Category: Around the World

Did you know that the world consumes close to 2.25 billion cups of coffee every day? What better way to celebrate International Coffee Day than a roundup of the best coffee shops from travel bloggers, either places they’ve stumbled upon whilst travelling or their favourite local coffee spots.

International Coffee Day is on the 1st of October. From the 29th of September there will be more than 70 events in 35 countries around the world celebrating International Coffee Day.

Make sure you don’t forget to use #InternationalCoffeeDay when you upload those amazing coffee cups or spots on the 1st of October.

Here are our picks of the Best Coffee Shops Around the World…

1. Black Lab in London, UK

I discovered this fantastic coffee shop when I was living in Clapham and have been in love with their coffee ever since. The owner even convinced me to move to oat milk over soya milk, trust me it’s so much better!

It’s not your usual coffee place where you pick a latte or cappuccino. You start with choosing what blend you want, followed by milk choice, oat, almond or milk, then lastly volume 6 oz, 8 oz or 10 oz.

The blends change regularly so you always have something new to try occasionally making the decision harder. Stuck on choice? The staff are helpful, friendly and knowledgeable.

If the coffee doesn’t win you over then their counter full of delicious looking sandwiches and cakes should.

By Kat at Kat’s Gone Global. Follow Kat’s adventures on her Facebook and Instagram.

2. Freedom Cafe in Durban, South Africa

Our favourite coffee spot in Durban, South Africa is a very quirky little café ‘called The Freedom Café’.

The Freedom Cafe’s part of a boutique hotel in the centre of the city but what makes it so unique is it a converted shipping container painted fire red with an added glass room and finished off with very trendy decor.

This quirky little spot oodles with character and makes the best cappuccino that you can enjoy in their magical garden with your pooch.

By Liza and Lisa at Souldrifters. Follow Liza and Lisa’s adventures on their blog and Facebook.

3. Mazarine Café in San Francisco, USA

I am not a huge coffee drinker, but if I have to get my cup of Joe, I stop by Mazarine Cafe to get my caffeine fix. Mazarine cafe is located on San Francisco’s busy Market street and is a cute french cafe with minimalistic decor, great coffee selection (espresso, drips and cold brew) and lip smacking delicious food such as avocado toast and ginger molasses cookie.

Their coffee is ethically sourced from all over the world, including South America and India and like most cafes in San Francisco, you can get your beverage lactose free by requesting almond or soy milk.

Mazarin’s restroom has a super funky decor made of book covers plastered all over the walls. I love visiting this tiny quiet spot when I am in down town San Francisco for a hot drink and something to eat.

They also have a small outdoor patch with bright yellow tables and chairs that are perfect to soak in the San Francisco sun or visit with your dog.

By Paroma at Yr of the Monkey. Follow Paroma’s adventures on her blog, Facebook, and Instagram.

4. Lab Roasters in Tarrytown in New York, USA

Okay, so if I had to pick just one coffee shop to frequent for the rest of my life, it would be Coffee Lab Roasters in Tarrytown, New York. Where is Tarrytown you may wonder? Well, it is just next door to a little town called Sleepy Hallow that you may have heard of (Headless Horseman anyone?). And they serve the best coffee that I have ever had in my life.

I mean sure, the staff are passionate about what they do and create foam cats and elephants in you cappuccino but the real star here is the coffee. Here, they serve espresso that is bold, rich, and vibrant in flavour but that also doesn’t overpower you with bitterness.

Just a truly divine coffee experience that is enhanced by both the local artwork that adorns the walls and the local artists who routinely have musical gigs here; a truly fun and flavourful experience for anyone in the area.

By Kelly at Girl with the Passport. Follow Kelly’s adventures on her blog, Facebook and Instagram.

5. Café Sucre in Panama City, Panama

My search for Panama’s famous geisha coffee led my husband and I to Café Sucre, a vibrant coffee shop in Panama City’s Casco Viejo neighbourhood.

Café Sucre had everything I love in a coffee shop: it was lively and upbeat, packed with both locals and visitors, and staffed with baristas whose genuine enthusiasm for great coffee and service made us feel at home.

While the menu offers all of the coffee drinks you may expect to find at a great coffeehouse, the geisha coffee was truly memorable. Geisha coffee is recognized as the most expensive coffee in the world; because it is grown at a higher altitude than most other coffee beans, a single pound can sell for more than 50 USD!

Our barista prepared the coffee right at our table while we watched; he poured hot water over the grinds and let it steep for close to five minutes before serving us.

The wait was worth it; geisha coffee is deliciously light and floral, and we were happy to take our time to enjoy it as baristas stopped by our table to check on us and chat with us about our travels.

When our cups were empty and it was time to leave, we felt like we were saying goodbye to great friends. When my travels take me through Panama City, Café Sucre will always be my first stop!

By Stephanie at Road Unraveled.  Follow Stephanie’s adventures on her blog, Facebook and Instagram.

6. El Cariñito Cafe in Medellin, Columbia

Sourcing good coffee is top of my priority list when arriving in a new city. Good coffee, free wifi and cheap beer (usually in that order). While I love South America for many, many reasons, I can’t claim to have forgiven it for disappointing us on the coffee front on sooooo many occasions. Luckily, little gems like El Cariñito Cafe in Medellin exist, for a much-needed caffeine fix.

Nestled in a quiet street of Medellin, close to the popular area of El Poblado, El Cariñito is quirky and cool. With giant, neon-lit signage adorning its walls and furniture made out of vintage suitcases, it is hipster heaven. This place isn’t just all style though, it packs a seriously good coffee punch.

Medellin can be oppressively hot during the summer months, so our go-to was the Coffee Frappucino to help cool down. Really good frappucinos are hard to find, sometimes too sweet or too watery. El Cariñito got it bang-on; cold, creamy and coffee-y with a liberal dollop of chocolate sauce for a bit of sweetness. A total refresher, under the hot Medellin sun. All served in a recycled jam jar, obvs.

By Shannon at Our Taste of Travel. Follow Shannon’s adventures on her blog, Facebook and Instagram.

7. Mirabelle Bakery in Copenhagen, Denmark

I don’t drink a lot of coffee, but there is something so delicious about a good iced coffee in the summertime that I find hard to resist!

During my first trip to Copenhagen in June, I discovered a coffee shop called Mirabelle Bakery (through Instagram – which is always a great way to find pretty, yummy spots to eat!) and fell in love with the atmosphere and their iced coffee. Their chocolate croissants were also to die for!

They have a gorgeous organic café serving, brunch, lunch and dinner attached to their coffee window, which looks out onto a bustling little street in the artsy Inner Nørrebro neighbourhood.

I got two iced coffees (I would’ve gotten a third, but didn’t want to give myself a heart attack from all the espresso!) and just sat and enjoyed taking it all in.

The service was friendly and cheerful, the coffee and croissant perfection. I could’ve stayed there all day. I highly recommend checking Mirabelle out next time you’re in Copenhagen!

By Sierra at Passport Voyager. Follow Sierra’s adventures on her blog, Facebook and Instagram.

8. Bluebirds’ Nest, Hanoi, Vietnam

It can be a difficult task to find a really relaxing cafe but this place has it down to a tee. Tucked down a little alleyway and nestled between houses, it is filled with cushions and books and accompanied by some chilled music.

There is a lovely roof terrace filled with plants which is great for evenings/ cooler days. They have a great selection of coffees, smoothies and food. My favourite is their delicious passionfruit smoothie.

It is the perfect place to enjoy a coffee, read and take a break from the chaotic Hanoi streets. I went there every week when I lived in Hanoi, and I’m always searching for another quiet oasis that can compare with it.

By Janine at Same Same but Different. Follow Janine’s adventures on her blog, Facebook and Instagram.

9. Vietanmese Egg Coffee

Vietnam is really famous for its coffee. The number of experiments that each café performs on their coffee is sometimes mindboggling. One of the most epic coffees that I have tasted was Egg coffee.

This particular coffee is a speciality of Hanoi but I only got to taste it once we reached Cat Ba island. Vietnamese egg coffee is an acquired taste. At first, I thought that they used the white of the egg to give it the flavour. It was only later that I learnt that the Vietnamese use the yolk of the egg. They whisk it with sugar before adding it to coffee mix.

Yup! The description makes many people squirm but I have to say that it was one of the best coffees I have ever tasted. I tried searching for it in the rest of Vietnam but was sadly disappointed. If I had to describe the taste of the coffee I would say that it tastes a lot like a warm tiramisu.

The coffee really needs to be had as a dessert. I loved it! I’m so glad that I got a chance to try it and I keep recommending it to everyone who heads over to Vietnam.

By Penny at Globe Trove. Follow Penny’s adventures on her blog, Facebook and Instagram.

Where is your favourite coffee spot in the world?

As a traveller, it can be hard and tiring to find a vegetarian restaurant. Vegetarianism is a growing lifestyle across the world so in celebration of World Vegetarian Day fellow travel bloggers and I have put together a list of our the best vegetarian restaurants and cafés across the world.

1. The Honest Vegan in Belfast, UK

The Irish are known for heavy meat dishes with carbs and therefore historically it has not been the easiest place for vegetarians or vegans to find a restaurant.

Located on Lisburn Road you’ll find The Honest Vegan. They feel passionate about the concept of cruelty-free food, you won’t even find honey on their menu.

Entering the café, the staff will give you a warm welcome and sit you down explaining the menu and the specials. On the waiter’s recommendations, we were sold on the French Toast and Chocolate pancakes accompanied by some delicious smoothies.

Not only was the food scrumptious but the bill only came to £17 for two people. A bargain compared to London!

By Kat at Kat’s Gone Global. Follow my adventures on Facebook and Instagram.

2. Teresa Carles in Barcelona, Spain

Teresa Carles is a renowned vegetarian chef in Barcelona. She has several vegetarian restaurants in the city, all of which are excellent, but my favourite is Flax & Kale.

Actually, Flax & Kale is flexitarian, not vegetarian, and has a couple of fish dishes too. The menu highlights if each dish includes oily fish, is vegan friendly, gluten free, or raw food, so you always know what you are eating.

Each dish is beautifully presented, garnished with edible flowers and carefully selected ingredients to delight the palate. The shared mezze starter plate is a must, with three types of hummus to try, including black hummus with activated carbon (much nicer than it sounds!), quinoa ‘meat’balls, and crudités.

For main course, for me the stand out dish is the vegetarian black rice. Black rice is a traditional seafood dish in Barcelona, usually made with squid ink to colour the rice. This version though has no fish or seafood, with slices of coconut flesh replacing the squid rings, fresh edamame beans and a green pea & chlorella garlic sauce finish the dish.

It is one of those meals you just don’t want to end! Juice lovers can choose from the wide range of pressed and squeezed colourful juices, or for the less virtuous there is wine or beer to accompany the meal too. The décor is sleek and simple, service excellent, and it is, without a doubt, one of the best restaurants in Barcelona, vegetarian or otherwise!

By Claire at Tales of Barcelona. Follow Claire’s adventures on her blog, Facebook and Instagram.

3. Concious Cafe in Hillcrest, South Africa

In Hillcrest, South Africa you will find our favourite vegetarian restaurant which is also has Vegan options available. Conscious Café has so many things that makes it unique, not to mention that the cafe is situated in a genuine old stone castle.

Everything they serve is as natural as can be and sourced from local farmers or comes directly from their own garden. Their menu consists of fresh squeezed juices, smoothies, Classic Haloumi wraps, lasagne and soups. All baked goodies are made in their kitchen with organic ingredients.

Meals can be enjoyed inside in an Eastern Decorated stoned walled lounge or outside in the garden under a tree to the beautiful sounds of the wind chime. The food here is made with real love and the ambiance of the atmosphere just makes the food taste even better.

By Liza and Lisa at Souldrifters. Follow Liza and Lisa’s adventures on their blog and Facebook.

4. Udipi Palace in San Francisco, USA

My favourite vegetarian spot in San Francisco is undoubtedly Udipi Palace in the food haven neighbourhood of Mission.

Located on Valencia street, this 100% vegetarian restaurant has been serving tasty south Indian fare for over a decade, most of which is also gluten free thanks to the generous use of rice flour in making the delectable crepes called Dosas and steamed cakes or Idlis.

There are also Indian platters or “thalis” that you can order if you are feeling particularly hungry and these come with the whole gamut of rice, roti (Indian flat bread), side dishes, lentils and dessert for a complete meal.

The prices are extremely reasonable for San Francisco and you will be spoiled for choices since everything is meat free. This restaurant is cash only though but no advance reservations are required.

By Paroma at Yr of the Monkey. Follow Paroma’s adventures on her blog, Facebook, and Instagram.

5. Macbar in New York, USA

Being a vegetarian, or vegan, traveler is a unique challenge, since most cultures tend to be meat based and actually show reverence for their guests, by presenting them with the best meat dishes they have to offer. And any vegetarian or vegan dishes presented, are generally side dishes that lack the creativity and appeal of an excellently prepared main course.

This happens all the time, like when someone hands you a plate of mashed potatoes and calls it dinner.

That’s why, when you find an amazing restaurant, with great vegetarian options, you want to share the knowledge. Now, it probably comes as no surprise that New York City has amazing vegetarian options. I mean, New York City is one of the major culinary capitals of the world. But, I don’t want to spend $10,00 on a Michelin star rated dish.

So, to find reasonably priced, delicious vegetarian food, I had over to Macbar, on 54 Prince Street. At Mac Bar, all they sell is macaroni and cheese, and it is the stuff that dreams are made of.

Yes, the restaurant isn’t fancy, since Macbar primarily does take out, but the macaroni and cheese is heavenly with such great options as shroom’ mac, the traditional, four cheese, and primavera. And a small container only costs $7.99!!! A bargain for such divine, cheesey goodness.

By Kelly at Girl with the Passport. Follow Kelly’s adventures on her blog, Facebook and Instagram.

6. Vegan Burger Bar in Borough Market London, UK

Borough Market in London Bridge is one of my favourite places to grab market food. The vendors constantly out do themselves with incredible quality food. Last time on my adventures to Borough Market I discovered the Big V London which hosts a burger bar stall called ‘Vegan Burger Bar’.

Not only is it totally vegan but they source the produce from UK farms like Ted’s veg (Borough Market) grown on his farm near Boston in Lincolnshire. Plus all packaging is biodegradable just to add another nice touch to help the environment.

The promise of meat free bacon meant that I couldn’t help but choose the Classic V Facon Cheeseburger. It’s a seitan mushroom burger on poppy seed bun with house slow roasted tomato relish, house burger sauce, pickles, red onion, vegan cheddar and house maple facon.

By Kat at Kat’s Gone Global. Follow my adventures on Facebook and Instagram.

7. Cafe Infinito in Valencia, Spain

There are so many vegetarian restaurants in Valencia so you are never out of options, but this restaurant wins it for us. The food is amazing and the staff are super friendly. They have a big menu including a great selection of tapas, main courses (burgers, wraps, pasta) and desserts.

Everything is delicious but our favourite dishes are the rice and mushroom croquettes and sundried tomatoes with bread.

The brownie is also to die for. I love the atmosphere, there is always great jazz/chilled music playing and the friendly staff definitely add to the experience. It is now the restaurant we take all our friends and family when they come to visit, and they always enjoy it too, meat-eaters included!

By Janine at Same Same but Different. Follow Janine’s adventures on her blog, Facebook and Instagram.

8. Wild Food Cafe in Neal’s Yard, London

I was recently in London to see Disney’s Lion King show in the West End with my boyfriend (who eats meat). We chose to stay close to Covent Garden for dinner so we only had a short walk to the theatre afterwards. Neal’s Yard was the best option for us; I ate at the Wild Food Cafe and my boyfriend grabbed a few pizza slices from Homeslice next door!

I’d browsed through Wild Food’s menu online before we arrived and it all looked amazing. All the food served is vegan and I had a hard time choosing what to settle on. I finally decided on ‘Spiral-way-to-Heaven’ which was a sort of pasta dish made entirely from celeriac and parsnip with a sage & lemon creamy sauce. It was incredibly filling and refreshing.

For dessert I had the matcha cheesecake which was really creamy and had lovely citrus flavours running through it. I heard good things about the white chocolate tart from the customer next to me as well, so can wholeheartedly recommend either. All of the dishes were presented beautifully and proved that vegan food can look sophisticated!

There is usually a bit of a queue to get into Wild Food as it has become very popular. If you’re lucky enough to get a window seat, the view over the infamous Neal’s Yard makes for some lovely photos.

By Jen at Jen to Paper. Follow Jen’s adventures on her blog, Facebook and Instagram.

Let me know your favourite Vegetarian or Vegan restaurant. Have you tried any of the places we’ve recommended above? Where is your favourite vegetarian restaurant?