variant of mocha, usually espresso with steamed milk, chocolate, and foam.
• Cappuccino Coffee : Often a direct reference to cappuccino — espresso with equal parts steamed milk and foam.
• Melange Coffee : The Austrian version of a cappuccino, typically espresso with steamed milk and topped with milk foam.
• Caffè Napoletano : Neapolitan-style coffee, often a lighter, sweeter espresso made with a specific roast and sometimes served with a touch of hot water.
• Russian Coffee : Typically refers to strong black coffee, sometimes prepared with spices or served with a sweet bun.
• Indian Coffee : Usually a spiced coffee or a filtered coffee served with milk, inspired by South Indian brewing styles.
• Turkish Coffee : Unfiltered coffee brewed with finely ground beans, served unfiltered in a cup with the grounds settled at the bottom.

Cool and Iced Coffee Variations

If you’re in the mood for something cold, you might see options like these:

• Iced Cappuccino : Cappuccino served over ice.
• Soft Mocha Frosty : A blended mocha drink with ice cream, similar to a frosty or thick milkshake.
• Café Mocha Freeze : Frozen or blended mocha coffee, likely iced with milk and chocolate.
• Honey Iced Coffee : Iced coffee with honey added for sweetness.
• Banana Mocha Cooler : A banana and mocha-flavored iced blended drink.
• American Mazagran : A cold espresso drink, originally from Algeria, often served with lemon or in a tall glass.
• Iced Mocha Java : A blend of mocha and java (usually Indonesian-origin coffee) served cold.
• Lemon Yellow Coffee : Likely a citrus-flavored yellow-hued coffee drink, possibly with lemon syrup.
• French Berbon Coffee : Possibly a French-style coffee drink with a flavored syrup or brandy-like note.
• Farizer Coffee : Name likely adapted from “Pharisäer,” a traditional German/Nordic coffee with rum.
• Hot Russian Coffee : Likely a hot, strong Russian-style coffee, potentially with a twist.
• Flamming Coffee : A playful name, possibly referring to a flaming or spiced coffee drink.

More Exotic and Flavored Coffee Drinks

For those wanting something more unique or dessert-like, here are some other drinks you might find:

• Mexican Passion : A tropical or passion fruit-flavored iced coffee, likely sweet and creamy.
• Hawaiian Frosty : A Hawaiian-inspired frozen coffee drink, probably with fruit or coconut hints.
• Beer Coffee : A mix of coffee and beer, either mixed or served side by side — a bold combo.

How to Navigate the Menu Without Chinese

When faced with a coffee menu with no Chinese, look for recognizable Western coffee terms like “cappuccino,” “mocha,” or “espresso.” Many of the drinks listed are simply the English or European names for classic styles. If something looks unfamiliar but includes words like “iced,” “mocha,” or “freeze,” it’s likely a variation on a common cold coffee drink. Don’t hesitate to ask the barista — a simple “What’s in this?” or pointing at the name while saying “What is this?” will often get you a clear answer. Most specialty coffee shops will be happy to explain their offerings, even if the menu isn’t in Chinese.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Vienna coffee and how is it different from regular coffee?

Vienna coffee typically refers to an espresso topped with whipped cream and sometimes dusted with cocoa powder. Unlike a regular coffee, it’s richer and often served as a dessert-like drink. It doesn’t usually include milk, focusing instead on the contrast between the bitter espresso and sweet cream.

Is Mochaccino the same as a regular mocha?

Not exactly. While both involve espresso and chocolate, a mochaccino often has a stronger coffee-to-milk ratio and is sometimes prepared differently — it may be more foam-forward or use a specific type of chocolate. A mocha usually includes more steamed milk and is closer to a café mocha.

What is Turkish coffee and how is it made?

Turkish coffee is made by boiling finely ground coffee beans with water (and sometimes sugar) in a special pot called a cezve. It’s unfiltered, so the grounds settle at the bottom of the cup. The coffee is thick, strong, and served with the fine grounds included — it’s not for drinking the last sip.

What should I expect from an iced cappuccino or mocha frosty?

An iced cappuccino is a standard cappuccino served over ice, maintaining the espresso, milk, and foam layers. A mocha frosty is typically a blended or milkshake-style drink with mocha flavor, ice cream, and coffee — thicker and often sweeter than a standard iced mocha.

How can I order if I don’t recognize any names on the menu?

Point to the drink name and ask the barista, “What is this?” or “What’s in this drink?” You can also look for keywords like “iced,” “mocha,” or “cappuccino” to guess the base drink. Most coffee shop staff will gladly explain or recommend something based on your preferences.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Iced and Flavored Coffee Drinks

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