Heading to Lisbon for the 2024 WAC? We’ve got a guide to help you immerse yourself in the city’s specialty-coffee scene.
BY ISABELLE MANI
SPECIAL TO BARISTA MAGAZINE ONLINE
Featured photo by Nathan Bakirci
The highly anticipated World AeroPress Championship (WAC) is just days away! Coffee people from around the globe will gather in Lisbon, Portugal, to celebrate their shared passion for coffee culture, reconnect with friends, and enjoy the capital city’s culture, cuisine, and notoriously warm hospitality.
The WAC event, taking place September 19-21, will be hosted at Suspenso Lisboa, a building located at a historic site in the city’s Alfama district. This is where Al-Ushbuna (the name Lisbon went by during the Iberian Al-Andalus empire) held its administrative court during Moorish rule, which lasted for 700 years. This period of artistic and religious freedom shaped much of the city’s architecture and culture, with influences still visible today in this historic heart of Lisbon.
WAC Coffee Collaboration
The official coffee of the WAC will be a collaborative effort by Portuguese Coffee Roasters United (PCRU), a collective of roasters that was formed specifically for WAC 2024 to advocate for local representation in the WAC’s roasting roster. Following some controversy, an agreement was reached between PCRU and AeroPress. (You can read WAC’s statement here).
“This is a unique opportunity for national roasters to gain exposure on a global stage with reduced costs, for Lisbon’s cafés to show that they are on par with major global names,” says SCA Portugal’s chapter coordinator, Sofia Ferraz. “Similar to the national Brewers Cup and Cup Tasters championships that SCA Portugal is debuting later this year (at Porto Coffee Week, October 1-6), events that boost the specialty-coffee community should always be encouraged.”
Sofia believes that beyond the attention generated by events such as WAC, “It is necessary to protect and promote the Portuguese roasting industry so that specialty coffee, particularly local coffee, grows organically.”
Specialty-Coffee Spots in Lisbon
Lisbon boasts a range of specialty cafés where you can enjoy a relaxed and delicious breakfast (pequeno-almoço). They often serve brunch all day, so you can have a delicious meal with your cup of coffee.
Torra Coffee Roasters
Torra Coffee Roasters, located on the Travessa do Conde da Ponte, is dedicated to offering a variety of locally roasted specialty coffees in Lisbon.
Simo’s Quiosque
This kiosk-bar and café is located at the viewpoint of the Miradouro do Monte Agudo, bordering the Anjos and Penha de França neighborhoods. No pourovers, but they have a barista, specialty-coffee beans, and varied offerings from cappuccinos to coffee Negronis and martinis.
Kaya Coffee Shop and Brunch
Kaya Coffee Shop offers high-quality specialty coffee, along with light, nutritious, locally sourced organic meals in a relaxed and inviting setting.
Bao Bao Café
Bao Bao is a cozy spot next door to the Bica Funicular that serves specialty coffee straight from its Brazilian coffee farm, as well as creative pastries and light meals.
Buraca Roasters
Buraca Roasters is a hidden gem 10 minutes from Parede Beach. It is part of the PCRU collective and offers artisanal coffee roasting, a comfortable ambiance, and surf community vibes.
Fábrica Coffee Roasters
Fábrica Coffee Roasters has multiple locations in Lisbon, offering fresh, in-house-roasted coffee with a wide selection of brews.
Copenhagen Coffee Lab
Copenhagen Coffee Lab is a Danish-inspired coffeehouse with several locations across Lisbon, offering quality coffee and pastries.
Check out more shops from a previous guide here.
In Lisbon, Coffee Is Everywhere
As a local, I recommend checking out local Portuguese delights while enjoying Lisbon’s beautiful September weather in parks, or the stunning views along the Tejo River. Pair that with some wine, cheese, sardines, and pasteis de nata, the famous custard tart, and you’ll be fully immersed.
Although specialty-coffee culture is thriving in Lisbon, it still tends to be more popular among expats and tourists, with locals making up a smaller share of the customer base. Even if you don’t order a Bica (as Lisboetas, or Lisbon locals, affectionately call their espresso), be sure to experience how locals enjoy their coffee throughout the day—especially after meals. It’s common to order a single espresso or a café cheirinho, an espresso with a splash of local liqueur like Porto, Ginjinha, Amêndoa Amarga, or Beirão.
Local cafés and traditional pastelarias (bakeries with coffee) offer croissants, tostas (grilled cheese with or without ham), and more. I’m crazy about Pão de Deus, which translates to “God’s bread“: a heavenly sweet bun with flambéed coconut on top.
Ordering Coffee in Portugal
Here’s a quick guide to coffee drink names. Pro tip: Don’t forget the por favor (please),obrigado (thank you), and com licença (excuse me)!
Café: The go-to espresso shot; just ask for um café.
Café Pingado: An espresso with a small splash of milk.
Meia de Leite: A half-coffee, half-milk drink similar to a latte.
Galão: Coffee with a large portion of milk, served in a tall glass—lighter and creamier.
Abatanado: The Portuguese version of an Americano.
Carioca: A more diluted espresso for those wanting something milder.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Isabelle Mani (she/her) is a writer, journalist, and communicator specializing in the international coffee industry. Since 2017, she has focused on writing articles and features for various international coffee news outlets. Isabelle has traveled to coffee-producing countries such as Colombia, Kenya, Rwanda, China, and Brazil to study and research coffee. She holds training certifications from the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) and the Coffee Quality Institute (Arabica Q Grading).
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