In the Ethiopian highlands, where the legend of Kaldi, the goatherd, originated, coffee trees grow today as they have for centuries. Though we will never know with certainty, there probably is some truth to the Kaldi legend.
It is said that he discovered coffee after noticing that his goats, upon eating berries from a certain tree, became so spirited that they did not want to sleep at night. Kaldi dutifully reported his findings to the abbot of the local monastery who made a drink with the berries and discovered that it kept him alert for the long hours of evening prayer. Soon the abbot had shared his discovery with the other monks at the monastery, and ever so slowly knowledge of the energizing effects of the berries began to spread. As word moved east and coffee reached the Arabian peninsula, it began a journey which would spread its reputation across the globe.
The Arabs were the first, not only to cultivate coffee but also to begin its trade. By the fifteenth century, coffee was being grown in the Yemeni district of Arabia and by the sixteenth century it was known in Persia, Egypt, Syria and Turkey. Its popularity was perhaps due, in part, to the fact that Muslims, forbidden alcoholic drink by the Koran, found coffee’s energizing properties to be an acceptable substitute.
Coffee was not only drunk in homes but also in the many public coffee houses — called qahveh khaneh — which began to appear in cities across the Near East. The popularity of the coffee houses was unequaled and people frequented them for all kinds of social activity. Not only did they drink coffee and engage in conversation, but they also listened to music, watched performers, played chess and kept current on the news of the day. In fact, they quickly became such an important center for the exchange of information that the coffee houses were often referred to as ‘Schools of the Wise.’ With thousands of pilgrims visiting the holy city of Mecca each year from all over the world, word of the ‘wine of Araby’ as the drink was often called, was beginning to spread far beyond Arabia. In an effort to maintain its complete monopoly in the early coffee trade, the Arabians continued to closely guard their coffee production.
European travelers to the Near East brought back stories of the unusual dark black beverage. By the 17th century, coffee had made its way to Europe and was becoming popular across the continent.
We really don’t have an idea when was coffee imported to Serbia, neither where and when was opened the very first cafeteria in Belgrade, but our coffee guide can help you discover the finest coffee in the city nowadays. After a highly caffeinated week, we have finished our guide to the best coffee in Belgrade.
PRŽIONICA
In the industrial zone of lower Dorćol stands Pržionica. Belgrade has recently gained a micro-roaster and coffee bar with a completely new concept: a roaster, a shop and a coffee-shop all in one. The space where it is located looks like an old workshop or warehouse, giving a special flavor to this cool place in Dorćol. The furniture is made of wood & steel.
Pržionica offers freshly roasted high-quality coffee. Their intention is to take care of all the stages of the preparation of coffee, from the raw beans to the perfect cup of espresso. Guests can be a part of the whole process as everything is open and accessible.
The specific method of frying medium roast gives more aroma and fuller flavor than the classic dark roast. In addition to preparing espresso, they also offer other types of coffee: French press, air press, drip coffee and others. All coffee styles can be purchased in the bar. Pržionica also supplies catering facilities.
Address: Dobračina 59b, 11 000, Belgrade
Website: www.przionica.tumblr.com
GREENET CAFEE
Greenet is the chain of caffeterias famous for Mocha and freshly roasted coffees. Originated in early 90′s.
Eleven Greenet coffee shops can be found at various locations around Belgrade and Novi Sad. In pleasantly decorated interior you can enjoy great variety of coffees and chocolates, cakes and sandwiches, while listening to carefully chosen music, reading, talking to friends, or simply surfing the internet. Orange, Chilli and Black Forest Mocha, Crème café, Double Dutch and a perfect cup of espresso, just to name a few of the Greenet’s most popular coffees.
They offer 12 types of roasted coffee (3 blands for turkish coffee, 2 blands for espresso, 6 blands for filter coffee and decaffeinated coffee), as well as coffees to go.
Find them in Belgrade, Novi Sad or Facebook.
Website: www.greenet.rs
E-mail: office@greenet.rs
Facebook: Greenet
Twitter: @greenet_beograd
Greenet shops:
- Stari grad – Nušić st. 4, Beograd.
Tel: (+381 11) 3238-474;
Working: 07.00-23.00; Sunday 09.00-23.00 - Greenet Preko Puta – Nušić st. 3, Beograd.
Tel: (+381 11) 3225-305;
Working: 08.00-00.00, Friday and Saturday 08.00-00.30, Sunday 09.00-00.00 - Panorama, Masarikova st. 5, Beograd.
Tel: (+381 11) 3618-533;
Working: (mon-thu) 07.30-23.30; (fri-sat) 07.30-00.00, Sunday 09.00-23.30 - Greenet Slavija, Nemanjina st. 40 (TC Milenijum), Beograd.
Tel: (+381 11) 3650-010;
Working: 07.00-21.00, Sunday – closed. - Greenet Bulevar, Bul. kralja Aleksandra 72-74, Beograd.
Tel: (+381 11) 3440-106;
Working: 07.30-23.30, Friday 07.30-24.00, Sunday 09.00-23.30 - Greenet Vračar, Makenzijeva st. 55.
Tel: (+381 11) 2403-818;
Working: 07.00-23.00, Sunday 09.00-23.00 - Greenet Arena, Bul. Zorana Đinđića 48a, Novi Beograd.
Tel: (+381 11) 269-2229;
Working: 07.00-23.00, Sunday 09.00-23.00 - Greenet Novi Sad, TC BAZAR, Bulevar Mihajla Pupina, Novi Sad.
Tel: (+381 21) 423-557;
Working: 09.00-21.00, Sunday 10.00-18.00 - Greenet Art Jurija Gagarina 36d, Novi Beograd.
Tel: (+381 11) 2281-403;
Working: 07.00-23.00, Sunday 09.00-23.00 - Greenet In Caffe Njegoševa 10, Beograd.
Tel: (+381 63) 1073-444 063 & 1086-444
Working: 07.30-23.30, Saturday 08.00-24.00, Sunday 09.00-24.00 - Greenet Line, Kraljice Marije 13, Beograd.
Tel: (+381 63) 1099-444
Working: 07.30-23.30, Sunday 09.00-23.00
PANTA REI BAR & RESTAURANT
Located on beautiful Danube quay on Dorćol , Panta Rei represents Belgrade classic. The qualitative and innovative gastronomic offer, elegant interior and beautiful garden, along with the relaxing river view, make it an ideal place for all hedonistic souls. You can come here to enjoy some of the fusion specialties, or maybe more traditional cuisine. Also, Panta Rei bar & restaurant serves the finest coffee in Belgrade.
Working hours: 09h-01h. Address: Tadeuša Košćuška 63, 11 000 BelgradeMOSKVA CAFE
Famous hotel Moskva is a living monument to the history of Serbia and Yugoslavia. Moskva’s appearance is quite unique. It’s located in the old town of Belgrade & represents one of the symbols of the city.
Moskva cafe is one of the oldest and most famous cafes in Belgrade. It has been the most favorite place for Belgrade people for decades. It is a place where you can drink traditional coffee, and enjoy the taste of excellent espresso and cappuccino.
Original recipes of the famous sweet shop assistants in the Hotel Moskva are also famous outside the boundaries of our country. A sweetshop assistant, Anica Dzepina, was responsible for making the Moscow schnite cake, in 1974. Nowadays ,the recipe for this cake as well as Ana and Alexander’s cakes, are used in Vienna, London, Paris, and Chicago.
Address: Terazije 20, 11 000 Belgrade
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