The Best Countries for Coffee

So you’re after travel inspiration with a caffeine kick? There’s nothing quite like grabbing a coffee in a new country, combining the foodie experience with culture in one go. The best countries for coffee don’t just serve great drinks; they offer full-blown experiences. 

Travelling for coffee opens up a whole new way to travel, with the chance to slow down and soak up your surroundings, or get swept up in the local way of life. So grab your go-to order and read our best of the best coffee in the world. 

Colombia 

Ever tasted notes of the Andes Mountains in your coffee? Colombia’s smooth Arabica coffee beans thrive in the high-altitude and rich soil, creating a famous flavour. You might be able to grab a cup at home, but it doesn’t get fresher than sipping it in Colombia’s own Coffee Triangle - one of the biggest coffee-growing regions in the world. 

Being one of the best countries for coffee is only the start of an incredible trip. Think colourful towns, dreamy beaches and green countryside packed with adventure, this is an unforgettable destination. Get ready to explore one of the most biodiverse countries, or challenge yourself with a hike to the Lost City. 

Your Coffee Order In Colombia 

To get the full flavour, go for a simple tinto. This is a small black coffee, popular with locals and budget-friendly. For milk, order a cafe. You can sweeten this with cane sugar or spice it with cinnamon. 

Vietnam

If your go-to order is a caramel latte, you’re about to be in your element. Vietnam is known for its dark roast, paired with sweet condensed milk. Cafe culture is reflected in the everyday life of its streets. The organised chaos of Hanoi’s secret cafes, spilling out onto the balconies, to subtle roadside setups, sipping delicious flavours on plastic chairs. 

It’s the kind of place backpackers plan to stay for a few days and end up staying for weeks. Once you cycled through Ninh Binh’s rice fields and drifted down Hoi An’s river, you’ll be searching for more surprises. Sail the tranquil waters of Ha Long Bay and ride in an open-top jeep along the Ha Giang Loop. 

Your Coffee Order In Vietnam

Start with the iconic order first: the classic Vietnamese coffee. It’s rich and sweet. Then try egg coffee, finished with creamy whipped yolk. You’ll want to sip the hot coffee through the desert-like topping, tasting the delicious contrast in flavours. You won’t want to miss coconut coffee and yoghurt coffee too, local favourites and an ideal start to your morning. 

Turkey 

If your coffee habits are usually just grabbing a quick fix, Turkish coffee culture may be a welcome change of pace. An art form mastered over centuries, the beans will be slowly brewed in a traditional cezve. You can expect a distinctly strong flavour, best enjoyed communally and with some Turkish delight. Coffee is more than just a drink here; it’s a social experience visible in the welcoming hospitality that draws travellers back time and time again.  

A unique blend of Eastern and Western influences, Turkey’s culture and ancient history can be felt in every street. Explore fascinating sites, like the ruins of Troy, or witness the fairytale sunset over Cappadocia, decorated in colourful hot air balloons. And we can’t forget about the turquoise coast, popular for sunny beach days and relaxing boat trips. Every moment is best enjoyed with a cup of coffee.

Your Coffee Order In Turkey  

Traditional Turkish coffee is called Türk kahvesi, best ordered orta (medium sweetness) for your first test. Once you fall in love with it, you can ask for sade (no sweetness). If your adventures whilst travelling are all the adrenaline you need, Menengic Kahves is a delicious caffeine-free option made from pistachio berries!

Australia 

Aussies will proudly tell you that they serve the best coffee in the world, but is it true? The flat white was born here (although New Zealand might have a few thoughts on that), so it’s only fair to give them some credit. The thriving, independent cafe scene values skilled baristas who take their craft very seriously. 

Don’t be surprised to wake up at 8 am to find the streets already lined with locals, finishing up their morning run with a hot takeaway coffee in hand. Life down under is all about life outdoors, enjoying the beaches, and neighbouring vibrant cities. Hike through the scenic Blue Mountains, or ride the waves along Noosa’s sun-kissed shores. You’ll never get bored of watching the sun dip below the horizon each day, painting the sky shades of orange, pink and purple. 

Your Coffee Order In Australia  

Famous in Sydney and Melbourne, you’ve got to try a flat white; it’s a double shot of espresso, with less foam than a cappuccino, resulting in a perfectly smooth texture. If you’re after something truly unique, try a Magic. This Melbourne-originated espresso has less milk than a flat white, and the result? Well, it lives up to its name for sure. 

Sweden 

One of the happiest countries in the world. One of the biggest coffee drinkers. Coincidence? We’ll let you decide. It’s an essential part of every day to take a break for fika, coffee with a sweet pastry. Swedish coffee is simple, letting the flavours speak for themselves, and cafe culture focuses on cosy, wholesome experiences. 

If you’re searching for quaint cities and a tranquil living, you’ve just found it. Intertwine your fika breaks with walks along Stockholm’s cobblestone streets or hikes in picturesque national parks. Sweden is the perfect place to get active and appreciate the simple things in life, like watching wild moose forage or seeing the Northern Lights dance across the sky. 

Your Coffee Order In Sweden  

So, you’re ready for fika, but what to order? A simple, black drip coffee will pair with your cinnamon bun (or chosen pastry) perfectly. If you prefer milkier coffee, you could order a latte or a cappuccino. The most important part of fika is about slowing down and appreciating the moment. 

Kenya 

Kenya is world-renowned for producing Arabica beans, loved for their bright, fruity flavour. Grown on the slopes of Mount Kenya, the high altitude creates a taste you won’t find anywhere else. Visit Nairobi’s bustling cafes to try wine-like cups of coffee, with some roasting the beans on-site. 

After you’ve enjoyed your first flavourful cup, spot the Big 5 on a memorable safari in the Maasai Mara and experience Swahili culture. Gaze across the flamingo-lined shores of Lake Nukuru and tick the Great Migration off your bucket list.

Your Coffee Order In Kenya 

The Swahili word for coffee is kahawa. Order a kahawa tungu, a traditional coffee brewed with ginger and cardamom, perfect with dates. From bold espressos to creamy cappuccinos, there’s no wrong way to experience Kenya’s famous beans. 

Japan 

Find your zen in Japan’s traditional coffee houses and speciality cafes. The Japanese drink coffee at record rates, so you just know you’re about to be in for a treat. It’s all about quality, with pour-overs treated with the same precision as meditation.  

Japan is an endless source of wonder and a country of contrasts. Quiet tranquillity sits aside neon-lit chaos. Sacred temples contrast with ultra-modern tech. Speedy bullet trains take you to serene hiking trails. Alongside all of this is good coffee, and even better, some of the best food in the world. 

Your Coffee Order In Japan 

A kissaten is a traditional coffee house, best known for its hand-drip coffee - light and smooth. In the summer, you can cool down with Aisu Kōhī (iced coffee), typically served black with cream. Our honourable mention goes to matcha lattes, technically a tea, not a coffee, but still a must-try in Japan. 

Italy 

Italy may not have invented coffee, but it blends so perfectly into the culture that they’ve basically perfected the art of an espresso. To experience it like a local, you’ll want to be in and out of the coffee bar in less than 5 minutes, standing at the counter to avoid the service fee. It’s a quick social break, with no fuss, blending into the fast-paced rhythm of Italian life. 

There’s not much we can say about Italy that hasn’t already been said. It’s a historic icon that’s on every traveller's bucket list. Explore ancient ruins and sunbathe on the golden coast. When you’re not drinking coffee, you’ll be sipping fresh wine; best enjoyed overlooking Tuscan vineyards. 

Your Coffee Order In Italy

Quick and bold, it’s got to be an espresso. One small shot of coffee, but enough to pick you up for the rest of the day. Milky coffees like a cappuccino are strictly breakfast drinks. Ordering one after 11 am won’t get you arrested, but don’t be surprised if the waiter looks at you like you’ve just asked to add ketchup to their spaghetti sauce. 

Indonesia 

Coffee in Indonesia isn’t rushed. It’s brewed slowly and savoured over conversation with friends and family. Coffee thrives in Sumatra and Java’s high-altitude regions, using traditional and organic harvesting methods. Depending on the specific region, flavours can be earthy, chocolate-y and creamy. 

One thing about Indonesia is that there’s something for everyone. The kind of traveller who loves to wake up at 3 am to hike a volcano? Mount Batur or Mount Bromo is calling you. Prefer to spend your days relaxing on paradise shores? Gili T is the one. Want to experience a new culture? You won’t want to miss Uluwatu’s Kecak and Fire Dance. 

Your Coffee Order In Indonesia 

For the full, authentic experience, go for the local classic: kopi tubruk, thick and earthy. If you have a sweet tooth, try an iced coffee with condensed milk and palm sugar, called an es kopi susu.
 

Our group trips give you the sort of adrenaline you can’t put in a cup. From ordering an espresso in Rome to sipping Vietnamese coffee in Hanoi, get ready for unforgettable moments with unforgettable people. Now all that’s left is to decide which coffee spot you’re heading to first.