19-jun-2012 0:27:19

Calling the caf-fiends: great

coffee spots

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It inspires passion, opinion and addiction. Its the worlds second most valuable commodity (after petroleum), and it will
almost certainly play a memorable role in your travels, no matter where youre headed. Were talking about coffee, of
course, and the best places to partake

Addis Ababa
Some claim that Ethiopia is coffees birthplace, so its not surprising that the good stuff is ubiquitous here. If youre
invited to an Ethiopian coffee ceremony, dont miss it: its a unique and elaborate ritual youll never forget. If not, theres
always Tomoca, a traditional Italian-style caf thats guaranteed to please.

Havana
Cubans love their coffee, which is served strong, black and sweet in small espresso-sized cups. Homegrown in the
Escambray and Sierra Maestra Mountains, a fresh brew will be brought out as an icebreaker wherever you go. Coffee
houses are sprouting by the minute in Havana, but you cant go past local classic, Caf de las Infusiones.

Istanbul
Surprisingly, Trk kahve (Turkish coffee) isnt as widely consumed in its homeland asay (tea). But dont worry: youll
have no trouble getting your caffeine fix in Istanbul. Traditional coffee houses such as Etham Tezakar Kahveci serve a
brew thick and powerful enough to put hair on your chest!

Medelln
Colombia is famous for its rich, aromatic coffee. Unfortunately, it exports most of its best beans, leaving a mainly
mediocre brew for its own citizens. One exception to this rule is groovy Le Bon Caf in Medelln. You can also visit
plantations in the Zona Cafetera and purchase coffee directly from the growers.
Melbourne
Coffee in Melbourne is often trumpeted as the worlds best, lovingly prepared with both Italian and supreme local roasts.
The caf scene is integral to much of the citys socialising; lingering over a coffee is sacred, whether with a newspaper
or with friends. Try stalwart Pellegrinis for its old school, quintessentially Melburnian experience, or hit one of the many
Third Wave spots like Collingwoods Proud Mary for an updated brew.

Rome
As befitting the land of espresso, Italians take their coffee seriously. Do as the Romans do, and be precise about what
youre drinking: will it be un caff, un caff macchiato, un caff lungo, un cappuccino or un caff corretto? Famous
throughout Rome, Caff SantEustachio is the perfect place to practise your newfound vocabulary.

Santa Mara & Valle de Dota

Coffee is probably Costa Ricas most popular beverage youll be offered cafcitos everywhere you go. Aware of its
energising qualities, the countrys government even decreed in 1840 that all labourers building roads should receive a
free cup every day. Visit Santa Mara & Valle de Dota for an insight into the Tico coffee industry.

So Paulo
Brazilians like their coffee strong as the devil, hot as hell and sweet as love. In the morning they take it with milk (caf
com leite). After that, its cafezinhos, regular coffee served in either a glass or an espresso-sized cup. Thanks to its
Italian heritage, So Paulo boasts Brazils best cafs, with Caf Floresta being one of our favourites.

Seattle
Its hard to complain about Seattles weather when one of the best forms of rainy-day solace, coffee, is available in such
abundance. Trust us, this is one inviting city to get a buzz on. Though Seattle is where Starbucks (and its
terrifying Trenta) originated, theres no need to go the chain caf route: not with one-off gems like Caff Vita to choose
from.

Vienna
Vienna has a strong claim to the Coffee Capital of the World title. Its Kaffeehuser(coffee houses) are as famous as its
classical music, and an attraction in themselves. The sheer number of coffee houses is staggering, but each has its
own flair and flavour. Aida is a 1950s timewarp of a place, with a clientele to match and coffee to sing about.

More on lonelyplanet.com:
Check out our coffee-related articles

Where to visit Sumatran coffee plantations

Witness the battle of the Parisian baristas

This article was updated in Jan 2012.