“Galao” is a popular Portuguese coffee drink made with one part espresso and three parts steamed milk, creating a light and creamy beverage.
History and Origin
The galao emerged from Portugal’s vibrant cafe culture, which has been thriving since the 18th century when coffee first arrived from Brazil, then a Portuguese colony. The drink itself is a natural evolution of the Portuguese love for both strong espresso and warm milk. The word “galao” comes from the Portuguese word for “gallon,” a playful reference to the generous amount of milk used. It became a breakfast staple in Portuguese cafes and pastelarias (pastry shops) throughout the 20th century, particularly popular alongside the famous pastel de nata (custard tart). For a deeper look at this drink, visit our guide on what is a galao.
How It’s Made
A galao is made by pulling one or two shots of espresso into a tall glass. The barista then fills the rest of the glass with steamed milk – typically about three-quarters milk to one-quarter coffee. The milk should be hot and slightly foamed but not as frothy as you would find in a cappuccino. The drink is always served in a tall, clear glass, which is one of its distinguishing features. The visual contrast between the dark espresso at the bottom and the pale milk on top is part of the galao experience. It is meant to be stirred before drinking.
How to Order
In Portugal, say: “Queria um galao, por favor” (keh-REE-ah oom gah-LOWN, poor fah-VOR). If you want it slightly less milky, you can ask for a “galao escuro” (dark galao) which has more espresso. If you want it extra milky and light, ask for a “galao claro” (light galao). In most Portuguese cafes and pastelarias, the barista will know exactly what you mean when you simply say “um galao.”
When and Where Locals Drink It
The galao is primarily a breakfast drink in Portugal. You will see locals standing at the counter of their neighborhood pastelaria in the morning, sipping a galao alongside a pastel de nata or a torrada (toasted bread with butter). It is less common to order one in the afternoon or evening, when most Portuguese switch to a straight bica (espresso) or a meia de leite. The galao is available everywhere in Portugal – from Lisbon’s historic cafes to Porto’s riverside terraces to small town pastelarias.
Variations
The main variations are based on the milk-to-coffee ratio. A galao escuro has less milk and more coffee, making it stronger. A galao claro has more milk and is milder. Some modern cafes offer a galao with plant-based milk options, though this is still not widespread in Portugal. In the Azores and Madeira islands, you might find slight regional variations in how the drink is prepared, with some cafes using a slightly different ratio or glass size.
Galao vs Latte
The galao and the Italian latte (or cafe latte) are quite similar – both combine espresso with a large proportion of steamed milk. The key differences are in the presentation and ratio. A galao is always served in a tall glass (never a ceramic cup), and the milk-to-coffee ratio tends to be higher than a latte – about 3:1 compared to the latte’s 2:1. The galao also typically uses a slightly stronger espresso base, since Portuguese coffee tends to be robusta-heavy and intense. The result is a drink that is milkier than a latte but with a more pronounced coffee backbone.
How to Make a Galao at Home
To make a galao at home, start by pulling a double shot of espresso (or brew a strong concentrated coffee using a Moka pot). Heat about 8-10 ounces of whole milk until it is very hot and slightly frothy – you can use a milk frother or shake it in a sealed jar and microwave it. Pour the espresso into a tall glass first, then slowly add the hot milk on top. The ratio should be about three parts milk to one part coffee. Stir before drinking. For the most authentic experience, pair your galao with a pasteis de nata if you can find them.
Ingredients
2 Espresso Shots + 10 Fl. Oz. Steamed Milk + 0.06 Fl. Oz. Foamed Milk
How to order a Galao in Portugal?
"Queria um galao, por favor."
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a galao?
A galao is a Portuguese coffee drink made with espresso and a generous amount of steamed milk, served in a tall glass. It is similar to a latte but milkier, with a ratio of about three parts milk to one part coffee.
Is a galao the same as a latte?
They are similar but not identical. A galao has a higher milk-to-coffee ratio than a latte and is always served in a tall glass. Portuguese espresso also tends to be stronger and more robusta-heavy, giving the galao a different flavor profile.
When do Portuguese people drink a galao?
The galao is primarily a breakfast drink, enjoyed in the morning alongside pastries like pastel de nata. It is less common to order one in the afternoon or evening.
What is the difference between a galao and a meia de leite?
A meia de leite has a 1:1 ratio of coffee to milk and is served in a cup. A galao has more milk (about 3:1) and is served in a tall glass.
