Are you a coffee addict with a penchant for travel? Then you’ve come to the right place! From elegant Italian coffee bars and a one-of-a-kind coffee town in Brazil to Vietnamese trendy coffee shops, here are some of the most fascinating holiday destinations that need to be on your bucket list:
1. Santa Rita do Sapucaí, Brazil:
Brazil has been the world’s largest producer of coffee for the past 150 years. Particularly known for its Arabica and Robusta coffee, the Latin American country is one of the best destinations for coffee buffs. Santa Rita do Sapucai, a small town in southern Minas Gerais state, is home to an array of coffee shops, farms, brands and roasters. From traditional coffee farms like Fazenda Delta, Fazenda Santo Antônio and the Grandpa Joel’s Coffee Farm to trendy cafés like Pazar, Madeira Café and Nano Coffee Lab. And if you take your coffee very seriously, a visit to Cafetelier is a must. The innovative awarded roaster doubles as a microbrewery and coffee lab. Visitors can sample different kinds of Brazilian coffee, choosing from a vast selection of beans and brewing methods. Meanwhile, for a great farm to cup experience, Armazem do Rancho is the place to go. Located in the countryside, the place serves coffee made with dark roasted beans in a small glass tumbler known as cafezinho. Summer and spring is the best time for a Brazilian getaway.
2. Seattle, Washington, USA:
Home to world’s first Starbucks located in Pike Place Market, Seattle is a perfect place for coffee snobs. Fancy elegant indie cafés? Try Elm Coffee Roasters, Lighthouse Roasters, Analog Coffee or Victrola Coffee Roasters. If Instagrammable latte art is your thing, check out Moore Coffee Shop on the 2nd Avenue. Hit up Milstead & Co, if you’d like to sample hard-to-find caffeine treats in a cosmopolitan setting. For fans of traditional establishments with an old-world charm, Café Allegro and Seattle Coffee Works’ Express Bar are highly recommended. Best time for a visit to the rainy city is in late June or between September and October.
3. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam:
Coffee was introduced to Vietnam by French colonialists in the 19th century. Vietnamese-style coffee often includes added ingredients like egg yolk and yogurt to make the beverage more flavorful. Traditionally, the rich drink is served in a glass with sweetened condensed milk at the bottom. Shin Coffee in old Saigon is one of the best places to sample Vietnamese specialty coffee. The Coffee Ship is yet another must-visit stop for coffee enthusiasts. Housed in a boat that floats on the Kenh Te Canal, it’s hands down one of the trendiest coffee shops in the city. Meanwhile, if you dig the idea of sipping coffee in the warm embrace of nature, you cannot go wrong with Du Mien Garden Coffee. Other popular cafés in Ho Chi Minh City include Yoko Café, The Workshop Specialty Coffee and The Snap Café. For an ideal vacay in Vietnam, plan your trip between January and March.
4. Jakarta, Indonesia:
Coffee is an integral part of the Indonesian lifestyle. The South-Asian country is known for its exceptional coffee varieties, including Java, Sumatran, Toraja and Gayo coffee. More adventurous coffee aficionados might also want to try its Kopi Luwak or civet coffee which also happens to be the most expensive coffee in the world. Jakarta boasts of a rich coffee culture. The bustling capital city is dotted with coffee shops that will please every kind of coffee lover. For those looking for a cozy spot to get their caffeine fix, Lucky Cat Coffee and Kitchen will fit the bill. And if you like all things vintage, Trafique Coffee and Bakoel Koffie should be on your checklist. Meanwhile, if you’re in the mood for some exquisite specialty brews, check out cafés like Anomali and Coffee Grounds. Alternatively, for an immersive cultural experience, enjoy a glass of herb-infused coffee at one of the streetside stalls called warung kopi. If you’re planning a trip to Jakarta, the best time to go is from July to October.
5. Milan, Italy:
Among Italy’s famous culinary contributions are some of the finest coffee beverages including espresso, cappuccino, macchiato and caffè d’orzo. Moreover, it’s the Italian capital’s coffee culture that inspired former Starbucks CEO, Howard Schultz. Some of the most notable cafés in Milan are Orsonero, Marchesi, Taglio, Caffé Napoli and Moleskine Café. The city also boasts of a variety of lavish al Bancos or coffee bars such as Pavé, Bar Luce and Caffè Baglioni. The best time to visit Italy is in May. Or, in September and October, if you’d like to avoid high tourist footfall.
