Around the World in 25 Beans: The New Wave of Coffee Shops
Coffee is no longer just a morning drink; it has become a universal language, a bridge between cultures, and a canvas for a new generation of entrepreneurs. From the backstreets of Tokyo to the palaces of Sicily, here’s a global selection of spots that are redefining the art of the coffee break.
1. Fuglen: Norway’s Flight to the East
Founded in Oslo in 1963, Fuglen made a bold strategic shift under the leadership of Einar Kleppe Holthe. Rather than targeting London or New York, the brand conquered Asia. After Tokyo in 2012, Fuglen expanded to Kyoto, Seoul, Jakarta, and Bali. The idea? To prove that a solid business model can be based on human values rather than solely on the pursuit of immediate profit.
fuglen.no
2. Harlan Coffee: An Oasis in Business Districts
Emmanuel T. Pineda conceived Harlan Coffee as a breath of fresh air for busy professionals. Strategically located near the stock exchanges in Manila and Jakarta, the brand’s ten locations are now preparing to expand into all of Southeast Asia’s capital cities. A minimalist design for a coffee shop that fits perfectly into the pace of busy life.
harlanholden.ph
3. Sip: Beirut’s Artisanal Wake-Up Call
When Omar Jheir opened Sip in 2017 in the Gemmayze district, he brought the sophisticated coffee culture he’d learned in Australia to Lebanon. What was once an upholstery workshop has become the flagship of specialty coffee in Beirut, retaining a raw industrial aesthetic. A second location is opening overlooking the sea, while a branch has already opened in Cairo.
4. Nuances: Parisian Retro-Futurism
In Paris, brothers Charles and Raphaël Corrot are shaking up the norms with Nuances. Their latest location in the Marais resembles a cube of light, while the one on Rue Danielle Casanova is housed in a listed former 1930s dairy shop. The contrast between the historic setting and the futuristic bar is striking. Here, you can enjoy original creations like the rose and matcha latte.
cafenuances.com
5. Alchemist: Accessible Excellence in Singapore
For the past ten years, Alchemist has been on a simple mission: to make high-quality coffee affordable. With 15 locations in Singapore and outposts in Taipei and Tokyo, founder Will Leow focuses on roasts that emphasize smoothness and clarity, accessible to both beginners and experts.
alchemist.global
6. Deluxe Coffeeworks: The Cape Town Ritual
For Carl Wessel and Judd Nicolay, coffee should be a daily anchor. For the past 17 years, their roastery, Deluxe Coffeeworks, has become an integral part of the urban landscape of Cape Town, South Africa. With four cafes in the city and a presence in Namibia, they also supply more than 450 wholesale customers, establishing themselves as the guardians of the local “flat white.” deluxecoffeeworks.co.za
7. Abuelo: Design That Fosters Connection
In London, this mother-daughter duo (Lynette and Cloe de la Vega) blends architecture with Latin American specialty coffee. At Abuelo, in Covent Garden or Marylebone, the space is designed to evoke a certain feeling: shared tables, vintage furniture, and warm wood paneling invite customers to linger rather than just pass through.
abuelocafe.co.uk
8. Subko: The Pride of Indian Coffee
Rahul Reddy had an epiphany in 2020: why should India, a major producer, look to Africa or Latin America for its specialty coffee? Subko celebrates Asian terroir from its base in Mumbai, now expanding to four Indian cities and Dubai, while offering local pastries and “bean-to-bar” chocolate.
subko.coffee
9. Koffee Mameya: The Haute Cuisine of Coffee
Eiichi Kunitomo has transformed coffee tasting into an experience akin to a gourmet dinner. In Tokyo, his establishment, Koffee Mameya Kakeru, operates by reservation only. In this renovated former warehouse, coffee is elevated to the status of a pure craft, far removed from mass consumption.
koffee-mameya.com
10. Die Cafetière: The Vintage Spirit of Vienna
In contrast to traditional Austrian cafés, Die Cafetière revives the spirit of 1950s espresso bars. Owned by Peggy Strobel since 2023, this spot preserves its brass details and period façade while modernizing the menu. The little extra? The back of the shop doubles as a furniture showroom.
diecafetiere.wien
11. Hagen: The Ambassador of Hygge in London
A former banker, Tim Schroeder set out to bring Danish “hygge” to London’s upscale neighborhoods. With more than 20 locations, Hagen focuses on an “analog” and high-end approach. In 2025, the brand took a new step by opening a location in Amsterdam, a city dear to the hearts of Danes.
thehagenproject.com
12. Kurukahveci Mehmet Efendi: The Istanbul Icon
Near Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar, the aroma of roasted coffee invariably leads you to Mehmet Efendi. Founded in 1871, this family-run institution is now managed by the founder’s grandsons. More than just a coffee shop, it’s a piece of Turkish history that you can enjoy on-site or take home in its iconic packaging.
mehmetefendi.com
13. Samba Coffee Roasters: Athens’ Iced Coffee Revolution
Kostas Kalafatas has witnessed Greek coffee culture evolve: the traditional frappé made with instant coffee is giving way to the “freddo espresso.” At its flagship location in the Kolonaki neighborhood, Samba Coffee Roasters serves this double espresso frappé with ice cubes—a drink that Athenians now enjoy year-round.
sambacafe.gr
14. Sede Café: Mexican-Style Efficiency
Opening 59 locations in just over two years: that’s Javier Arrigunaga’s feat in Mexico City. Sede Café is the king of “takeaway.” Here, there’s no fuss—the focus is on accessibility, both in terms of location and price. The brand’s blue logo is now everywhere, from trendy neighborhoods to shopping malls.
15. Koncrete: Dubai’s Cultural Crossroads
Located near Jumeirah Beach, Koncrete is more than just a café; it’s a project led by entrepreneur Himyan Al Qubaisi. With its polished concrete and exposed columns, this minimalist space hosts artistic events and collaborates with international brands, making it a gathering place for the UAE’s creative community.
koncretespace.com
16. Doutor: A Zen Break at Yoyogi Park
While Doutor is a Japanese giant with over 1,000 locations, its venture in Tokyo’s Yoyogi Park is one of a kind. Located on the site of the former 1964 Olympic housing complex, this café features local granite and solid wood. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a strawberry-matcha latte—even with your dog—thanks to its inviting terrace.
doutor.co.jp
17. Single O: The Pioneers of “Self-Service” in Sydney
Emma and Dion Cohen have shaken up the Australian market with their “Freepour Batch” system. Inspired by beer taps, this self-service bar lets you quickly pour rare brews or iced oat lattes. It’s been such a success that Single O has successfully expanded to Tokyo with five locations.
singleo.com.au
18. Lap: The Berlin Disruptor
In Berlin, Ralph Hage and Tonalli Arreola made a simple observation: there was a lack of high-quality, affordable coffee for commuters. In just one year, LAP opened 30 locations. Despite criticism of this venture-capital-backed model, the busy, budget-conscious clientele has embraced it.
lap.coffee
19. Pingado LX: The Portuguese “bica” on a bike
José Galamba and José Paiva dos Santos have revived a Lisbon tradition: street vending. From their bike cart, they prepare “bicas” (espressos) that bring back childhood memories for locals. A nostalgic and mobile response to the proliferation of Nordic-style cafés.
pingadolx.com
20. The Miners: Czech Ambition
This Prague-based chain, founded in 2019 by Egor Kolpakov and Oldrich Valta, makes no secret of its European ambitions. With 34 locations already in seven countries, including the Netherlands and Germany, The Miners relies on high-quality central roasting and sleek design to attract franchise investors.
theminers.eu
21. Canyon Coffee: From Los Angeles to Brooklyn
Casey Wojtalewicz and Ally Walsh started out with a little savings and a few pop-ups. Today, their café in Echo Park, LA, is a must-visit, and they’ve added a location in Brooklyn. Their secret? Creating warm and “easygoing” spaces where people naturally want to come back every morning.
canyoncoffee.co
22. Allpress: The New Zealand Giant
Founded in New Zealand and now under Japanese ownership, Allpress is a global powerhouse that supplies more than 2,000 independent coffee shops. Despite its scale, the brand remains obsessed with service: ensuring that every latte—even the simplest one—is the best the customer has ever tasted.
allpressespresso.com
23. Morettino: Sicilian Splendor
Caffè Palermo, housed in the 16th-century Palazzo Guggino Chiaramonte Bordonaro, is the crown jewel of the Sicilian roaster Morettino. After five years of restoration, this venue allows the historic brand to restore Italian coffee to its former glory in the heart of Palermo.
morettino.com
24. Market Lane Coffee: Melbourne’s Excellence
Melbourne is one of the world’s most discerning cities when it comes to coffee. Yet Fleur Studd and Jason Scheltus have established Market Lane as the gold standard there since 2009. Their latest venture, Mitchell House, stands out with its curved windows and street-facing bar, celebrating the city’s vibrant energy.
marketlane.com.au
25. Lalere: Pure Craftsmanship in Zurich
Founded by Fabian Gass and his brothers-in-law Eric and Luca Blum, Lalere is a masterpiece of woodworking. Almost the entire wooden interior was handcrafted. More than just a tasting venue, it’s a social hub for the neighborhood, designed to encourage conversation around a warm, curved counter.
lalere.ch