Around the World in 8 Coffees: Discovering the Global Coffee Capitals:
Coffee is one of the most universally beloved beverages, enjoyed in every corner of the globe. But for many coffee lovers, the experience of drinking coffee goes beyond just the taste. It’s about the culture, the history, and the community that surrounds each cup. From traditional brewing methods passed down through generations to modern interpretations of classic drinks, the world’s coffee capitals offer a wealth of experiences that every coffee enthusiast should experience.
In this blog, we’ll take you on a journey around the world, exploring eight of the most iconic coffee capitals. Each city offers something unique in terms of flavor, technique, and culture, making them essential destinations for any traveler looking to indulge in coffee at its finest.
1. Melbourne, Australia: The Birthplace of the Flat White:
Melbourne is often called the coffee capital of the world—and for good reason. The city’s café culture is so pervasive that finding a good cup of coffee is never a challenge. Melbourne is home to a thriving specialty coffee scene that has led the way in coffee innovation in recent decades. The city’s diverse population brings a global influence to its coffee culture, blending Italian espresso traditions with local Australian preferences for lighter roasts and the flat white.
The flat white, a velvety espresso-based drink with steamed milk, originated in Australia and is now a favorite around the world. Melbourne’s coffee shops, such as St. Ali, Proud Mary, and Seven Seeds, offer not only flat whites but also a full range of specialty coffee options, from pour-over to cold brew. The city’s vibrant coffee culture is further reflected in its beautifully designed cafés, where quality coffee is brewed with care, and the atmosphere is one of community and creativity.
For anyone visiting Melbourne, the laneways are a must-see, as many of the city’s top coffee spots are tucked away in these charming, narrow passages. Melbourne’s coffee scene isn’t just about drinking coffee—it’s about experiencing the passion and artistry that goes into every cup.
2. Rome, Italy: The Heart of Espresso Culture:
When you think of coffee, Italy—and more specifically, Rome—immediately comes to mind. Italy’s coffee culture is legendary, and Roman coffee bars serve as the birthplace of the iconic espresso. Coffee here is more than just a drink; it’s a fast-paced ritual that is meant to be enjoyed standing at the bar, often with a caffè corretto (espresso with a splash of liquor) or a cappuccino in hand.
Caffè Greco, founded in 1760, is one of Rome’s oldest and most prestigious coffee houses. It’s a place where writers, intellectuals, and artists have gathered for centuries to sip coffee and share ideas. While espresso is the mainstay in Roman coffee culture, be sure to also try a caffè latte or macchiato, both of which are quintessentially Italian drinks.
A visit to Rome isn’t complete without experiencing its coffee bars. They offer a blend of history, culture, and strong espresso that can be enjoyed in an elegant, often bustling, Roman café. Savor your drink while surrounded by the ancient ruins or take in the beautiful architecture of the city—the coffee is just the start of the experience.
3. Istanbul, Turkey: The Rich Tradition of Turkish Coffee:
The city of Istanbul is a crossroads of cultures and histories, and its coffee culture is a reflection of this rich tapestry. Turkish coffee is perhaps the most iconic drink in this region, and it’s brewed in a traditional method that goes back centuries. Turkish coffee is made by simmering very finely ground coffee beans with water and sugar in a cezve, a small, long-handled pot. The coffee is served in small cups, with the grounds left at the bottom.
Istanbul’s coffeehouses, or kahvehane, have long been the cultural centers of the city, where people gather to drink coffee, play backgammon, and engage in conversation. The experience of drinking Turkish coffee is ceremonial—served with a glass of water and often paired with lokum (Turkish delight). Hafiz Mustafa 1864, one of the city’s oldest and most famous coffeehouses, is an essential stop for anyone wanting to experience traditional Turkish coffee in an authentic setting.
4. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: The Birthplace of Coffee:
Ethiopia is often regarded as the birthplace of coffee, and Addis Ababa, the capital, is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the origins of this beloved beverage. Ethiopia’s coffee culture is centered around the traditional coffee ceremony, which is a communal experience that involves roasting green coffee beans, grinding them, and brewing them in a jebena (a clay pot). The ceremony is often accompanied by incense, and the preparation is as important as the drinking itself.
In Addis Ababa, you’ll find numerous bunna bets (coffee houses) where you can experience this age-old tradition. The coffee here is rich and flavorful, and each sip offers a deep connection to Ethiopia’s coffee-growing regions, like Sidamo, Yirgacheffe, and Harrar. Coffee in Ethiopia isn’t just a drink—it’s a celebration of culture, history, and community.
The Tomoca Coffee in Addis Ababa is one of the most famous coffee shops in the city, offering freshly brewed coffee made from beans that are roasted in-house. Visiting Addis Ababa offers a deep dive into coffee’s roots, and it’s an experience every coffee lover should have.
5. Bogotá, Colombia: The Heart of Colombian Coffee:
Colombia is known for producing some of the best coffee beans in the world, and Bogotá, the capital, is at the center of this coffee culture. Colombian coffee is famous for its smooth, mild flavor, and the country’s coffee industry is built on sustainable farming practices and small-scale production.
In Bogotá, you can explore the rich world of Colombian coffee at various specialty coffee shops that serve high-quality beans from the country’s renowned coffee-growing regions. La Tertulia Café and Café San Alberto are among the top spots to experience Colombian coffee at its finest. Whether you prefer a classic espresso, a frothy cappuccino, or a delicate pour-over, Bogotá’s coffee scene offers a variety of ways to enjoy this national treasure.
Colombian coffee isn’t just about flavor—it’s about sustainability and community. Bogotá’s coffee culture reflects the country’s pride in its coffee industry and its commitment to ethical sourcing.
6. Seattle, USA: The Home of Specialty Coffee:
Seattle, often called the birthplace of the global coffee culture, is home to Starbucks, the largest coffeehouse chain in the world. However, Seattle’s coffee culture goes far beyond just the green mermaid. The city has become a haven for coffee lovers who seek out specialty coffee, artisanal roasters, and innovative brewing methods.
Seattle is known for its focus on high-quality beans, often roasted in small batches, and its influence on the specialty coffee movement. Victrola Coffee Roasters, Stumptown Coffee Roasters, and Seattle Coffee Works are just a few of the city’s standout cafés that showcase the best of Seattle’s coffee scene. Whether you’re sipping a rich Latte at a cozy café or tasting a single-origin pour-over, Seattle offers an exciting coffee experience.
Seattle’s coffee culture is about exploration, sustainability, and a passion for innovation. If you’re a coffee enthusiast, this city is a must-visit destination.
7. Vienna, Austria: The Elegant Café Culture:
Vienna’s café culture is one of the most refined in the world, where coffee is not just a drink but a lifestyle. Known for its grand coffeehouses, Vienna is home to iconic spots like Café Central and Café Landtmann, where patrons have enjoyed coffee for centuries. The city’s coffeehouses have long been places for intellectuals, artists, and writers to gather and engage in conversation.
Viennese coffee is known for its rich, smooth texture and is often served with a slice of Sachertorte (chocolate cake) or Apfelstrudel (apple strudel). The Wiener Melange, a drink similar to a cappuccino, is a staple in the city’s coffeehouses. The ambiance of these historic cafés, with their elegant interiors and rich histories, makes Vienna a must-visit for any coffee lover.
8. Tokyo, Japan: The Precision of Coffee:
Japan’s coffee culture is a blend of traditional Japanese aesthetics and modern coffee brewing techniques. Tokyo is home to some of the world’s most innovative coffee shops, where baristas treat coffee brewing as an art form. Coffee shops in Tokyo offer everything from meticulously crafted pour-overs to unique, coffee-based desserts.
Blue Bottle Coffee, which originated in the US, has a strong presence in Tokyo, offering coffee brewed with precision and care. Koffee Mameya, another popular spot, focuses on single-origin beans and offers a highly curated coffee experience. Tokyo’s coffee culture emphasizes quality, craftsmanship, and innovation, making it an exciting destination for any coffee lover looking to experience the precision and artistry of Japanese coffee.
