A flat white is a coffee drink made with a double shot of espresso and steamed milk, topped with a thin layer of microfoam (finely textured milk foam) rather than the thick foam found on a cappuccino. It has a higher ratio of coffee to milk than a latte, making it stronger and less milky, and is typically served in a smaller cup (around 5-6 ounces or 150-175 ml). The milk texture is smooth and velvety, with tiny bubbles that create a creamy mouthfeel without frothiness. The flat white originated in Australia or New Zealand in the 1980s and is popular for its balance of strong espresso flavor with creamy milk

. Key characteristics of a flat white:

• Double espresso base (sometimes a double ristretto)
• Steamed milk with microfoam (thin, fine-textured foam)
• Smaller volume than a latte, typically 150-175 ml
• Stronger coffee flavor due to less milk
• Served in a ceramic cup or glass with latte art on top
• Less frothy than a cappuccino and less milky than a latte

In simple terms, it can be described as a shorter, stronger latte with a thin layer of silky milk foam rather than thick froth