A “café lungo” is a popular Portuguese coffee drink similar to a “Café Allongé” in France or a “Caffè Longo” in Italy.
It involves a longer extraction process, resulting in a shot that’s at least double the volume of a traditional espresso. This method creates a milder flavor and a larger coffee, making it perfect for those who prefer a less intense espresso experience.
To order it, you would say, “Queria um café lungo, por favor.”
Ingredients
1 Long Extracted Espresso Shot
History and Origin
The cafe lungo is Portugal’s version of an elongated espresso. While sharing its name with the Italian caffe lungo, the Portuguese preparation and context have their own character. In Portuguese coffee culture – where the standard cafe is a short, intense shot – the lungo offers a milder alternative for those who want to take their time.
How It’s Made
- Standard dose of finely ground coffee
- Extended water extraction or added hot water
- Volume: roughly 50-70ml
- Served in a larger cup than a regular cafe
In Portugal, the lungo is less common than the abatanado, which is the more popular way to get a longer black coffee. The difference is subtle – an abatanado tends to be even more diluted.
How to Order Cafe Lungo
Say: “Um cafe lungo, por favor” (oom ka-FEH LOON-go, por fa-VOR). Some baristas may suggest an abatanado instead, as it’s the more traditional Portuguese long coffee.
When and Where Locals Drink It
The lungo is more common in Portuguese cities with international influence – Lisbon and Porto especially. In smaller towns, locals typically drink either a regular cafe or an abatanado. The lungo fills a middle ground for those who want more volume without going full abatanado.
Lungo vs Abatanado
- Lungo – 50-70ml, extended extraction
- Abatanado – 80-120ml, more diluted, closer to an Americano
- Cafe – 25-30ml, standard Portuguese espresso
How to Make at Home
- Pull a standard espresso shot
- Add 25-40ml of hot water (not boiling)
- Or extend the extraction on your espresso machine to 35-40 seconds
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a cafe lungo popular in Portugal?
It exists but isn’t the most common order. Most Portuguese who want a longer coffee order an abatanado instead.
What’s the difference between lungo and abatanado?
The abatanado is larger and more diluted. Think of the lungo as a middle step between a regular cafe and an abatanado.
