Kafenio facts for kids
A kafenio (pronounced kah-feh-NEE-oh) is a special kind of café found in Greece. It's much more than just a place to grab a drink. Kafenia are important gathering spots, especially in villages and on islands.
What You'll Find Inside
Kafenia usually serve different types of Greek coffee. This includes strong, traditional Greek coffee and frappé, which is a popular iced coffee. You might also find other drinks like beer, retsina (a unique Greek wine), and ouzo (a traditional Greek spirit).
Most kafenia offer small snacks called meze. These are often given for free with your drink. They rarely serve full meals, so don't expect a big dinner! Many kafenia are family-run businesses. They often have simple designs with bright, whitewashed walls.
A Place to Socialize
Kafenia are like the living rooms of Greek communities. People go there to relax and chat after work. It's common to see friends playing card games or backgammon. They are central places for people to catch up on news and spend time together.
In the past, kafenia were mostly for men. Women were not usually seen there. But times have changed! Now, girls and women are very welcome. Everyone can enjoy the friendly atmosphere of a kafenio.
Where the Name Comes From
The word "kafenio" has an interesting history. It comes from an older Greek word, which was borrowed from the Turkish word kahvehane. This Turkish word means "coffeehouse." It shows how coffeehouses have been important meeting places for a long time across different cultures.
