If you’re a coffee drinker, you’ll no doubt want to taste the world’s offerings wherever you go. However, some of the best coffee can be found in unexpected places – here are some of our favourite countries where you can expect to taste some incredible cups of coffee.
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Austria
It’s a little-known fact that Vienna’s coffee houses have been listed as “intangible heritage” by UNESCO to be protected and preserved. They take their coffee seriously here in the capital, with their shops and cafes decorated to the highest degree. Consider tasting a “Weiner Melange” (one espresso shot served in a large coffee cup topped with steamed milk and milk foam) and sitting in one of said cafes to soak up the great atmosphere.
Dubai
Coffee lovers should head to Dubai’s Coffee Museum, not just to learn about coffee from around the world but to taste a superb cup of Turkish coffee. The phrase “Turkish coffee” refers not to a type of coffee, but to the way the coffee is prepared and the experts at the museum know exactly how to make it. Strong but not over powering or bitter, its converted many a white coffee drinker to the dark side.
Iceland
Iceland has even more to offer than geothermal spas and northern lights. The coffee in Reykjavik – the country’s capital – is renowned for being independently brewed and therefore usually of a higher quality. Chain cafes haven’t found their way to the city just yet, meaning you’re better off discovering a little hole in the wall and settling down for a high-quality brew made to your taste.
Australia
Australia offers wonderful cups of coffee. Head to Melbourne to get a taste of “an incredible coffee culture”, according to World Barista Champion Pete Licata. Although you’ll find typical beverages such as flat whites and lattes to be popular in the city, it’s the piccolo latte (similar to a small latte) that steals the show. Nearly every coffee shop in Melbourne is known to be excellent, so don’t be afraid to try one.
Morocco
This is perhaps the most surprising place on the entire list, but it’s no lie. The Secret Traveller recommends Fez in Morocco, not only for its bustling streets and palace hotels but for its strong coffee. Said to be a strong, Arabian-style brew that’s served with hot milk, you’re in for a cup of delectably potent coffee here. Go for a “nous-nous” – that’s Arabic for “half-half”.
Japan
Although it isn’t for serving the best coffee that Japan is renowned for, you’ll find some of the weirdest and wildest cafes here. Head to Tokyo to explore the wealth of crazy shops you can visit, from the café sandwiched between two active train tracks to the Yokohama Subtropical Teahouse, where reptiles are free to roam as you sip your brew. Don’t be worried – Klook notes that the tortoises love human interaction.
New Zealand
If you’re a fan of the increasingly popular flat white, which is creamier than a cappuccino but less milky than a latte, head to Wellington for the prime example of how it should be done. Becoming New Zealand’s unofficial national beverage means you won’t be able to find a better cup anywhere else in the world, and Wellington is the hotspot. Head to one of the city’s many coffee shops and absorb the laid back, positive atmosphere of it all.
Argentina
Head to the capital of Buenos Aires for a taste of Italian-style brews that are incredibly popular with locals and tourists alike. Make sure to grab a “café cortado”, that being an espresso with a small amount of hot milk. Or, if you want something quick, opt for a “cortito” – a shot of espresso – accompanied by an Argentinian croissant, a “medialuna”.
Where do you get your favourite coffee from? Share your experiences from around the world and we’ll addd our favourites to the list!
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Peru does a mean coffee and takes their production very seriously. I had some amazing coffee in Lima.
That sounds an excellent addition to this list! Is there a popular way of drinking it in Lima?
And latte art brings a whole new angle too! Some of our best has been in Tel Aviv and Jamaica – especially the Blue Mountain stuff in Jamaica, with an epic view from the mountains too
Sounds goods! is there a particular way the locals like to drink coffee in the Blue Mountains?
With a view! I am not sure, but it came out of a cafetière not a machine!
I love coffee but unfortunately it doesn’t love me so it’s been a few years since I had a cup unfortunately. I do remember having some great coffees in Australia and New Zealand back when I could drink it though.
What a shame! You must feel a little cheated sometimes.
I was surprised by Argentina featuring here, but only because I’d always associated it more with traditional yerba mate tea – but of course, Argentina is a modern and cultured country, so it makes sense that coffee culture should be a thing here too!
Mmm I’m already smelling the coffee – I like mine sweet and milky
I must admit I was more surprised to see Iceland on the list, but these days coffee lovers are pretty well catered for. I am one of those people who NEED coffee so I’ve tried it all over the world, it’s just the search for soya or milk alternatives to go in it that frustrates me on occasion.
The smell of coffee is such a universal feel good scent. I had some wonderful coffee in Colombia earlier this year, and like Sara, was surprised to hear Argentina had a good brew. Baristas and their latte art are a talented bunch!