Bica

"Bica" is a popular term in certain regions of Portugal for a type of coffee that is similar to espresso but with a larger volume and a slightly smoother taste, thanks to the distinctive Portuguese roasting process. In most parts of Portugal, people simply refer to it as "um café" and it is typically served in a small demitasse cup. The name "bica" originates from how the coffee flows from the espresso machine into the cup, resembling a water spout or fountain.

The history of bica dates back to 1905 with the opening of the A Brasileira coffeehouse in Lisbon. This is where the small, strong cup of coffee was first introduced. Initially, it was served with fresh goat milk and quickly became popular among the locals. There's an interesting theory that "bica" might be an acronym for "Beba isso com açúcar" which means "Drink this with sugar."

You can also find bica coffee outside of Portugal, especially in places with large Portuguese communities like Montreal, Toronto, and other areas where Portuguese emigrants settled after World War II.