Why Australians Prefer Turkish Coffee Over Starbucks

When you think of Melbourne, you might picture trams, laneways, or Australian rules football — but ask any local what defines the city, and they’ll tell you it’s the coffee. More than wine, more than landmarks, Melbourne’s identity is tied to its deep-rooted, exacting coffee scene that left even global giant Starbucks struggling to compete.

The short answer? Australians prefer expertly crafted espresso-based drinks like the flat white and traditional Turkish coffee over Starbucks’ standardized fare — and they have 61 fewer Starbucks locations to prove it.

Melbourne: Australia’s Coffee Capital

Melbourne isn’t just a coffee city — it’s among the most respected in the world, alongside Vienna, Paris, Seattle, Havana, Vancouver, and São Paulo. In 2014, a Booking.com survey ranked Melbourne as the best coffee city globally, beating out Rome and Vienna. Whether you’re in a bookstore, a market stall, or a sushi restaurant, coffee is never far away. Type “coffee” into Google Maps in central Melbourne, and you’ll find hundreds of cafés — but only three Starbucks, one of which seats just two people.

How Starbucks Failed in Australia

Starbucks opened its first Australian store in Sydney’s CBD in 2000 and rapidly expanded to 87 locations. By 2008, 61 had closed. Today, just 22 remain, scattered across New South Wales, Queensland, and Victoria. Local media mocked the retreat with headlines like “Starbucks Memo: Next Try Selling Ice to Eskimos.” Even on Lygon Street in Carlton — Melbourne’s “Little Italy” — Starbucks couldn’t compete with neighbouring venues like Seasons Provedore, known for intense espressos, or Brunetti, a bustling Italian-style café with over 400 seats and handmade pastries.

Australian Coffee Preferences: Simplicity & Quality

Australians favour straightforward, high-quality coffee. While Europeans introduced coffee to Australia in 1788, it wasn’t until the 1950s — with waves of Italian, Greek, Turkish, and other European immigrants — that espresso culture took hold. Pellegrini’s Espresso Bar in Bourke Street, established during that era, is credited with serving Melbourne’s first proper espresso. Today, locals gravitate toward espresso and milk-based drinks like the flat white, a uniquely Australian creation that’s richer than a latte but with little to no foam. In contrast, Starbucks’ coffee is often seen as overly sweet, overly foamy, and lacking intensity. Even when Starbucks offers a flat white, Australians find it inferior — too milky, not strong enough.

Price also plays a role. While a small coffee at Pellegrini’s costs around AUD $3, Starbucks charges AUD $3.80. Meanwhile, budget-friendly options like McCafé thrive with coffees at just AUD $2 — proof that Australians prioritise quality and value over brand recognition.

The Role of Turkish Coffee in Australia

Beyond classic espresso, Turkish coffee remains popular across Australia. Harem Corner, a converted barn café in the German-settled town of Hahndorf (near Adelaide), serves traditional Turkish coffee alongside Middle Eastern jewellery — a testament to Australia’s multicultural coffee landscape. From Lebanese to Turkish cafés, these traditional offerings add to the rich tapestry that defines Australian coffee culture beyond the Italian espresso norm.

Why Local Brands Thrived

While Starbucks faltered, homegrown chains like The Coffee Club (340 stores), Hudson’s Coffee (70+ locations), Gloria Jean’s, CIBO Espresso, and Vittoria gained ground. These brands focus on consistent quality and prime locations — malls, airports, transit hubs — without the corporate gloss that turned off local coffee purists. Even Gloria Jean’s, while still a chain, felt more in tune with Australian tastes than Starbucks ever did.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Starbucks fail in Australia?

Starbucks struggled because its standardised, American-style coffee didn’t match the refined taste of Australians, who favour strong espresso-based drinks. The brand also couldn’t compete on price or atmosphere with local cafés, leading to the closure of 61 of its 87 Australian stores by 2008. Only 22 remain, mostly for tourists.

What is a flat white and why do Australians love it?

A flat white is an Australian invention: a shot of espresso with steamed milk and a thin layer of microfoam. It’s stronger and less foamy than a latte, offering a richer coffee flavour. Australians prefer its simplicity and balance, which Starbucks failed to replicate accurately.

Are there Turkish coffee shops in Australia?

Yes. Cities like Adelaide and Melbourne host authentic Turkish coffee houses, such as Harem Corner in Hahndorf, reflecting Australia’s diverse immigrant coffee traditions. These cafés serve traditional Turkish coffee alongside cultural goods, adding to the local scene.

How does Australian coffee culture differ from America’s?

Australian coffee culture prioritises quality espresso, especially milk-based drinks like the flat white, over large sugary beverages. Locals frequent small, independently owned cafés and value consistency, craft, and value — unlike the larger, brand-driven approach common in the U.S.

Why did local cafés beat Starbucks in Melbourne?

Melburnians are coffee connoisseurs who value expertly pulled shots, minimal fuss, and fair pricing. Local cafés like Pellegrini’s offer better coffee at lower prices, with no need for flashy branding or excessive space — everything Starbucks lacked.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Turkish-Style Coffee

For fans of strong, unfiltered coffee traditions like Turkish coffee, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Yirgacheffe — bright and floral with citrus and stone fruit notes, ideal for those who enjoy complex, nuanced brews. Alternatively, the Ethiopia Huakui offers jasmine and berry tones, great for experimenting with brewing styles. For something deeper, the Indonesia Sumatra Mandheling brings earthy, spicy richness that holds up well in traditional preparations. All are freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.