Bica (coffee)
Bica is the term used in Madeira and Portugal for a "café" (coffee in Portuguese) that is similar to espresso, but longer[clarification needed] than its Italian counterpart and a little bit smoother in taste. This is due to the fact that Portuguese roasting is slightly lighter than the Italian one.
In almost all regions in Portugal it's also simply called 'um café' (a coffee in Portuguese) and always served in a Demitasse cup.
The name bica originates from the way the coffee flows, falling from the espresso machine to the cup on the tray,[1] an analogy with a water spring or fountain, both can also be called bica in Portuguese.
History
The A Brasileira was opened by Adriano Telles on 19 November 1905 at No.122 (an old shirt shop), to sell "genuine Brazilian coffee" from the State of Minas Gerais, a product generally unappreciated in homes of Lisboetas of that period. In order to promote his product, Telles offered each shopper who bought a kilogram of ground coffee (for 720 réis) a free cup of coffee. It was the first shop to sell the "bica", a small cup of strong coffee, similar to espresso, with fresh goat milk from nearby farms.[2]
See also
References
- ^ Neves, Orlando (2001). Dicionário da origem das palavras. Lisbon: Lisboa Editorial Notícias. ISBN 9724611876.
- ^ "Portugal's Coffee: A Sumptuous and Delectible Treat". Retrieved 2011-12-31.
