Flat White, Cappuccino or Café au Lait – What’s the Difference?
door Elise van Twillert
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A cappuccino, flat white or café au lait — they all seem like just coffee with milk, right? But true coffee lovers (and baristas) know there’s a world of difference between them.
In this article, we’ll explain what makes each drink unique and why the balance between milk, espresso and texture matters more than you might think.
What is a Café au Lait (or “Koffie Verkeerd”)?
In the Netherlands, we call it a koffie verkeerd, which literally means “coffee the wrong way around” — because there’s more milk than coffee. It’s the Dutch take on the French café au lait.
A typical café au lait is made with brewed coffee or a lungo and plenty of hot milk, usually without foam. The result is a mild, creamy cup with a soft coffee flavor — perfect for those who like something smooth and comforting rather than intense.
What is a Flat White?
The flat white was born in Australia and New Zealand and has become a favorite in specialty coffee bars around the world. It’s made with a double espresso (doppio) and velvety microfoam — milk that’s steamed until silky smooth with no large bubbles.
It’s smaller than a cappuccino but stronger in flavor. The flat white balances the intensity of espresso with the sweetness of the milk. The name “flat” comes from its smooth surface: no thick layer of foam on top, just a glossy, creamy texture.
In specialty coffee bars like Stooker Specialty Coffee Amsterdam, the flat white is all about precision — the perfect ratio of espresso, milk and texture.
What is a Cappuccino?
The cappuccino is the classic Italian milk coffee — one part espresso, one part steamed milk, and one part milk foam. It’s light, creamy and rich, offering the best of both worlds: the depth of espresso and the sweetness of milk.
The thicker foam makes it feel softer and lighter than a flat white, and it’s also the go-to drink for creating latte art. You can even learn how to pour perfect latte art yourself in a coffee workshop at Stooker.
The Main Differences
| Feature | Café au Lait / Koffie Verkeerd | Flat White | Cappuccino |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base | Filter coffee or lungo | Double espresso | Single espresso |
| Milk | Hot milk, little foam | Silky microfoam | Steamed milk + thick foam |
| Ratio | More milk than coffee | More coffee than milk | Equal parts milk and foam |
| Texture | Thin and milky | Smooth and velvety | Light and airy |
| Taste | Mild and soft | Strong yet balanced | Rich and creamy |
| Origin | France / Netherlands | Australia / New Zealand | Italy |
Different Ways to Brew and Enjoy Coffee
There’s no single right way to drink coffee — just different styles for different moments.
Here are a few popular brewing methods you’ll find in any specialty coffee roastery:
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Espresso: concentrated and intense, the base for most milk coffees.
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Filter coffee: clean and delicate, perfect for tasting the full flavor of high-quality beans.
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French press: bold and full-bodied, with a rich mouthfeel.
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Cold brew: steeped in cold water for hours, smooth and naturally sweet.
No matter how you brew it, great coffee always starts with great beans. At Stooker, we roast 100% Arabica beans lightly to highlight their natural sweetness and complexity.
Taste the Difference at Stooker Specialty Coffee
Whether you prefer the comforting creaminess of a café au lait, the smooth balance of a flat white, or the rich foam of a cappuccino, it all starts with craft and care.
At Stooker Specialty Coffee Amsterdam, our roasters and baristas focus on the details — from sourcing and roasting to milk texture and presentation. Want to master the art of milk coffee yourself? Join a barista workshop or try our coffee subscription to discover new flavors every month.