Coffee Rituals Around the World: From Ethiopian Ceremonies to Viennese Cafés
For those who love it, coffee isn’t just a nice jolt of caffeine—it's a necessary day starter. Coffee culture is deeply related to café culture, but the two are actually entirely different entities that operate separately. Some cities, like Paris, are world-renowned for their beautiful café culture, but it’s common to find subpar, bitter coffee in those cafés. On the other hand, some cities revolve around their java, serving up only the best brews to an eager and educated caffeine clientele—but their late-night cafe scene may be just okay.
In short, if you're ever in these cities, run in the opposite direction of every international coffee chain because the locals have the perfect brew down pat. Learn about the rituals you can expect to find in these five-star coffee destinations.
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Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Melbourne, Australia
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Seattle, Washington
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Rome, Italy
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Oslo, Norway
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Vienna, Austria
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Vancouver, British Columbia
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Manila, Phillippines
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Taipei, Taiwan

In Ethiopia, coffee is a special part of daily life. While you can find a quick cup served on a stool at a streetside cafe in Addis Ababa, the real magic is found if you’re invited to a local’s home to experience the country’s sacred coffee ritual.
The traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony begins with roasting beans, and their fragrance wafted toward the guests as an act of sharing. The beans are then ground by hand, and the grounds are added to a clay pot, a jebena, and placed over an open flame. Once brewed, the coffee is poured with precision into small, handleless cups, arranged on a low table, and served to guests in order of seniority. Sugar or a pinch of salt is added based on local custom, and a sprig of tenadam (a fragrant herb known as "Adam's health") may enhance the flavor.
The ceremony traditionally repeats three times, so be prepared for a lot of caffeine if you commit to the ritual!
Where to Stay: The Sheraton Addis is one of the most luxurious places in the city, where you can catch some sleep no matter how much caffeine you’ve consumed.

Many people don’t think of Australia as a coffee capital of the world, but Melbourne is just that. Lined with tiny lanes and open-air cafés, this Australian city has a coffee culture that runs deep, and to say that Melbourne baristas take pride in their work is putting it lightly. Latte art is taken seriously in Melbourne, and the coffee craze is deeply rooted in the city’s history. Italian immigrants brought their cultural heritage, including the now beloved espresso drinks, down under in the mid-20th century.
Meeting for coffee is an important social ritual in Melbourne, and locals tend to opt for options such as flat whites, long blacks, and classic cappuccinos.
Where to Stay: The Dorsett Melbourne
The Dorsett has a great location in the heart of the city, putting guests within walking distance of numerous local coffee shops.

The original Starbucks is still located at Pike Place Market in Seattle, and it attracts coffee lovers daily. As you know, Starbucks is now a behemoth organization with over 40,000 locations open worldwide. However, Starbucks isn’t Seattle’s only claim to coffee fame; it’s the birthplace of a coffee revolution.
Emerald City now has the highest concentration of coffee houses in the country, with over 1,600 within city limits. Many of these are small, locally owned operations. Based on the dreary weather characteristic of the Pacific Northwest, it’s understandable why Seattleites are always eager to get their hands on some top-notch coffee goodness.
Where to Stay: Hyatt at Olive 8
This property is eco-friendly from top to bottom and boasts sleek and upscale rooms with water and city views. It has a fantastic location in Downtown Seattle and a stunning destination spa and fitness facility.

Drinking coffee in Rome is as habitual as drinking water; it’s just a normal part of everyone’s day. This Italian capital deserves a spot on any coffee list as the birthplace of drinks like cappuccinos and café lattes. If you’re in Rome and looking to participate in a traditional coffee ritual, stop into any café in the morning and order an espresso. Drink it standing up at the counter, ideally while chatting with friends.
To drink coffee like the locals, you must remember to only order your frothy espresso drinks in the morning and never after a meal. Italians prefer to drink plain espresso during the afternoon and evenings because of the belief that milk disrupts digestion and should not be drunk on a full stomach. So, as the saying goes, when in Rome, do as the Romans do…and drink espresso in the afternoon.
Where to Stay: Albergo Del Senato
This property has a standout location facing the Pantheon in downtown Rome. There is a beautiful rooftop terrace with sweeping views, and the rooms have upscale bathrooms equipped with towel warmers. All rooms have small flat-screen TVs, and some boast great city views.

When you think of coffee, your mind may immediately travel to somewhere like Italy, but Scandinavians actually drink the most coffee in the world per capita. Norway only falls behind Finland in annual coffee consumption per person, and as a result, you can expect a charming café and coffee scene when traveling to Oslo.
Norwegians tend to drink their coffee black, and the roasting process is particularly light, which results in coffee with an almost fruity flavor and aroma. Norwegians are known to have their coffee at breakfast, before, after lunch, and then again before and after dinner. And as if that wasn't fabulous enough, if you have a sweet tooth, you’ll love coffee culture in Norway even more because cakes and cookies are always involved.
Kaffepause, or “coffee break” is a sacred part of the day in Oslo. Best partaken in a cozy atmosphere with lit candles, Kaffepause is a chance to slow down and sip a cup of coffee while relaxing.
Where to Stay: Comfort Hotel Grand Central
This historic property has a unique design, and it is attached to Oslo’s central train station. There is colorful artwork all over the hotel, including in the rooms, and there are modern amenities throughout. There is a 24-hour fitness center as well.

Coffee in Vienna is a classy affair. Viennese coffee houses are beautiful and grand, often referred to as the country’s public living rooms. When stopping in one of these fabulous establishments, one cannot simply order a cup of coffee but must sift through the lengthy options of crafted java drinks.
To order a cappuccino, for example, you ask for a “Melange,” a combination of frothed milk and steamed coffee—it's a Viennese classic. The coffee houses in Vienna also serve delicious cakes, cookies, and pastries, making them places to take your time and indulge rather than just grabbing the caffeine and running.
Viennese coffee culture, known as Kaffehauskultur, is so important that it’s actually recognized by UNESCO on its list of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Where to Stay: The Guesthouse Vienna
This property has an excellent location in the heart of the city and boasts modern rooms with wine and minibars. The restaurant serves fare that's popular with the locals, and the brasserie and bakery bakes its own pastries and roasts its own coffee.

Coffee culture exploded in Vancouver during the early 1970s because of the city's proximity to Seattle, making early shipments of Starbucks coffee affordable. Since then, coffee culture has continued to take off in this Canadian city, and there is a big emphasis on independently owned cafes.
Today, Vancouverites routinely look beyond large chains like Starbucks and Tim Horton’s, opting for well-crafted microbrews instead. So, if you're into riding the third wave of coffee culture, Vancouver has you covered in terms of original, fair trade, and organic coffee that's ethically sourced and tastes amazing.
Where to Stay: L'Hermitage Hotel
The L’Hermitage Hotel boasts a great location in downtown Vancouver and is within walking distance of many restaurants and shops. Rooms have modern amenities, and the property has a heated saltwater lap pool and elegant breakfast lounge.

Manila is known for its abundance of international coffee chains, but the third wave is beginning to dominate these days. Manila is a city that has accepted the challenge of bringing the coffee consumption experience to the next level, and any caffeine connoisseur who visits the city is sure to take notice.
Specialty coffee shops are popping up all over the city, many of which are locally owned and focused on the individuality and creativity of their coffee beverages. These java shops serve specialty-grade, handcrafted espresso, and with a particularly large focus on latte art, your cup of Joe will be picture-perfect and Instagram-ready.
Where to Stay: The Bayleaf
The Bayleaf boasts modern, stylish rooms and a convenient location close to numerous attractions. There is a rooftop with live music, drinks, and panoramic views, and a top-floor restaurant serving up international cuisine. There is also a free breakfast buffet.

Many may think of Taipei as a tea destination because of its rich Chinese heritage, but this thriving city is a mecca for coffee drinkers as well. Coffee culture is deeply embedded in Taiwan's history, as the Dutch brought the magic beans over when they colonized the area in the mid-1600s. Today, there are now around 2,000 coffee houses in the city and they're where you can find most of Taipei's young people spending their time—rather than at bars.
Where to Stay: Mandarin Oriental Taipei
Treat yourself to a luxurious stay at the Mandarin Oriental, one of Taipei’s most expensive (and finest) hotels.