Dixya Poudel

Coffee is a brewed beverage that is the go-to drink for many. Most people start their day with 'a cup of Joe' as it is lovingly called. Freshly brewed coffee is the perfect way to prepare for the day. As for me, I prefer to drink coffee around mid-noon when I am most devoid of inspiration. And it sustains me throughout the day.
Coffee drinkers will agree to the stimulating factors of coffee which is attested by science as well. 100 grams of coffee contains about 40 mg of caffeine. As such, caffeine is a natural stimulant found in most beverages such as coffee, tea and cacao. More specifically it is a central nervous system stimulant that is the world's current most consumed psychoactive drug, and it is legal! As a stimulant, it recharges the brain while increasing concentration and attention.
It explains why late night shifters, students preparing for an all-nighter and those on the afternoon slump prefer coffee for that extra boost of caffeine. Even its rich aroma is invigorating.
Growing up, I didn’t quite drink coffee as in Nepal, most people prefer to drink tea or chia as it is called. We tinker with tea, preparing it with fresh milk or powdered milk, with or without sugar or perhaps forgoing off milk. It is only decades later that I have started to drink coffee.
Of course, one can't compare homemade beverages to that of the cafes'. But there is a way to boost the coffee's flavour at home. The trick is to blend and stir coffee powder vigorously with right amounts of sugar and a few drops of water.
Once the milk is boiled, the coffee mix can be stirred in the desired amount. It can even be used as a topping which instils a distinct flavour as it dissolves gradually in the boiled milk or iced milk. The aim is to create a froth which can be achieved through the intensity of stirring. Of course, it is far from the cafe made brew but it does come close.
Foods and beverages are vital for our survival. All life forms require some form of nourishment. But we as human beings are known for our creativity which extends to gastronomic delights as well. Thus we have countless variations of the same beverage which is coffee. People often have their personal favourites when it comes to the brewed coffee. You can have a shot of espresso, a cup of cappuccino or a tumbler of latte.
You can consume it piping hot or iced cold. It can also be taken as a morning routine or if you are like me, after lunch. And today there are so many flavours to choose from, it can make you giddy especially if you are about to order in the cafes. However, coffee isn’t just for the palate; it can also be an ice breaker and a source of camaraderie. Nothing brings people together like conversations over a cup of coffee and if the conversations are agreeable enough, perhaps more cups of coffee will be consumed!
Whether we take coffee at home, cafes, or work, the jolt of caffeine brings us to the present moment. With its distinct and quite unique flavour, coffee is one of the globally loved drinks.