The Coffee Rituals You Need to Try When Traveling Abroad

Traveling abroad? Don’t just try the local food—immerse yourself in the culture with a cup of coffee that tells its own story. Coffee isn’t just a drink; it’s a window into a place’s traditions, values, and way of life. From ceremonial brewing in Ethiopia to leisurely café terraces in France, coffee rituals are as diverse as the destinations themselves.

Here are some coffee experiences you need to add to your travel bucket list.

1. The Birthplace of Coffee

Ethiopia’s relationship with coffee is deep and rich, much like the brew itself. The Ethiopian coffee ceremony is a must-see cultural experience. This elaborate ritual begins with green coffee beans roasted over an open flame, filling the air with an intoxicating aroma. The beans are then ground by hand and brewed in a traditional clay pot called a jebena.

But the ceremony is about more than just coffee—it’s about hospitality and connection. Served in three rounds, each cup represents a different stage of life and is accompanied by lively conversation. This communal experience offers a glimpse into Ethiopia’s heart, where coffee is a symbol of community and respect.

2. Espresso at the Bar

In Italy, coffee is a lifestyle, and espresso is its star. Italians have perfected the art of drinking espresso standing at the bar, a quick but meaningful ritual. It’s not about lingering but about savoring the moment, enjoying the rich, bold flavor before continuing your day.

This ritual reflects Italy’s focus on appreciating life’s small pleasures. Whether it’s your morning wake-up or an afternoon pick-me-up, sipping espresso at an Italian café is as much about the atmosphere as the coffee itself. Don’t expect to order a venti here—Italians prefer quality over quantity, and every shot of espresso is a masterpiece.

3. Coffee and Fortune-Telling

Turkish coffee is a drink steeped in history and tradition. Made with finely ground coffee simmered in a cezve (a special pot), Turkish coffee is served unfiltered, resulting in a thick, frothy brew. Its rich, intense flavor is best enjoyed slowly, often paired with a piece of Turkish delight.

But the magic doesn’t stop there. In Turkey, coffee grounds are used for fortune-telling, a practice known as tasseography. After finishing your coffee, the grounds left in the cup are swirled and inverted onto a saucer. A fortune-teller then interprets the patterns, offering insights into your future. It’s a fascinating experience that makes Turkish coffee so much more than a drink.

4. Fika and Connection

In Sweden, coffee isn’t just a drink—it’s a reason to pause and connect. The Swedish tradition of fika revolves around taking a break for coffee and pastries, often shared with friends, family, or colleagues. It’s not about the caffeine—it’s about the moment.

Fika is deeply rooted in Swedish culture, emphasizing mindfulness, relationships, and work-life balance. A warm cup of coffee, paired with a cinnamon bun or a slice of cake, transforms an ordinary break into a cherished ritual. Participating in fika while in Sweden isn’t just about trying coffee—it’s about embracing a slower, more intentional way of life.

5. Kissaten and Precision Brewing

Japan’s coffee culture is a blend of tradition and innovation. Traditional kissaten (Japanese coffee houses) are timeless spaces where precision and care go into every cup. Hand-dripped brewing methods, often using siphon or pour-over techniques, create a meditative experience that elevates coffee to an art form.

Modern Japanese cafés have taken this foundation and added a contemporary twist, offering unique brews in minimalist, Instagram-worthy settings. Whether you’re enjoying a meticulously brewed cup in a kissaten or sipping on a trendy seasonal latte in Tokyo, Japan’s approach to coffee is all about craftsmanship and aesthetics.

6. The Everyday Cafezinho

In Brazil, coffee is woven into the fabric of daily life. The quintessential cafezinho is a small, sweet coffee served throughout the day. It’s more than just a caffeine fix—it’s a gesture of hospitality and warmth.

Cafezinho is often offered to guests at home, in the workplace, or even during casual social interactions. It’s a way to pause and connect, no matter the time of day. Trying a cafezinho in Brazil is an invitation to experience the country’s vibrant culture and its emphasis on community and kindness.

7. Egg Coffee

Vietnam’s egg coffee is a delightful surprise that combines rich robusta coffee with a creamy, whipped mixture of egg yolks, sugar, and sweetened condensed milk. The result? A drink that’s more like a dessert, with a velvety texture and a sweet, bold flavor.

Egg coffee originated in Hanoi during a milk shortage in the 1940s and has since become a must-try experience for travelers. Served warm in a small cup, often over a bowl of hot water to keep it from cooling, egg coffee is a testament to Vietnam’s creativity and innovation in coffee culture.

8. Café Culture

There’s something magical about enjoying a cup of coffee on a Parisian café terrace. In France, coffee is more than just a drink—it’s a lifestyle. Whether it’s a morning espresso or an afternoon café crème, the ritual of sipping coffee while people-watching is quintessentially French.

Café culture in France is about slowing down and savoring the moment. It’s common to see friends chatting over coffee, couples enjoying leisurely breakfasts, or solo visitors with a book in hand. When you’re in France, take the time to sit at a café, order a coffee, and soak in the ambiance—it’s an experience you’ll never forget.

9. The Flat White Obsession

Australia has made a name for itself in the coffee world with the flat white, a velvety espresso-based drink with microfoam that’s smoother and creamier than a latte. While its origins are debated (New Zealand claims it too), there’s no denying that Australians have perfected the art of this beloved drink.

Australian café culture is vibrant and innovative, with a strong emphasis on high-quality beans and skilled baristas. From bustling urban cafés to coastal coffee spots, you’ll find some of the best coffee experiences in the world here. If you’re a coffee lover, a flat white in Australia is non-negotiable.

Emerging Coffee Traditions

Coffee culture continues to evolve, and some of the most exciting traditions are emerging from unexpected places. In Morocco, spiced coffee infused with cinnamon, cardamom, and nutmeg offers a warm, aromatic twist. In Finland, coffee is paired with leipäjuusto, a type of cheese, creating a unique flavor combination.

These lesser-known coffee rituals provide travelers with fresh perspectives on how coffee is enjoyed around the world. Exploring these traditions is a reminder that coffee is a universal language, with each destination adding its own flair to the conversation.

Savor the Culture, One Cup at a Time

Coffee isn’t just some drink—it’s a passport to the heart of a culture. From the communal warmth of Ethiopia’s coffee ceremony to the precision of Japan’s kissaten, every cup tells a story about the people and traditions behind it.