Coffee is more than just a drink—it’s a global culture, a morning ritual, and in many countries, a symbol of hospitality and tradition. While the humble bean originated in Ethiopia, its journey has spanned continents, evolving into hundreds of styles and flavors. Let’s take a trip through some of the world’s most famous coffees and the cultures that made them iconic.
1. Espresso – Italy
No coffee tour is complete without a stop in Italy. Espresso is the cornerstone of Italian coffee culture. Served in tiny cups but packed with bold flavor, this concentrated brew is the base for many other coffee drinks, like cappuccino and macchiato. Italians usually drink espresso standing at the bar—fast, strong, and often multiple times a day.
2. Turkish Coffee – Turkey
A UNESCO-recognized cultural heritage, Turkish coffee is a centuries-old tradition. Finely ground coffee is simmered in a special pot called a cezve, often with sugar, and served unfiltered in small cups. The grounds settle at the bottom and are sometimes used for fortune-telling after drinking.
3. Café de Olla – Mexico
This spiced coffee from rural Mexico is brewed with cinnamon sticks and piloncillo (unrefined cane sugar), giving it a sweet, earthy flavor. It’s traditionally made in a clay pot, which enhances its unique taste, and is especially popular during holidays and cold seasons.
4. Flat White – Australia/New Zealand
Originating in Australia or New Zealand (a hotly debated topic), the flat white combines a shot of espresso with velvety steamed milk. It’s similar to a latte, but smaller and with a higher coffee-to-milk ratio, resulting in a stronger taste and smoother texture.
5. Viennese Coffee – Austria
In Vienna, coffee is an art. One famous variation is the Einspänner, served in a tall glass with a strong black coffee base and topped generously with whipped cream. Coffeehouses in Vienna are known for being intellectual and artistic hubs.
6. Ethiopian Coffee – Ethiopia
Often regarded as the birthplace of coffee, Ethiopia’s coffee ceremonies are long and elaborate. Beans are roasted over an open flame, ground by hand, and brewed in a pot called a jebena. The process is deeply social, often taking hours, and is a symbol of hospitality and respect.
7. Café Cubano – Cuba
Also called Cuban espresso, this strong, sweet coffee is made by adding demerara sugar to the espresso as it brews. It creates a syrupy foam called espuma on top. Popular throughout Miami and other Cuban communities, it’s often shared with friends and family.
8. Kopi Luwak – Indonesia
Known as “civet coffee,” this exotic brew is made from beans that have passed through the digestive system of a civet cat. While controversial due to ethical concerns, it’s one of the most expensive coffees in the world, prized for its smooth, less acidic flavor.
9. Vietnamese Egg Coffee – Vietnam
A unique and creamy delight, Vietnamese egg coffee (cà phê trứng) mixes robusta coffee with whipped egg yolks and sweetened condensed milk. It’s rich, velvety, and often served hot or iced. Originally created during a milk shortage, it’s now a beloved staple.
10. Dalgona Coffee – South Korea
Made famous globally during the COVID-19 pandemic, dalgona coffee is a whipped mixture of instant coffee, sugar, and hot water, layered over milk. It became a viral sensation on social media for its aesthetics and simplicity.
Final Sip
From Italy’s fast-paced espresso bars to Ethiopia’s ceremonial rituals, each coffee tells a story about the people who drink it. Whether you prefer it strong, sweet, spiced, or whipped, coffee connects cultures around the globe—one cup at a time.