Will Italian Espresso Replace Traditional Greek Coffee?

In Greece, a quiet coffee revolution has been underway for two decades. Italian espresso arrived as early as the 1990s, but it didn’t catch on until about ten years later. Now, it dominates cafés and homes alike. But with this rise, questions have emerged: is Greece’s own coffee tradition — long a point of national pride — being pushed aside? And if so, can it survive?

Not yet — but it’s at risk. While traditional Greek coffee remains culturally significant, especially among older generations, espresso is rapidly becoming the default choice for most Greeks, particularly the young. The shift is driven by globalisation, changing tastes, and social habits, but the full replacement of Greek-style coffee is not guaranteed.

Greek Espresso Culture: A Recent Boom

Italian espresso took its time taking root in Greece. Although it appeared two decades ago, it only gained widespread popularity around 2010. Today, it is everywhere: in new cafés, hotels, and homes. Even during the years of Greece’s economic crisis, people refused to cut back on coffee. "As Greeks, you might stop buying expensive food or clothes, but you’ll still spend on a coffee," says Greek food critic Marianthi Milona. In fact, between 2008 and 2013, sales of home espresso machines in Greece rose 40%, and that growth is expected to continue for at least another five years.

Why Greeks Love Espresso Now

To many Greeks, drinking espresso is more than caffeine — it’s social. Going to a café for an espresso offers a sense of community and identity. According to Chrysa Gerolymatou, general manager of six-year-old Mikel Coffee, today’s younger generation sees espresso as trendy and modern. "In the 1990s, Greeks only had two choices: traditional Greek coffee or instant," she explains. That’s no longer the case. Now, espresso is the go-to option for most, whether hot or iced.

Athens architect Yiannis Giannopoulos notes that it was rare to find an espresso machine in a hotel just five years ago — now it’s standard. With Greece’s hot summers, the ability to enjoy coffee cold or hot with equal ease makes espresso especially appealing.

The Historical Shift from Instant to Espresso

This isn’t Greece’s first coffee transformation. In the mid-20th century, instant coffee — seen as a symbol of Western modernity — briefly overtook traditional brews. "It made Greeks feel European, not part of the backward East," says Milona, referencing the historical shadow of Ottoman rule. Locals even created the Frappe, a cold, iced instant coffee drink served with a straw. But today, Frappe has largely given way to espresso, which is more versatile and better suited to Greece’s climate.

What Is Traditional Greek Coffee?

Despite the espresso craze, Greeks remain proud of their traditional coffee, which is nothing like Turkish coffee — a common misconception that could spark a heated debate anywhere in Greece. This unfiltered, finely ground coffee is slow-brewed in a briki and served unpressurised, often with grounds settling at the bottom. It’s deeply embedded in Greek social life, where visiting a café is a daily ritual for many.

But even this cultural staple is slipping. Milona argues Greeks won’t abandon their coffee heritage entirely. However, Yiannis Giannopoulos believes it’s disappearing from daily life. Only those over 65 consistently drink the traditional style, while younger Greeks overwhelmingly prefer espresso and its newer brewing methods.

Will Traditional Greek Coffee Disappear?

If current trends continue, traditional Greek coffee may face a slow decline. Espresso’s convenience, social cache, and global appeal make it the preferred choice for most, especially urban, younger Greeks. Yet traditional coffee retains symbolic and cultural value, particularly among older demographics. Whether it vanishes or simply becomes a niche tradition depends on broader cultural shifts and generational preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is traditional Greek coffee the same as Turkish coffee?

No, although they are similar and often confused. Both are unfiltered and made from finely ground coffee, but Greek coffee is distinct in cultural identity and preparation context. Calling it Turkish coffee in Greece is considered offensive by many locals.

Why did Greeks start drinking espresso instead of traditional coffee?

Espresso became popular due to globalisation, social trends, and its image as modern and fashionable. Younger Greeks see it as a more contemporary choice compared to the traditional method, which is now often associated with older generations.

Are espresso machines popular in Greek homes?

Yes. Between 2008 and 2013, home espresso machine sales in Greece rose 40%, and the trend has continued. Even during the economic crisis, Greeks prioritised buying espresso over cutting back on other expenses.

What happened to the Frappe?

The Frappe, a cold instant coffee drink, was once hugely popular in Greece. It has largely been replaced by espresso, which is seen as more versatile and suitable for both hot and iced consumption, especially in Greece’s warm climate.

Do older Greeks still drink traditional coffee?

Yes. According to observers, Greeks over the age of 65 are the most likely group to still regularly drink traditional Greek coffee, while younger people overwhelmingly prefer espresso.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Espresso

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