Why do people drink coffee after dinner? (wine, cognac, restaurants)

[southernnaturelover]

I have noticed in restaurants that people will often have iced tea or even soda with their dinner, and then once they finish their food they'll drink coffee (sometimes with dessert). Why is this? Is the coffee supposed to help settle the food or something? I don't understand why people want cold and hot drinks with the same meal.

[chiroptera]

I typically don't drink coffee after my morning cuppa...

Unless I'm out for a (nice, not diner or fast food) dinner.
Then due to the fact that I've eaten more than usual, a good espresso is a very nice finish to a big meal, and a nice bitter complement to a small, rich dessert.

But in more plebeian settings, I have no idea why people do this. Habit?

[wadejay26]

Because they enjoy it?

[beth98]

It's a traditional thing. It's big in Italian homes and I think in many Southern homes. My southern grandmother always serves coffee after dinner. It's a nice way to linger around the table and continue chatting after dinner.

[mdiada]

hmm, wasnt aware it was so popular. personally, i drink coffee throughout the day because it curbs my appetite (im on a diet) and i like the taste.

[Mightyqueen801]

Sometimes a nice hot cup of coffee just hits the spot after a good dinner, especially if you've had wine with the meal and are feeling a little sluggish. Plus coffee goes with dessert.

[ipaper]

I guess for pretty much the same reason some people light up a cigarette after a meal. nicotine fix vs a caffeine fix

[MJ7]

to counteract the triptophane from the meat

[Canyon Cat]

Nothing like a nice espresso with a snifter of cognac after a superb meal. It's so . . . delightfully decadent.

[RainbowHope]

For me personally, I get cold after I eat. Dinner is usually my largest meal of the day, so as the body starts processing the food, my energy depletes and I get cold. Coffee helps that not to happen.

I do have a thyroid issue which contributes to being cold, but it is even more after I eat.