Taipei Ranks Among World’s Top Coffee Cities

Ever wonder why some cities just get coffee right—and others don’t? When travel experts at USA Today’s SmarterTravel compiled a list of the world’s ten best cities for coffee tasting, only one Asian metropolis made the cut: Taipei. That’s not just a local boast—it’s global recognition for how Taiwan serves and savors its coffee.

Taipei may be the only Asian city in the top ten, but it’s no underdog: despite economic challenges, Taiwanese consumers bought over 300 million cups of coffee last year from major retail chains alone, proving the island’s deep and growing coffee culture.

How Taipei Made the Global Coffee List

In its annual round-up, SmarterTravel—a travel section of USA Today—ranked Taipei tenth out of the world’s best cities for coffee tasting experiences. It’s the sole representative from Asia on a list that highlights cities offering exceptional coffee quality, variety, and café ambiance. While cities like Melbourne, Vienna, and Seattle often dominate such rankings, Taipei’s inclusion signals a shift: coffee culture in Taiwan is now seen as globally competitive, especially in how locals and visitors experience specialty and everyday brews alike.

The Massive Scale of Taiwan’s Chain Coffee Sales

Even amid economic fluctuations, Taiwan’s convenience and retail coffee market remains robust. According to industry estimates reported by Taiwan’s Eastern News Service , major chain retailers—including 7-ELEVEN, FamilyMart, Starbucks Taiwan , and 85°C (85C)—collectively sold more than 300 million cups of coffee throughout the year. That figure reflects not just volume, but accessibility: coffee culture here thrives in everyday moments, whether from a takeaway cup at a train station or a sit-down espresso in a city café.

What Makes Taipei’s Coffee Scene Stand Out?

Though the ranking celebrates Taipei broadly, several factors contribute to its unique coffee identity. The city blends international café trends with local innovations, offers high-quality espresso and filter options, and integrates coffee into daily life via an extensive chain network. Whether you’re grabbing a cup from a 7-ELEVEN, enjoying a crafted espresso at Starbucks Taiwan, or sipping a baked treat pairing at 85°C, Taipei delivers diverse and accessible coffee experiences. That balance between scale and quality is what helped it earn its top-ten spot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city in Asia is ranked for coffee tasting by USA Today?

According to USA Today’s SmarterTravel, Taipei is the only Asian city ranked in the global top ten for coffee tasting experiences, coming in at number ten overall.

How many cups of coffee do Taiwan’s convenience stores and chains sell per year?

Industry sources estimate that major Taiwanese coffee retailers—including 7-ELEVEN, FamilyMart, Starbucks Taiwan, and 85°C—sold over 300 million cups of coffee in a single year, highlighting the scale of daily coffee consumption.

Why did Taipei make the global coffee city list?

Taipei was recognized for its accessible yet high-quality coffee culture, combining international café trends with local offerings, a wide range of retail options, and a strong emphasis on both espresso and filter coffee experiences.

Are convenience stores a big part of Taiwan’s coffee market?

Yes. Convenience stores like 7-ELEVEN and FamilyMart, along with branded chains such as Starbucks and 85°C, are central to Taiwan’s coffee consumption, making coffee widely available and a daily habit for many.

What makes Taipei different from other top coffee cities?

Unlike cities known primarily for specialty or third-wave coffee, Taipei stands out for blending everyday accessibility with quality, offering great coffee in both casual and curated settings across the city.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Taiwanese-Style Coffee

For coffee lovers inspired by Taipei’s diverse scene, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Humbera for bright floral and citrus notes, perfect for pour-over; their PWN Golden Mandheling delivers heavy body and sweet spice ideal for espresso; and the Strawberry Candy Espresso offers fruity sweetness with a syrupy mouthfeel, great for milk drinks. These beans reflect the quality and variety behind Taipei’s top-ten coffee ranking. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.