Brew-tiful Escapes: Unveiling the World’s Top 10 Countries for Best Coffee

What‘s the best part about waking up in the morning? Coffee, obviously! I can‘t seem to go a day without having about 2 cups (or 5 or 6). I really love coffee, if you can’t tell. And so do Americans, 73% of Americans have reported to drink coffee. I’ve been to some amazing countries, with equally amazing brews that taste amazing. I’m actually writing this while drinking some now.

I’m about to take you on caffeinated world tour that’ll leave your taste buds buzzing and your chuckle muscles exercised. Get ready for the 10 best countries for coffee. They’re so good you’ll want to travel there and try it for yourself.

1. Vietnam – Coffee Central:

Coffee in Vietnam is a sensory explosion. The country’s signature brew is a strong, dark, and robust concoction, often served with sweetened condensed milk, creating a harmonious blend of bitterness and sweetness.

What sets Vietnamese coffee apart is its unique drip-brewing method using a “phin,” a small metal filter that patiently drips the hot water through the grounds. This slow process extracts every ounce of flavor, resulting in a rich, aromatic elixir. Whether enjoyed hot or cold, on a bustling street corner or in a serene café, Vietnamese coffee offers an unparalleled caffeine experience that’s as bold as the country itself.

Pro Tip: Try “cà phê trứng,” a creamy coffee with egg yolk.

Average price: A pocket-friendly $1.50 USD.

2. Jamaica – Reggae and Roasts:

In Jamaica, coffee is more than a beverage; it’s a melody. Jamaican coffee, particularly the prized Blue Mountain variety, is a tropical treasure. Grown in the island’s lush, misty mountains, it’s celebrated for its mild, smooth flavor, marked by subtle sweetness and floral notes. It’s an aromatic and luxurious brew that dances on the palate, embodying Jamaica’s rich culture and natural beauty.

Pro Tip: Pair it with a slice of rum cake.

Average price: Around $5 USD.

3. Norway – Arctic Aromas:

Norway’s coffee culture is as cool as its landscapes. They do more than conquer fjords; they

conquer coffee too. Coffee in Norway is so strong; it once arm-wrestled a polar bear and won.

Norwegian coffee, or “kaffe,” is a robust and dark elixir deeply ingrained in the country’s culture. Known for its strength, it’s brewed using traditional percolators, delivering a bold flavor. Enjoyed throughout the day, it’s a comforting companion against Norway’s chilly climate, embodying the nation’s appreciation for simple pleasures and cozy moments.

Pro Tip: Enjoy it with a slice of “kransekake” (almond ring cake).

Average price: Approximately $4 USD.

4. Ethiopia – The Birthplace of Beans:

Ethiopia, the origin of coffee, offers a mystical experience. Ethiopian coffee, known as “bunna,” is steeped in history and tradition. It’s brewed in a unique ceremony, using an “ejebena” pot, creating a strong and rich brew with earthy flavors and bright acidity. Served in small cups, it fosters a sense of community and celebration, showcasing Ethiopia’s coffee heritage.

Pro tip: Join a traditional coffee ceremony.

Average price: A humble $1 USD.

5. Italy – Espresso Elegance:

In Italy, coffee isn’t just a beverage; it’s an art form. Savor a shot of espresso, and you’ll feel like you’re wearing designer coffee beans. Italian coffee, or “caffè,” is an art form. It’s a concentrated and bold brew, epitomized by the iconic espresso shot. Italians take their coffee seriously, savoring it quickly and standing at the bar. It’s a daily ritual that embodies la dolce vita, a moment of intense pleasure amidst the hustle and bustle.

Pro tip: Order “caffè corretto” – coffee with a shot of liquor.

Average price: About $1.50 USD.

6. Colombia – Coffee’s Crown Jewel:

Colombian coffee is world-famous for its rich flavor. Its roasts beans are so beloved, the coffee beans even have their own fan club. Colombian coffee, celebrated worldwide, is a symphony of flavor. Grown in diverse regions, it offers a medium body, bright acidity, and a harmonious balance of sweetness and subtle citrus notes. Whether enjoyed as a simple drip brew or a sophisticated pour-over, Colombian coffee showcases the country’s dedication to producing exceptional beans.

Pro tip: Tour a coffee farm for a firsthand experience.

Average price: Around $1.50 USD.

7. Brazil – Samba and Sips:

Brazil’s coffee is a rhythmic delight. Their coffee is as integral to life as samba music. Try a cup, and you’ll feel like you’re dancing through a carnival of flavors. Brazil also grows the most coffee in the world. Fun Fact, Finland drinks the most coffee.

Brazilian coffee is a true embodiment of the country’s spirit. Renowned for its mild, balanced flavor and low acidity, it’s often prepared as “cafézinho,” a warm invitation to savor the essence of Brazil. This coffee mirrors the nation’s vibrant culture, with each sip evoking the rhythms of samba and the natural beauty of its diverse landscapes. It’s a comforting, aromatic brew that captivates the senses.

Pro tip: Try “cafézinho” – sweet, strong coffee.

Average price: About $1 USD.

8. Costa Rica – Pura Vida in a Cup:

Costa Rica’s coffee is so pure; it once went on a meditation retreat and came back as a Zen master of flavor. It’s pure life in a mug. Costa Rican coffee, celebrated as “Tico coffee,” is a pure, joyful experience. Cultivated in the country’s volcanic soil, it boasts a bright acidity, medium body, and a symphony of flavors. It’s often savored in the midst of lush coffee plantations, embodying Costa Rica’s “Pura Vida” philosophy of pure life, sustainability, and richness in every cup.

Pro tip: Tour a coffee farm for a firsthand experience.

Average price: Around $1.50 USD.

9. Cuba – Where Coffee is a part of life:

Cuban coffee, or “cafecito,” is a captivating testament to the island’s rich culture. Made from finely ground, darkly roasted beans, it produces an intense brew that’s both bold and sweet. The process typically involves infusing sugar with the espresso, creating a harmonious blend of robust flavor and a hint of sweetness. Served in small, potent shots known as “coladas” or “cortaditos,” Cuban coffee is not just a beverage; it’s a cherished ritual, a symbol of warm hospitality, and a delicious reflection of Cuba’s zest for life.

Pro Tip: When savoring Cuban coffee, particularly the iconic “cafecito” or “espresso,” embrace the local tradition of socializing at the “window of coffee” in Havana’s historic neighborhoods. Here, you’ll find lively conversations, vibrant music, and the opportunity to engage with the friendly locals over a cup of rich coffee.

Average Price: Around $0.50 USD.

10. Turkey – Coffee with a Twist:

In Turkey, coffee is an experience. It’s so potent; it once challenged a double espresso to a

caffeine duel and won. The coffee is an aromatic adventure.

Turkish coffee, or “Türk kahvesi,” is an aromatic delight. It’s finely ground and slow-brewed to perfection, creating a strong and flavorful elixir with a thick layer of grounds settled at the bottom. Served with a piece of “lokum” (Turkish delight), it’s a cultural experience, symbolizing Turkey’s rich heritage and welcoming hospitality.

Pro tip: Ask for “Türk kahvesi” – strong and served with “lokum” (Turkish delight).

Average price: Approximately $2 USD.

Now, go forth and caffeinate, fellow coffee adventurers, because life is too short for bad coffee!