In 2016, Taiwan’s Berg Wu won the world Barista Championships, and representatives from Taiwan, Japan, and Hong Kong have either won or placed in the Top 5 for decades.  It is no wonder some of the coolest, must-visit cafes are scattered throughout Asia...

1. Beans and Beats | Taipei

Combine some sick beats with hot brews and what do you get? Beans and Beats, baby. Bring your hip-hop head friends are just go alone to enjoy some good vibes, either way this coffee shop will welcome you with open arms. This hip coffee shop has a whole basement dedicated to old-school cool hip-hop vinyls, serves mouthwatering sandwiches, burgers, beer, and of course heartwarming coffee.

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2. Roast | Bangkok

Feeling some serious brunch vibes? No worries, Roast is here for you. This hipster café proudly waves its flag as one of Bangkok’s best brunch and coffee joints. Pair your cup of joe with some pancakes and crispy bacon and enjoy your morning brew in Roast’s brightly lit and stylishly decorated interiors.

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3. Cafe aA Museum | Seoul

You know how most museums don’t let you have food or drinks inside? Well Cafe aA wants you to do the opposite.  This coffee place is for those who like to sip in style. As you might have guessed by its name, not only do they serve delicious coffee but they also have a display of art and furniture from around the world!  After all, everyone knows the best way to enjoy art is on a caffeine high.

Fun fact: This café’s stylish interior served as a set in BoA’s “Only You” music video.

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4. Owl Café (Fukuro Sabo) | Tokyo

If you’re into animal themed cafés or you’ve dreamed of having your own Hedwig, this coffee shop should definitely be on your bucket list. Located in the outskirts of the bustling Tokyo city, Fukuro Sabo has over 15 different owls in its shop. After you’ve finished enjoying your cup of coffee you are given a birding glove so you can get to hold an owl of your own! Fear not, they are very friendly and used to humans gawking at them, but if you don’t feel to comfortable with the idea of holding one of these wild creatures then you can admire them at a distance behind a glass window.

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5. LOF10 | HONG KONG

Lof10 is a breath of Cali air hidden in the hills of Hong Kong’s Sheung Wan district. Don’t be deceived by their minimalistic design because when it comes to coffee, they definitely go all out. The clean design and chill vibes within this small yet cozy coffee haven are perfect for a lazy day outside the house, or an intimate date with that special someone ;)

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6. Sumerian | Shanghai

Coffee-holics, Shanghai’s gift to you are the outstanding brews of Sumerian coffee shop. Their shelves are constantly displaying different seasonal coffee beans from around the world. From the best of Ethiopia to Latin American beans, Sumerian definitely takes its coffee game seriously. Although their coffee is what makes them standout their brunches and special Boom Boom Bagels also have people lining up around the block.

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7. Soloist | Beijing

Soloist is the time machine of coffee shops. Their vintage decor and furniture definitely take you back. The store itself has a bit of history having been a bathhouse before entering the coffee scene, now its dedicated baristas make it their mission to pour a cup that will make you remember Beijing for all the right reasons. If you want to pair your coffee with something more substantial, we recommend their homemade cheesecake.

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