Absolutely must visit these places – 8 global coffee capitals including Melbourne and Singapore make the list

By reporter Siu Yu-ning / Compiled report Images all from CNN

Coffee beans were first improved and cultivated by Arabs in the 15th century, and since then they have rapidly spread to almost every desk-bound corner of the world, becoming one of the most popular beverages globally. Recently, CNN selected 8 cities around the world that are perfect for coffee drinking. Some are hailed as coffee capitals, while for others, coffee is even more essential than water — the reasons are as varied as can be, but the common denominator is that you’re guaranteed to find great coffee here.

London

About ten years ago, the first Italian-style café in all of London opened, and ever since, the city has gone crazy for coffee shops. Estelle Brigh, head barista at London’s Caravan, said: “Although service at London cafés still has room for improvement, it’s one of the few cities where coffee shops are growing rapidly.”
Most ordered coffee: Flat white or cappuccino

Melbourne

Melbourne could be described as a city where caffeine runs through the residents’ veins. Even greetings start with “Let’s grab a coffee!” and conversations often end with “Let’s catch up over coffee sometime.” World Barista Champion Pete Licata praised the city, saying, “The coffee culture in Melbourne is incredibly deep.” The city even holds an annual expo where local professional baristas hold the same importance as pastry chefs and cooks.
Most ordered coffee: Piccolo latte.

Rome

Coffee is a part of Roman life — whether at the dining table, the office desk, or even on the street, everyone has a cup in hand. One American-born World Barista Champion once said that Rome is his real hometown, which shows just how deep the city’s coffee roots go.
Most ordered coffee: Espresso.

Singapore

Many elderly people in Singapore start their day by sitting at the entrance of old-school coffee shops with a newspaper and ordering a coffee with breakfast. Unlike Western coffee, traditional Singaporean coffee involves roasting the beans together with butter and corn kernels, resulting in a sweet, fragrant brew. Additionally, Singaporeans prefer to add sweetened condensed milk to their coffee rather than fresh milk, as is common elsewhere.
Most ordered coffee: Latte, mocha or cappuccino.

Vienna
In 2011, UNESCO listed Vienna’s coffee houses as intangible cultural heritage of humanity, which speaks volumes about how important coffee is to Vienna. Cafés here serve you a glass of water before your coffee, mainly to enhance your taste experience when you drink the coffee.
Most ordered coffee: Latte, mocha or cappuccino.

Wellington (New Zealand)）

“Basically, the standard of coffee sent out from here is very high,” says coffee expert Clark. The presence of many coffee consumers and professionals here means constant refinement, raising the overall coffee quality. Coffee has become a sort of faith and the unofficial beverage of the city.
Most ordered coffee: Flat white

Reykjavik (Iceland)

There are no major coffee shop chains here, only small, independent cafes — every neighborhood has at least two or three. Icelandic coffee expert Kristin Thora says, “For the people of Reykjavik, coffee is more like their ‘food.’”
Most ordered coffee: Latte or cappuccino.

Seattle

The birthplace of Starbucks, Seattle is definitely one of the must-visit coffee capitals. It could also be called the leader of the U.S. coffee industry. Joshua Boyt, a barista at Seattle’s popular Victrola Coffee Roasters, said: “In Seattle, coffee is liquid gold. We’re passionate about it, and the cafés across the city are both competitors and partners.”
Most ordered coffee: Espresso, cappuccino or a single-origin pour.