Starbucks is obviously the favorite coffee in America’s hearts and that love is shared around the world. There might be over 24,000 Starbucks coffee shops around the world, but there are favorite coffee and tea chains elsewhere that are another country’s equivalent to America’s Starbucks.
1. Costa Coffee
Although the Brits have developed a love for Starbuck’s coffee, they still prefer their own favourite brew. Costa Coffee is the United Kingdom’s go-to coffee shop with over 1,000 shops across the country.
2. Chatime
Chatime is a bubble tea chain that you probably recognize considering it has spread all across the U.S.. However, it originated in Taiwan and remains one of Taiwan’s most visited tea shops — making it their country’s Starbucks.
3. Café Coffee Day
Café Coffee Day is the largest coffee and café chain in India. With an expansive hot and cold drink menu, it gives Starbucks a run for its money. If you find yourself in Bangalore or Mumbai, you’ll likely see people with “Coffee Day” to-go mugs — similar to the popular Starbuck’s tumbler in the U.S.
4. Aroma Espresso Bar
Aroma Espresso Bar is one of Israel’s top coffee shops and cafés. They are known for their iced Aroma — essentially a better version of a Starbuck’s frappucino — making them a hotspot (no pun intended) for coffee drinkers on a hot Israeli summer day.
5. Tim Horton’s
Tim Horton’s is a Canadian classic. Thanks to its coffee being “toujours frais” (always fresh), it has established itself as one of the country’s most popular coffee shops. If you find yourself in Canada, head over for a cup of coffee and a Timbit and you will soon understand what all the hype is about.
6. Java House
Java House is one of the first and most successful coffee shops in Kenya. They made it their mission in 1999 to bring the modern-day coffee culture to Kenya and did just that. Starting in Nairobi, the chain has now spread all throughout Kenya and Uganda.
7. Café Droptop
Café Droptop doesn’t have as many stores physically as Starbucks or other chains, but its celebrated popularity in South Korea makes it the country’s favorite spot. Their most iconic store in Seoul holds over 230 people and is definitely worth the visit.
There are different types of coffee and tea chains all over the world. Although Starbucks is available in most places, thanks to the ever-globalizing world around us, it’s nice to know that local favorites still exist and the morning brew and afternoon tea differ country-by-country.