“Meia de leite” is a well-loved Portuguese coffee drink akin to a latte, blending equal parts espresso and steamed milk.
For those who enjoy a milder coffee experience with a smooth texture, this is the ideal choice. Served in a larger cup, it’s perfect for leisurely mornings or afternoon breaks.
This beverage offers a balanced combination of rich espresso and creamy milk, providing a delightful coffee experience.
To order, simply say, “Queria uma meia de leite, por favor.”
Ingredients
Half Coffee + Half Milk
How to order a Meia de Leite in Portugal?
"Queria uma meia de leite, por favor."
History and Origin
The meia de leite is a cornerstone of Portuguese coffee culture with roots going back to the early 20th century. As espresso machines became common in Portuguese cafes during the 1920s and 1930s, locals developed a range of coffee drinks to suit different tastes. The meia de leite – literally “half of milk” – emerged as the go-to option for people who wanted a gentler, milkier coffee. It shares a family tree with the French cafe au lait and the Spanish cafe con leche, reflecting the broader Mediterranean tradition of mixing coffee and milk. In Portugal, the meia de leite became closely associated with breakfast and is still the default morning coffee for millions of Portuguese people today.
How It’s Made
A meia de leite is made by combining roughly equal parts espresso and steamed (or very hot) milk. The barista pulls a shot of espresso into a large cup, then fills the rest with steamed milk. Unlike a galao, which uses more milk and is served in a tall glass, the meia de leite comes in a standard coffee cup and has a stronger coffee-to-milk ratio. The milk is heated but not necessarily frothed into microfoam the way a latte would be. This gives the meia de leite a simpler, more homey texture – creamy and warm without being overly foamy.
How to Order a Meia de Leite
At any Portuguese cafe, say: “Queria uma meia de leite, por favor” (keh-REE-ah OO-mah MAY-ah deh LAY-teh, poor fah-VOR). Note the feminine article “uma” since “meia” is feminine. If you want it extra hot, add “bem quente.” For a weaker version with more milk, some people ask for a “meia de leite clara” (light). Most baristas will prepare it without further questions.
When and Where Locals Drink It
The meia de leite is primarily a breakfast drink in Portugal. Walk into any pastelaria (bakery-cafe) between 7 AM and 10 AM and you will see locals pairing a meia de leite with a torrada (toasted bread with butter) or a croissant. It is also common as an afternoon snack, especially alongside a sweet pastry. You will find it everywhere in Portugal, from rural village cafes to busy Lisbon coffee shops. It is considered a comfort drink – warm, familiar, and unpretentious.
Variations
The standard meia de leite is half espresso and half steamed milk, but there are a few twists. A “meia de leite escura” (dark) uses less milk for a stronger coffee flavor. A “meia de leite clara” (light) goes heavier on the milk. Some people order it with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top, though this is not traditional. In the Azores, where dairy is exceptional, the meia de leite takes on a particularly rich and creamy quality thanks to the local milk. You can also request soy or oat milk at more modern cafes in Lisbon and Porto.
Meia de Leite vs Cafe au Lait
The meia de leite and cafe au lait are remarkably similar drinks from neighboring countries. Both combine coffee with an equal portion of hot milk. The key difference is that a Portuguese meia de leite uses espresso as the base, while a traditional French cafe au lait uses brewed (drip or press) coffee. This gives the meia de leite a slightly more intense, concentrated coffee flavor compared to the lighter, more mellow cafe au lait. The serving style also differs – the meia de leite comes in a standard cup, while the French version is famously served in a wide bowl at breakfast.
How to Make a Meia de Leite at Home
Brew a strong shot of espresso or a concentrated cup of coffee using a Moka pot. Heat an equal amount of whole milk in a small saucepan until it is steaming but not boiling. Pour the espresso into a large mug, then add the hot milk. Stir gently. There is no need to froth the milk elaborately – the charm of a meia de leite is its simplicity. Use whole milk for the most authentic experience. Pair it with buttered toast or a pastry for a true Portuguese breakfast at home.
FAQ
What does meia de leite mean?
Meia de leite translates to “half of milk” in Portuguese. It describes the roughly equal ratio of coffee to milk in the drink.
Is a meia de leite the same as a latte?
They are similar but not identical. A meia de leite uses steamed milk without the thick microfoam layer that defines a latte. It also has a higher coffee-to-milk ratio than most lattes.
When do Portuguese people drink meia de leite?
It is primarily a breakfast drink, typically enjoyed with toast or pastries in the morning. Some people also order it during afternoon coffee breaks.
