In BiH, there are a number of options for your morning coffee. You can go to a cafe, and order a bosnian coffee or a nescafe of many types (cappuccino, milk with coffee) or an espresso. or you can make the same at home. In the shop, you have two types of coffee available: bosnian coffee and some sort of instant coffee. In some places, you can get whole beans. But I have seen only a few expensive coffee machines, and no french presses. In cafes, there are the expensive coffee machines.
So really, you have two options. It is startling to be served instant coffee in a cafe. But I have become accustomed to it. And really, drinking coffee here is not like in the states. We don’t drink coffee on the run, with large carry-out cups. Here, it is a ritual. With an hour or more spent on each cup.
But for real coffee, having a cup of bosnian coffee is the best way to start, if you can get the proportions correct. Start with clean cool water, boil, reserve a proportion, and add the finely powdered coffee, bring to a boil. I admit, 6 out of 10 times I have ended up with sludge. It is those times I end up turning on the kettle and making some nescafe. Another 2 out of 10 times, I end with coffee boiled all over the top of the stove.
But I am sure it will be the one thing I miss when I return, where there is a Starbucks on every corner.
Amy in Mostar 