kape

Kape is the Filipino word for coffee, the caffeinated beverage brewed from roasted coffee beans. In the Philippines, kape is a common everyday drink and a central part of social routines, from quick morning cups to longer conversations in cafes and homes. The term is used across Filipino languages and is often heard in expressions describing the act of drinking coffee or visiting a coffee shop.

Etymology and usage: Kape is a loanword in Filipino that reflects the broader history of coffee in the archipelago. Its form is related to similar words for coffee found in several European and Southeast Asian languages, with the exact path of transmission uncertain. In everyday speech, people may refer to different preparations of kape, such as black coffee or coffee with milk and sugar, and to places where it is consumed, like kapehan or coffee shops.

Production and varieties: The Philippines grows several coffee species, including Arabica, Robusta, and Liberica. Liberica beans, often marketed as Barako in the Philippines, are known for a bold, full-bodied flavor and are associated with traditional Philippine coffee culture, especially in Batangas. Arabica and Robusta are also cultivated in various highland regions, with Mindanao and Luzon contributing to domestic production. Local coffee production has faced challenges from pests and price fluctuations, but there have been ongoing efforts to revive and expand smallholder farming and specialty coffee initiatives.

Cultural context: Kape contributes to daily routines and hospitality in Filipino culture, with coffee shops (kapehan) serving as social spaces in urban areas and rural communities alike. The beverage also appears in Filipino literature, media, and cuisine as a familiar symbol of warmth and conviviality.