If you’re like me, coffee is one of the best parts of the day, especially when you find yourself in places with an incredible coffee culture. All around the world, you’ll find coffee, but the variety of beans, brewing styles, and local specialties are part of what makes traveling as a coffee lover so exciting. Through my travels, I always try to get a taste of the local culture, whether through food or drinks. I’ve compiled a list of some of the best places to indulge in local coffee and coffee culture. Sometimes, it’s not just about how the coffee is prepared or what ingredients are used, but the atmosphere in which it’s enjoyed and the scene that comes with local coffee.
1. Italy
Italy has some of the best espresso culture in the world, and for good reason. Italian coffee beans are typically dark-roasted arabica beans, giving them a rich, bold flavor. But beyond the beans, Italians have mastered the preparation and art of espresso. They consistently serve up the perfect shot of espresso every time. The coffee culture in Italy is deeply ingrained in their lifestyle. You’ll often find locals at coffee shops enjoying a shot or two in the morning, and many even indulge in an espresso after meals, regardless of the time of day. Italians typically drink their black espresso without sugar or milk, and they sip it slowly rather than downing it in one go. Italian coffee pairs perfectly with their sweet treats and desserts, and no matter where you are—city or village—the espresso will be excellent. High-quality beans and even better espresso production make Italy a must-visit for coffee lovers.
2. Albania
This may be a more surprising entry, but Albania deserves its spot on the list. Not far from Italy, Albania has taken on aspects of Italian coffee culture, using arabica beans, and now boasts one of the highest numbers of coffee shops per capita. After traveling around Albania, I can confidently say there’s a café on almost every corner. Albania ranks among the highest for espresso quality outside of Italy, and it’s common to see locals gathering at cafes with their espresso and cigarettes. Coffee is a huge part of daily life. You can also try Turkish coffee in Albania, reflecting some of the region’s Arabic influences. When you grab an espresso in Albania, you can pair it with a pastry like a borek or just sip on a black espresso like the locals do!
3. Turkey
Coffee culture in Turkey is distinctly different from that in Europe. The focus is on traditional Turkish tea and coffee, both served to perfection. Turkish coffee is prepared using finely ground arabica beans brewed in a special pot called a cezve. The coffee comes out rich and thick, often with a layer of sediment at the bottom. Traditionally, Turkish coffee is served with a small sweet (like Turkish delight or baklava) to balance the bitter taste and a cup of water to help wash down the sediment as you reach the bottom. Turkish coffee is a symbol of hospitality and friendship, and you’ll find locals sharing cups together at all hours. Their tea culture is equally important, with tea often served after meals or with sweets in beautiful teacups. Turkey’s coffee and tea traditions offer a warm, inviting experience that shouldn’t be missed.
4. Hawaii
Hawaii is known for its locally sourced coffee beans, particularly Kona coffee. Grown on the Big Island of Hawaii, Kona coffee thrives in the volcanic soil of a small, rare region known as the Kona Coffee Belt. Because of the limited growing area, Kona coffee is often expensive, but the taste—smooth with a slightly nutty flavor—is well worth it. While most Hawaiian coffee is brewed using drip methods, the flavor of Kona coffee shines through. It’s often blended with local flavors like macadamia nuts, making for a deliciously unique drink. Many cafes around the islands serve either 100% Kona coffee or a blend, depending on the location. If you find yourself in Hawaii, don’t shy away from the price tag—go for the 100% Kona and savor every sip.
5. Greece
Greece’s coffee culture draws from both Turkish and European traditions. You’ll find a range of coffee options here, from espresso-based drinks to the famous iced Nescafé frappés and, of course, traditional Greek coffee. Similar to Turkish coffee, Greek coffee uses finely ground beans that leave sediment at the bottom of the cup, though the Greek version is ground even finer. Prepared in a briki (a small pot), Greek coffee is often sweetened with sugar, a key difference from Turkish coffee. The rich, strong flavors of Greek coffee make it a great addition to the list, offering a unique take on a beloved tradition.
6. Vietnam
One of my personal favorites due to its unique twist is Vietnam, which has a fascinating coffee culture. Most Vietnamese coffee is made with robusta beans, known for their high caffeine content. The most popular version is the Vietnamese iced coffee or ca phe sua da, made with dark roast coffee, water, and condensed milk over ice. It’s a sweeter coffee but incredibly tasty. Vietnam also has some of the most unique coffee varieties, including egg coffee, salted coffee, and coconut coffee. Egg coffee (ca phe trung) contains beaten egg yolk mixed with condensed milk, offering a rich, creamy flavor. Salted coffee (ca phe muoi) combines Vietnamese coffee with salted cream, creating a perfect sweet and salty balance. Coconut coffee (ca phe dua), my personal favorite, blends Vietnamese coffee with coconut slush, resulting in a thick, refreshing drink. I highly recommend trying these varieties if you find yourself in Vietnam—they’re all unique and absolutely delicious.
7. Costa Rica
Costa Rica is another country with a strong coffee culture, producing 100% arabica beans with nutty, citrusy flavors. Like Hawaii, Costa Rica’s beans thrive in volcanic soil, resulting in high-quality, flavorful coffee. Costa Rican coffee is generally light to medium roast, and the locals take pride in their coffee production. The traditional way to brew Costa Rican coffee is with a chorreador, a wooden drip device using a cloth filter that gives the coffee a rich, earthy taste. Costa Rican coffee culture is deeply intertwined with their way of life, and their dedication to quality is evident in every cup.
There are many other countries with unique coffee cultures—Mexico, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, and more. As I continue to travel, I’m constantly discovering new coffee traditions and methods of preparation. If you find yourself in any of these seven countries or regions, I highly recommend taking the time to immerse yourself in their coffee culture. Happy traveling, and cheers to a good cup of coffee!
For more of my adventures and travel tips, check out my recent blog posts!