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What's the Best Coffee to Order on Your First Visit to a Coffee Shop? A Guide to Those Strange Coffee Ordering Methods

Published: 2026-01-27 Author: FrontStreet Coffee

Last Updated: 2026/01/27, For professional coffee knowledge exchange and more coffee bean information, please follow Coffee Workshop (WeChat official account: cafe_style). For more specialty coffee beans, please add FrontStreet Coffee's private WeChat account: qjcoffeex. In the daily life of a barista, there are always many strange orders, but as a

For more professional coffee knowledge exchanges and coffee bean information, please follow Coffee Workshop (WeChat official account: cafe_style).

For more specialty coffee beans, please add FrontStreet Coffee on WeChat (ID: qjcoffeex).

In the daily life of a barista, we always encounter many strange orders, but as a dedicated and responsible barista, we firmly believe in the principle that the customer is always right. If it's the customer's request, then it's good, no problem!

However, there are still many customers who sometimes make "special" requests. How should I put this? It's not that you can't order this coffee, but when we make this coffee, you'll definitely think we're playing tricks on you. (Of course, some really can't be made...)

Amusing Customer Requests

Customer: I'd like an iced hot Americano, the kind that feels cold to the touch but hot to drink.

Barista: Alright, no problem. I'll summon a wizard right away.

...

Customer: I'd like a latte, with less spiciness.

Barista: Would completely non-spicy work?

...

Customer: I'd like an iced Americano, and please help me add some latte art.

Barista: Are you sent by the boss to test me?

...

Customer: I'd like a latte, no milk added, I'm allergic to dairy.

Barista: It seems my barista career is coming to an end.

...

Customer: Can you add boba to the coffee?

Barista: Sir, would you also like me to add some pearls and taro balls for you?

...

Customer: Do you sell coffee beans here?

Barista: Yes, this is a blend, and for single-origin beans we have... (after 10 minutes of introduction)

Customer: Pinching the beans and rubbing them vigorously for a while: Are these beans durable for boiling?

Barista: (Looking confused) I'm sorry, I don't quite understand what you mean.

Customer: (A bit impatient) Just boiling coffee beans in a pot, asking if they're durable for boiling?

Barista: They are! Especially durable for boiling! Don't worry, you could boil them in a pressure cooker and they still wouldn't break apart!

...

Customer: Hello, I'd like a vanilla...

Barista: ???

Customer: What does a vanilla latte taste like? Vanilla flavor... What does a hazelnut latte taste like? Hazelnut flavor... What does a matcha latte taste like? Matcha flavor... Then what does a regular latte taste like?

Barista: Emmmm, coffee flavor...

...

Customer: Give me a glass of the most bitter coffee.

Barista: ......

...

Baristas express that they really can't meet these special requests.

The Growing Coffee Culture

Nowadays, coffee is becoming more and more popular, and everyone's requirements for coffee are also varied. However! Having such fresh requests also proves that under the joint efforts of coffee practitioners, coffee culture has been well spread, and everyone dares to try and accept new things, which is a good thing!

The Barista's Role

When facing these requests, besides trying to satisfy them as much as possible, the barista's job is also to guide customers correctly. While meeting the requirements, baristas can appropriately educate customers about coffee knowledge. For example, if a customer wants an Americano with milk, you can make it first, and then casually explain to the customer that regular Americano is typically served without sugar or milk, so next time if they want an Americano with milk, they can directly order a white Americano, which would be more convenient.

This way, not only are the customer's requirements met, but they're also introduced to relevant coffee knowledge. Why not do that!

Coffee Shops as Cultural Ambassadors

Although the coffee market is booming now, many people still don't know much about coffee knowledge, so coffee shops actually serve more as evangelists. One more explanation might gain one more customer. Some people might think that explaining is not within the barista's scope of responsibility, but if you want to develop long-term in the coffee industry, you actually need to take on this responsibility.

Finally, we hope that baristas will uphold their original intentions, letting more and more people fall in love with coffee, and allowing China's coffee culture to develop better and better!