From Stockholm’s alfresco cafes to Tokyo’s specialty coffee shops, we delve into the unique coffee culture at six iconic destinations.
The daily grind tastes different in each city! Explore coffee culture around the world and find out how you can taste these from the comfort of your home, thanks to Nespresso’s new World Explorations Lungo range. Here, we dive into the habits and history of coffee drinking in six major cities.
Vienna, Austria
A historical meeting place for creatives, intellectuals and more, Vienna’s centuries-old coffee houses were among the world’s earliest and is a leisurely destination till today. No rush here: you can kick back and relax with your cup of joe (typically served with a glass of water) for an entire afternoon. Fun fact: Vienna’s coffee house culture is so iconic, UNESCO even recognized it as an “intangible cultural heritage” in 2011. Try the Vienna Linizio Lungo for a taste that’s inspired by this city. Top up your coffee with hot water to make it a 150ml cup for maximum enjoyment. The smooth, well-rounded blend boasts delicious cereal notes that pair well with a slice of cake.
Stockholm, Sweden
The Swedish have mastered the art of ‘fika’, the concept of casual coffee sipping paired with pastries, while in the company of friends. With the hectic pace of life here, we’d say it’s high time for us to embrace this concept, too. Make time for fika with your pals within the comfort of your own home: simply invite them over and pop the Stockholm Fortissio Lungo capsule into your Nespresso machine. How’s that for an easy prep? Inspired by the city it’s named after, this rich and full-bodied blend boasts a remarkable intensity that makes a perfect conversation starter. Have it with cinnamon rolls while catching up with friends and family.
Cape Town, South Africa
A stopover point for Asian coffee traders sailing to Europe, Cape Town saw its taste in coffee shaped by the shipments that travelled through. Now, the city’s burgeoning java obsession has made it the unofficial coffee capital of South Africa. With an increase in hole-in-the-wall cafes and independent roasters, it’s becoming a popular place on the travel wishlists of coffee aficionados. While you can’t fly over to grab a cup yet, you can taste the potent Cape Town Envivo Lungo for a strong roast that’s inspired by the city’s love for intense coffee blends. Enjoy it like the locals do, with a splash of milk to add a silky texture.
Tokyo, Japan
You may have heard of Japan’s famous tea houses, but did you know that the country has an impressive coffee scene too? This well-loved beverage has been making its mark, beginning with the opening of coffee shops around Tokyo. Today, the city boasts a variety of cafes where urbanites pop in for a relaxing coffee break. Inspired by the elegance and simplicity of Japanese coffee culture, enjoy the floral aroma of Nespresso’s Tokyo Vivalto Lungo, best enjoyed black for its complex notes to truly shine. This sophisticated coffee is marked by a hint of natural sweetness, so make it a 150ml long black and take your time to savour this cup.
Shanghai, China
While tea is a Chinese staple, China has also been growing coffee for centuries. And the blossoming modern coffee culture sees the trendy city of Shanghai leading the way. Aesthetically pleasing decor and specialty coffee shops are the name of the game here, with cafes opening up across the city. Its emerging coffee scene is ever-evolving – in the city’s high-end coffee shops, you’re as apt to find an intense blend that begs for cream and sugar, as you are a milder and sweeter selection. Get a piece (or a sip) of this specialty coffee pie with the Shanghai Lungo. This Nespresso blend will charm you with its sweet, fruity notes and fine acidity, which pair amazingly with a splash of cream.
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Heads up: grabbing a coffee isn’t the way to go in Argentina. Here, having your coffee fix is about socialising as much as it’s about the brew. At the heart of the bustling city, the streets of Buenos Aires see traditional cafes and specialty coffee shops welcoming patrons in for a leisurely cup as a break from city life. Locals typically indulge in a sweet and milky brew while reading the daily paper, or in the company of friends or colleagues. Recreate this relaxing experience at home with the sweet popcorn notes from the Buenos Aires Lungo, a balanced blend with malty cereal notes. Simply extract a capsule and a generous dose of milk and sugar. If we could have a comfort coffee recipe, this would be it.
Travel around the world with Nespresso through gastronomy
Looking for more ways to enjoy Nespresso’s amazing coffees? Embark on a gastronomic adventure as Nespresso partners with six chefs in Singapore, each curating a menu inspired by a city from the World Explorations coffee range. To savour these creations, swing by the participating restaurants Ola Cocina Del Mar, Terra Tokyo Italian, Summer Pavilion, Salted & Hung, Vue and The Capitol Kempinski.
Or, enjoy these coffees at home at the touch of a button with the Nespresso Essenza Plus. Perk alert: get up to 15% off the Essenza Plus range and receive an additional $30 off with 50 capsules purchased.
Now you know how to easily snag brews from around the world. Thanks a latte, Nespresso!
Nespresso machines and World Explorations range are available at Nespresso boutiques in ION Orchard, Takashimaya, Raffles City and VivoCity. Follow the World Explorations journey on Instagram @nespresso.sg.
This post is in partnership with Nespresso.