I think that we are all well aware that for the American culture, coffee drinking is key. Many of the coffee drinking history and authenticity that we know today actually came from Europe, and just recently, Asia is actually catching on to all of the trends. Right now currently, Indonesia, China, and the Philippines are actually some of the biggest coffee drinkers in all of Asia. In China, for example, roughly 1/3 of all adults are drinking coffee in corner coffeehouses like Starbucks. The motivation behind the Asian coffee culture movement is similar to that of the US in that most individuals are looking to spend time drinking coffee as a social interaction with their groups of friends. Bull's-eye.

It has been seen in the past that most Asian countries lean toward tea drinking versus coffee drinking, but Starbucks seems to be on the rise overseas and is drawing in more and more Asians who are turning toward the love of coffee. When you compare tastes and flavor profiles, Asians are actually drinking a lighter roast than their Western counterparts and liking a sweeter taste. Cappuccinos are seen being ordered at least a third of the time in Hong Kong, with a Mocha being the runner up in second place. As a third option, most coffee drinkers in Asia are drinking regular coffee. It seems that most Asian coffee drinkers are actually partial to corporate chains like Starbucks than the other local coffee houses that have sprung up. Two of the most popular brands in the Philippines to date are Starbucks and Seattle's Best, and some of this is speculated in the fact that many Asians see celebrities in the media drinking from Starbucks. I'm sure Starbucks is saying thank you!

One of the main reasons that Asian coffee culture has sprung up so quickly is because many Asians were actually bringing back these ideas from visits to Europe and America. It is obvious that America and Europe both have extremely strong coffee cultures, and Asia is coming in a close second in having more and more coffee drinkers. Currently, there are still many Asians who are making instant coffee, though there are even more coffee houses and cafés that are beginning to open their doors for business all over the region. I am happy to note that the love and taste that we all have for coffee is something that is catching on worldwide as a notable fact and point of reference. Coffee drinking is more than just using the caffeine to stay awake, but it is something that is specific to each cultural taste and flavor profile, and it is amazing to learn how it develops within each country. I give props to Asia for taking the time to implement coffee styles and habits into their own countries, rivaling that of the American way. Coffee drinking is something that can be celebrated and shared due to the fact it has a rich and antiquated history that we can all learn from and share worldwide.