How to order coffee in Portugal: bica, galão, meia de leite
The café is where most people use their first Portuguese. Here's what to order, and how to say it.
The coffees
Um café: a short espresso, the default. In Lisbon many people call it uma bica. Um pingado: espresso with a drop of milk. Um garoto: a small cup with milk and a little coffee. Uma meia de leite: half coffee, half milk, in a cup. Um galão: lots of milk with coffee, served in a tall glass. Um abatanado: a longer, milder black coffee. Descafeinado: decaf.
How to ask
Bom dia! Queria uma bica e um pastel de nata, por favor.
Good morning! I'd like an espresso and a custard tart, please.
Pode ser um galão, se faz favor?
Could I have a galão, please?
Quanto é?
How much is it?
A conta, por favor.
The bill, please.
Queria (“I'd like”) is the most natural, polite way to order. Se faz favor is a very Portuguese “please”.
Try thisIn many cafés you order and pay at the counter, and drinking standing up at the balcão is completely normal, and often a little cheaper.
Quick check
You want a lot of milk with a little coffee, in a glass. You ask for…
90 phrases for real life
The phrasebook Português do dia a dia covers the café, shops, transport, the doctor and paperwork.
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