If you step into a bar in Milan or Florence at 3 p.m., you will easily see locals quickly drinking a strong espresso, with few ordering a cappuccino. Cappuccino is a famous traditional Italian coffee, made from three parts: espresso, hot milk, and a thick layer of milk foam.

For many tourists, enjoying a milky coffee later in the day is a normal experience. In Italy, however, drinking cappuccino in the afternoon is considered a "taste error." This rule of not consuming cappuccino after lunchtime stems from the Italian perception of milk.

Elizabeth Minchilli, a food culture researcher living in Rome, told HuffPost that locals view milk not as a refreshing beverage, but as an independent food item, rich in energy and with a thick texture.

Breakfast in Italy with cappuccino and pastries. Photo: thetravellinggirl

According to the Italian National Espresso Institute (INEI), a standard cappuccino consists of 25 ml of espresso combined with 100 ml of milk. This amount of milk contains significant fat, protein, and lactose, equivalent to a light meal. Therefore, Italians typically only drink cappuccino at the start of the day, often accompanied by a pastry like a cornetto (Italian-style croissant) for a complete breakfast.

After 11 a.m., which is lunchtime, consuming a large quantity of milk is seen as unnecessarily filling, potentially spoiling the taste experience of the next main meal.

Italians manage their eating and drinking according to clear rules that separate flavors at different times of the day. Their lunch and dinner are dedicated to savory dishes, carbohydrates, and protein such as pasta, meat, fish, or cheese. For Italians, the purpose of finishing a meal is to cleanse the palate and retain the aftertaste of the main course. A pure espresso (without milk), with its rich bitterness and natural acidity, accomplishes this, creating a contrast that enhances the flavors of the meal just finished. Conversely, drinking cappuccino after a main meal would coat the tongue's mucous membrane with milk foam, diminishing the lingering taste of the previous dish.

To truly experience the local culture, tourists can refer to the Italian classification of coffee consumption times. Before 11 a.m., you can enjoy cappuccino or latte, paired with pastries. After 11 a.m., espresso or macchiato (espresso with a small layer of milk foam on top) is recommended.

Tourists can still order cappuccino at any time of day in most cafes and restaurants across Italy. In cities that attract many international visitors, such as Rome, Florence, or Venice, serving cappuccino in the afternoon or evening is common. However, most Italians maintain the habit of only drinking cappuccino in the morning. After lunch or dinner, espresso is generally the more popular choice.

Anna Possi chats with tourists enjoying coffee at her cafe. Photo: Claudia Greco

Anna Possi chats with tourists enjoying coffee at her cafe. Photo: Claudia Greco

Anna Possi, 101 years old, owner of Bar Centrale in the village of Nebbiuno, northern Italy, is the country's oldest barista and has been behind the counter since 1958. She still serves cappuccino to tourists in the afternoon, and even at midnight, despite the unwritten local rule.

"Who am i to decide when customers should drink the coffee they like", Possi said, adding that tourists have every right to follow their personal preferences.

Possi stated that what customers have eaten before drinking coffee is important. The 101-year-old bartender does not recommend combining coffee with orange juice or drinking it immediately after lunch, as it can be difficult for the stomach to digest.

By Mai Phuong (According to HuffPost, Reuters)