There's no understating how core of a component coffee is to Italian culture. This sentiment rings out even truer in Napoli, where caffè sospeso is a time-honored tradition. Learn about "suspended coffee" and this small act of kindness rooted in Napoli.
So what exactly is a caffè sospeso, caffè suspiso, or "suspended coffee"? It is the simple act of treating a stranger to coffee. You pay for two coffees but only enjoy one, leaving the second for someone who can't afford to buy one. It's a tradition that no one can seem to find the origins of, but Neapolitans believe this has simply been a cultural norm forever, handed down by word of mouth for generations. It rose in popularity during World War II and the coronavirus pandemic, instilling the streets with a sense of solidarity. Nowadays, there is a group of coffee shops in Napoli and around the world that belong to the Suspended Coffee Network, and a day has even been marked for celebrating this tradition (December 10th—mark your calendars!).
Caffè sospeso is a way to literally pay it forward in a time when so much emphasis is placed on taking. When you visit Napoli, be sure to order a caffè sospeso and spread kindness, love of the city, and enjoyment of a perfect coffee.