Coffee Culture Around the World

Coffee is roasted, brewed, and drank in a huge variety of ways. For many it’s a much needed pick-me-up each morning, for others it’s a delicious drink in the late evenings. For thousands of years, people have been enjoying the rich taste of coffee. Since the discovery of caffeine in Ethiopia in the 17th century, the world’s favourite beverage has spread across the globe. From the traditional Turkish coffee ceremonies to the simple Italian espresso shot, coffee culture is ubiquitous with many countries worldwide. For example, did you know, the first coffee shop was opened in Istanbul, Turkey? Whether you prefer your coffee bitter or sweet, there are plentiful reasons why coffee is the world’s most consumed drink. Phil from Espresso Works made this brilliant infographic that looks at how coffee is engrained in the global cultures. Let’s take a look at this awesome infographic to learn about coffee around the world! I love this infographic, but if you ask me, Turkish coffee should be on that map too. I know, you can’t cram in too many coffee types, the infographic would be too crowded. Yeah, I got Phil’s intention. He only featured special recipes, none of the classics are presented. So from that perspective, I think it’s OK to not have espresso and Turkish coffee on the map.
Coffee Styles Around the World

Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did coffee originally come from?
What is a traditional Turkish coffee ceremony like?
How is Italian espresso culture different?
What are some unique global coffee preparations?
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the first coffee shop opened?
The first coffee shop was opened in Istanbul, Turkey. This historical establishment marked the beginning of public coffee consumption spaces that would eventually spread across the globe. Coffee has been enjoyed for thousands of years since the discovery of caffeine in Ethiopia in the 17th century, making it a beverage deeply rooted in cultural traditions worldwide.
Where was caffeine discovered?
Caffeine was discovered in Ethiopia in the 17th century. This discovery marked a pivotal moment in coffee history, as the beverage subsequently spread across the globe to become the world’s most consumed drink. The Ethiopian origins of caffeine laid the foundation for diverse coffee cultures that developed in countries worldwide over the following centuries.
What is Turkish coffee ceremony?
Turkish coffee ceremonies represent one of the traditional ways coffee is prepared and consumed globally. Turkey holds significant historical importance in coffee culture, as Istanbul was home to the first coffee shop ever opened. Turkish coffee stands as a classic preparation method alongside other traditional styles, distinguished from special recipe variations that have emerged in different regions.
How is coffee consumed in Italy?
Coffee in Italy is consumed as a simple espresso shot, representing one of the classic preparation methods in global coffee culture. The Italian espresso tradition exemplifies how different countries have developed distinct approaches to brewing and drinking coffee. This straightforward style contrasts with more elaborate special recipes found in other regions, demonstrating the diversity of worldwide coffee consumption practices.
Why do people drink coffee at different times?
Coffee serves different purposes depending on the time of consumption. For many people, coffee functions as a necessary morning pick-me-up to start the day, while others enjoy it as a delicious beverage in the late evenings. This versatility in consumption timing reflects coffee’s adaptability to various cultural preferences and individual needs across different societies worldwide.