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PhrasesOrdering CoffeeUn caffè con panna, per favore.
A1

Un caffè con panna, per favore.

A coffee with whipped cream, please.

Pronunciation

PAN-na — two syllables, double 'n', stress on first syllable.

When to use it

When you want espresso topped with a dollop of unsweetened whipped cream instead of milk.

What it means

'Panna' is whipped cream. 'Caffè con panna' is espresso served with a generous portion of cold whipped cream on top. It is a dessert-like coffee, typically drunk in the afternoon or as a treat. Not as common as macchiato or cappuccino.

Variations

Un marocchino.

A marocchino.

Espresso, cocoa powder and hot milk foam — a Northern Italian speciality

Un caffè con panna e cioccolato.

A coffee with whipped cream and chocolate.

Ask for chocolate powder on top for an extra indulgent variation

Un cappuccino con panna.

A cappuccino with whipped cream.

Replace the foam with whipped cream — richer and denser

Mini Dialogue

— Un caffè con panna, per favore. — La panna la vuole sopra o a parte? — Sopra, così si mescola piano piano. — Perfetto, eccolo. Un piccolo lusso!

— A coffee with whipped cream, please. — Do you want the cream on top or on the side? — On top, so it mixes gradually. — Perfect, here you go. A little luxury!

Cultural Note

The 'caffè con panna' is associated with the Austrian influence in northern Italy (Trieste, Bolzano) where Viennese coffee culture historically penetrated. It is less common in the south where espresso culture is more austere.