Caffeine Culture: A guide to the best coffee around the world

If you were hoping to read a comprehensive coffee guide written by a fully-fledged coffee aficionado, then I’m sorry to disappoint you. You won’t find me spouting off pretentious coffee-related terminology, explaining the various origins, aromas, and roasts. That’s just not how I like to espresso myself (see what I did there?).

But what you will find (alongside some terrible coffee puns) is a list of the best countries to drink coffee, written by someone whose main mission is to interweave their passion for travel with their passion for a daily caffeine buzz.

About Me

To understand my coffee journey, you need to know where it all began.

I was born in the North of England and grew up with a mother who drank coffee religiously (and still does). She makes her coffee in a sturdy mug with half a teaspoon of Nescafe’s finest instant coffee, mixes it with two heaped teaspoons of white sugar, dissolves it with boiling water, and tops it up with semi-skimmed milk.

If you weren’t thinking it before I’m sure you’re thinking it now – English folk should stick to tea. No wonder there’s no such thing as English Breakfast Coffee!

But I don’t want you to feel bad for me. This sorry start in coffee gave me the passion and drive to become what I am today – the proud owner of a genuine Italian Moka pot, a bean-to-cup coffee machine, and a Vietnamese Phin Filter. Yes, I’ve become incredibly refined.

So, without further ado, here are my top 3 countries to drink coffee:

1. Italy

Ah, Italy. The birthplace of my genuine Italian Moka pot and home to the best coffee I’ve ever tasted. Italians practically invented coffee, so if anyone knows how to do it right, it’s them.

One of the things I love about drinking coffee in Italy is that you’re never alone. Coffee is a huge part of Italian culture, so it’s never difficult to find yourself a caffeine buzz buddy.

Another thing I love about drinking coffee in Italy is that there’s no cut-off time. In many countries, coffee is considered a daytime drink. But in Italy, you can indulge in coffee any time of the day or night. It’s totally normal to have a cheeky little espresso after your evening meal.

However, to blend in there are some unwritten rules you need to follow. Never drink milky coffee after 11 am. If you’re a salted caramel-mocha-frappuccino kind of a coffee drinker then forget it. Also, you should never order your coffees to go, that’s just not the Italian way.

But the absolute best thing about drinking coffee in Italy is the stunning surroundings. Italy is a scenic country with varied landscapes. I’ve had the pleasure of drinking my Moka whilst staring at the magnificent mountain ranges surrounding Lake Como. I’ve sipped espressos by the calming canals in Venice and I’ve chugged my morning cappuccino amongst the hustle and bustle of Milan.

All I’m saying is, if I could only drink coffee in one country for the rest of my life, Italy would be my country of choice.

2. Vietnam

Coming in at a close second in Vietnam. Vietnam is unlike any place I’ve ever visited before. The food is unique, the culture is unique and the coffee is – I’m sure you can guess where this is going – yes, it’s unique.

My first experience of drinking coffee in Vietnam was at the Old Quarter in Hanoi. I found myself sat on a miniature plastic chair, out on the street, in front of my café of choice. I wasn’t the only one who sat inches from the ground though, there were multiple clusters of people gathered on these teeny-tiny chairs.

What I asked for was coffee with milk. What I received was something a little different. I was presented with a glass cup that had a silver contraption resting on the top (I later learned this contraption is called a Phin filter) with black syrupy coffee dripping through onto a thick layer of creamy condensed milk. It was sweet, it was strong and I couldn’t wait for my next fix.

I understand this kind of coffee is not for every palate. But fear not coffee lovers, Vietnam will not disappoint! Another option available is Vietnam’s famous egg coffee. “Egg in a coffee?” I hear you cry. Yes, egg in a coffee! And I can confirm t

hat it’s decadent and delicious. If you love dessert, you’ll adore an egg coffee. It’s made using a mixture of coffee, egg yolk, sugar, and condensed milk and the result resembles the texture of custard. If ‘custard in a cup’ doesn’t sell it to you, I don’t know what will.

However, if you do happen to find yourself feeling all condensed milked out and all you want is a regular coffee with some good old cow’s milk, all you have to do is ask. Just make sure you ask for coffee with cow’s milk rather than just coffee with milk.

3. England

I know you’re thinking this is a bit of a left-field choice since I spent the whole beginning of this blog telling you how rubbish English coffee is, but bear with me.

Granted, our coffee might not be the most delicious you’ll ever taste in your life, nor will it be the cheapest, nor is it always going to be set against a stunning backdrop. But what you will find taking shape in England is a vibrant and burgeoning coffee culture that you’ll be glad to be a part of. I guarantee you’ll like it a latte!

The best bit for me is that this coffee shop boom also brings about a community of remote workers who choose to frequent coffee shops instead of working from home. My people. My kindred spirits. We go for the coffee, we stay for the people (but really just to drink more coffee).

In England, ‘Meeting for coffee’ is becoming the trendy alternative to ‘meeting for drinks.’ Independent coffee shops are popping up all over the joint, some with their own roasteries attached so you can choose coffee blends to satisfy your own personal taste. What’s not to love?!

So, there you have it, my current top 3 countries to drink coffee.