Coffee Culture
Latest articles, industry insights and brewing guides
The Ethiopian Shepherd Legend: How Coffee Was Discovered
Learn how 7th-century Ethiopian goat herder Kaldi discovered coffee after noticing his hyperactive flock eating red berries.
The Global Coffee Timeline: Key Moments from 1688 to 1902
From Boston’s first British-style coffeehouse to Brazil’s coffee boom, trace the major milestones in global coffee history from 1688 to 1902.
How Coffee Spread Across Europe and the Americas Before 1700
From Venice’s first coffeehouse in 1645 to New York’s first cup in 1668, here’s the exact timeline of coffee’s global expansion.
The Origins and Spread of Coffee Through History
Explore the journey of coffee from Ethiopia to global popularity, from its discovery in the 13th century to the first coffeehouses in Istanbul.
Why Is It Called Mandheling Coffee?
The name 'Mandheling' doesn’t refer to a place or coffee plant—but to a case of wartime miscommunication in Indonesia.
How Città Espresso Club Brought Italian Coffee Culture to China in 2008
In 2008, Città Espresso Club opened in Shanghai’s Yulongfang, introducing Italians’ refined coffee lifestyle to China with quality drinks, music, and atmosphere.
Origins and Types of Italian Coffee Drinks
Explore the origins of espresso and classic Italian coffee styles like cappuccino, macchiato, and more, with exact ratios and preparation details.
How Many Countries, How Many Coffee Traditions
Explore how people around the world drink coffee—from sweet Arabic shots to Turkish fortune-telling brews—with 8 global styles explained.
How the Pope Made Coffee Acceptable in Europe
In the 17th century, Pope Clement VIII helped legitimize coffee in Europe by tasting and blessing it, despite early Christian opposition.
How Japan Made Coffee a Mass Drink
Japan turned coffee into a daily staple—here’s how the country pioneered instant and canned coffee, and became Asia’s coffee leader.
What Makes Swiss Coffee Culture Unique?
Explore the refined taste and precise preparation behind Switzerland’s celebrated coffee culture, known for its balance of milk, sugar, and crema.
The Century-Old Coffee Trees of Yunnan’s Zhukula Village
Discover China’s oldest coffee trees in Yunnan’s Zhukula village—planted in 1892 by French missionaries and still producing rare Typica today.
How Tea and Coffee Reflect Eastern and Western Cultures
Explore how tea and coffee evolved differently in China and the West, shaping cultural values like harmony and rationality.
Tea vs Coffee: Eastern Harmony vs Western Individualism
Explore how Taoist harmony in Chinese tea culture contrasts with Western individualism in coffee traditions, from Daoist philosophy to Christian roots.
What Makes Colombian Coffee Unique?
Colombian coffee is known for its balanced flavor, high quality, and distinct growing conditions in the Andes. Here’s what sets it apart.
How Laos Coffee Evolved in 20 Years
Laos coffee has transformed rapidly over the past 20 years—more than in the previous 80. Discover its French colonial roots, Arabica potential, and export hurdles.
How People Drink Coffee Around the World
Discover how 10 countries prepare and enjoy coffee—from Italy’s quick espresso to Turkey’s spiced brews and Greek sediment-rich cups.
How Coffee Culture, Farming, and the Environment Interconnect
Explore how coffee farming impacts forests, workers, and ecosystems—and how your cup connects to global sustainability challenges.
The History of Coffee in Japan: From Exotic Import to National Staple
Discover how coffee arrived in Japan during the Edo period, gained literary traction in the Meiji era, and became a national favorite post-WWII.
Vienna’s Coffee Culture: A Historic Specialty Ritual
Learn how Vienna turned coffee into a cultural icon, from the birth of Melange to the city’s 40+ coffee styles served with water.