What Is a Flat White?

The flat white - a staple in many Australian and New Zealand cafes - has been a topic of debate among coffee enthusiasts for years. While some claim it originated in Australia, others argue that its roots lie in New Zealand. So, what exactly is a flat white, and where did it come from?

According to Alan, a Sydney-based coffee shop owner who claims to have been the first to permanently put the term 'flat white' on his menu in the mid-1980s, the drink was originally referred to as a 'white coffee - flat.' This consisted of an espresso served with steamed milk, and it quickly gained popularity among locals. However, New Zealander Fraser McInnes challenges Alan's claim, stating that the drink was actually poured without latte art and served in a ceramic cup.

Alan's original recipe for a flat white used a double ristretto shot and steamed milk with little foam. He says that he noticed its popularity among customers and began to refer to it as a flat white. But others claim that the term 'flat white' has been around longer, with Australian barista Alan Preston saying that it's a debate that will likely go back and forth for a long time.

The Director of the Melbourne Coffee Academy, Charles Skadiang, agrees that the exact origins of the flat white are somewhat contentious. While there may be disagreement about where the drink originated, one thing is certain - the flat white has become a beloved coffee beverage around the world.

So the next time you order a flat white at your local cafe, remember that its history is still a topic of debate among coffee enthusiasts. But regardless of where it came from, there's no denying its delicious taste and popularity among coffee lovers everywhere.

What is a flat white