Enjoying coffee where it’s grown is a wonderful way to experience other coffee cultures. Savour the original taste and aroma of Ethiopian coffee in the country’s lush highlands, known for many wild coffee varieties. Or enjoy the intense and pleasant flavour of single origin Brazilian coffee while breathing the fresh air of the country’s lush rain forests.
Coffee is legendary, with a rich history of exotic tales and fascinating characters. Beginning with the legend of how coffee was first discovered in 800AD by Kaldi, a local goat herder in Ethiopia (or was it a Sufi mystic in Yemen?) to how coffee was rationed for troops in World War II, there’s an astonishing history to explore that touches every continent, with countless local experiences waiting to be discovered.
Coffee brings people together around the world, often an integral part of local culture and everyday life. No one appreciates this more than the Ethiopians, who have elevated the coffee experience to a ritual where a traditional cup of Buna can take up to an hour to prepare and even longer to drink, especially during times of celebration! Or the people of Cuba who congregate with neighbours at their local ‘ventanillas’, or window cafes, run out of private homes. Seeking out local coffee experiences might just be the best way to immerse yourself in other cultures!
Be inspired by our guides to coffee hotspots around the world, and discover what to expect from each.
Coffee hotspots in Europe
A land of palaces and some of the oldest, most ornate coffee houses.
Discover the most popular types of French coffee and where the infamous French café culture originated.
Spain is known for its intense brews, but are you familiar with the different types of Spanish coffee?
German coffee has a rich history bursting with fascinating facts. Discover this inspiring coffee culture and unique coffee types.
The people of Greece adore their coffee, find out how it has found its way into many aspects of their daily lives.
Turkish coffee has been an integral part of the country's culture for centuries, and it’s as vibrant as ever.
One of the top 3 coffee consuming countries in the world, but their history with the beverage isn't all roses.
Famous for its seafood dishes, beaches & architecture, Portugal is home to the Portuguese Robusta coffee.
Brazil is widely known for their huge influence on the coffee world.
Mexico is a land of diverse landscapes perfect for growing coffee beans.
As the 10th largest coffee producer in the world, Peru’s coffee blends are famed for their smooth flavour.
Home to some of the best coffee growing conditions, thanks to its rich volcanic soil and high rainfall.
World renowned when it comes to coffee growing, its climate is perfect for Arabica varietals.
Jamaica produces some of the most notable speciality coffee in the world.
Famous for its rich heritage and diverse landscapes, Colombia is home to some of the world’s best specialty coffee.
World-renowned for distinctive music, Creole cuisine, unique dialects, annual festivals and a rich coffee heritage.
Respected for its rich history of film, music and natural beauty, America is also home to a unique coffee culture.
One of the top five coffee bean producers and exporters in the world.
A country of bustling cities and ancient rainforests, it’s also home to some truly strong-tasting coffee!
Known for its delicate teas, Japan is also one of the world's hidden coffee gems.
Steeped in rich Buddhist culture, South Korea is home to K-pop, kimchi and the famous Dalgona Coffee.
Known for the Taj Mahal, its diverse culture and Bollywood, India is also home to the world-famous Monsoon Malabar coffee.
Famous for its rich history and culture, China is also home to the delicious YuanYang coffee drink.
Yemen is often overlooked when it comes to the interesting and lengthy history of coffee.
Papua New Guinea is responsible for only 1% of the world's coffee, but the blends it produces are truly something to behold.
Across Arabia, the Middle East and North Africa, coffee has played a key role in nearly every aspect of the region’s culture.
The incredible diversity of ways to enjoy coffee around the world is truly inspiring, just waiting to be discovered to make your world that little bit more enriching. Which coffee destinations will you be adding to your bucket list?
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