Taipei Ranks 10th in World’s Best Coffee Cities

When travelers ask where they can find great coffee outside the usual European capitals, the answer isn’t always obvious. A new ranking highlights an unexpected contender: Taipei. Named the tenth-best city in the world for coffee tasting, it’s also the only Asian city to make the list. That recognition isn’t just symbolic—behind it lies a thriving, everyday coffee culture built on volume, variety, and accessibility.

Taipei ranks tenth globally for coffee tasting, according to USA Today’s SmarterTravel, and is the sole Asian representative. Despite economic challenges, Taiwanese bought over 300 million cups from major chains last year alone, creating a $20+ billion coffee economy.

Why Taipei Made the Global Top 10

The USA Today travel section “SmarterTravel” evaluated cities worldwide for their coffee scenes, considering factors like accessibility, quality, and local appreciation. Taipei stood out not for a single iconic café culture, but for the sheer consistency and integration of coffee into daily life. Its placement reflects both the popularity of local coffee offerings and the city’s role as a hub for diverse coffee experiences.

The Massive Chain Coffee Market in Taiwan

Data from Taiwanese media outlet Eastern News Service reveals the scale of the domestic coffee market. Last year, major chains including 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Starbucks Taiwan, and 85°C collectively sold more than 300 million cups of coffee. This robust consumption supported an industry worth over 20 billion TWD. Sales figures for 2024 are expected to remain similar despite ongoing economic pressures.

Among these, convenience store coffee remains a powerhouse. Despite public backlash over fresh milk price-driven cost increases, these outlets continued to thrive due to their affordability, speed, and convenience. FamilyMart sold nearly 50 million cups, while 7-Eleven sold an astonishing 150 million cups in a single year. 85°C contributed another 70 million cups to the total.

What Taiwanese Coffee Drinkers Actually Prefer

Not all coffee is created equal in the eyes of Taiwanese consumers. When it comes to taste preferences, the data is clear. Starbucks Taiwan reports that the single most popular drink is the latte—half of all coffee sold is some variation of it. The second favorite is caramel macchiato. Regional tastes then diverge: in southern Taiwan, people lean toward sweeter options like vanilla lattes, whereas in the north, many prefer their coffee black—specifically, unsweetened and unmilked Americanos.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Taipei one of the best cities for coffee tasting?

Taipei earned its spot in the USA Today top 10 due to its widespread, high-volume coffee culture. While it may not be known for third-wave cafes alone, its everyday accessibility, consistent quality across chains, and integration into daily life helped it stand out as the only Asian city in the global ranking.

How many cups of coffee are sold annually in Taiwan?

Major coffee chains in Taiwan, including 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Starbucks, and 85°C, sold over 300 million cups of coffee in the past year. This figure reflects both the popularity of convenience store coffee and the broader demand for quick, affordable brews.

Which coffee chain sells the most coffee in Taiwan?

7-Eleven leads the market with 150 million cups sold annually, followed by FamilyMart with nearly 50 million cups and 85°C with around 70 million cups. Convenience stores dominate the market due to their accessibility and low prices.

What’s the most popular coffee drink in Taiwan?

The latte is the most popular coffee drink in Taiwan, accounting for half of all coffee sales at Starbucks. The caramel macchiato is the second most common choice, while regional preferences lead some to choose sweeter drinks in the south or black Americanos in the north.

Why is convenience store coffee so popular in Taiwan?

Convenience store coffee is favored for being fast, cheap (typically 35–55 TWD per cup), and widely available. Even after price hikes due to increased milk costs, these outlets retained strong sales volumes thanks to their convenience for commuters and office workers.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Taiwanese-Style Coffee

For fans of Taipei’s popular milky coffees like lattes and caramel macchiatos, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Classic Blend: a smooth, well-rounded espresso base with notes of dark chocolate and soft caramel, ideal for milk drinks. For those who prefer a cleaner black coffee profile, the Single Origin Yirgacheffe offers bright citrus and floral tones, reflecting northern Taiwan’s taste for lighter, unsweetened brews. Both beans are roasted to highlight balance and clarity—key traits in Taiwan’s diverse coffee preferences. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.