All You Need to Know About Coffee in Armenia and Georgia

Coffee is a very popular drink in Armenia and Georgia. It is a part of culture and an integral part of social interactions, family gatherings. From our post you will learn interesting facts about coffee culture in Armenia and Georgia, as well as we will share information about some great modern coffee shops.

Coffee in Armenia: Coffee Culture

Coffee culture in Armenia is deeply ingrained in daily life, blending traditional practices with modern influences. Armenians have a long history of coffee consumption, with coffee being an integral part of social interactions, family gatherings, and hospitality.

Armenian coffee is often referred to as "soorj" or "sourj". Coffee is an Armenian way of life. It is drunk in the morning, during breaks at work, sometimes in the evening. When visiting relatives and friends, coffee is always offered first as an act of hospitality.

Coffee in Armenia: How to make

Armenian coffee is a concentrated drink that is somewhat similar to espresso. However, Armenians grind the beans much finer than espresso. It is typically made using finely ground coffee beans, water, and sugar (optional), brewed in a special pot called a "jazzve". The process involves mixing finely ground coffee with cold water and sugar in the jazzve, heating the mixture slowly until it froths up, pouring the frothy coffee into small cups, allowing the grounds to settle before drinking. Armenian coffee is traditionally served in small, demitasse-style cups and is often accompanied by sweet treats or pastries.

Coffee in Armenia: Popular Coffee Shops

Local coffee is served in almost all national restaurants. But if you are fan of modern trend coffee drinks then good news is that Armenia has seen a rise in modern coffee shops, especially in the capital city, Yerevan. These cafes blend the old and new, offering both traditional Armenian coffee and a variety of modern espresso-based drinks. Some notable cafes include:

Sweet Coast

Sweet Coast is located on 75 Mesrop Mashtots Ave. It is one of the best places in Yerevan to taste desserts and coffee. It is located on 39 Mesrop Mashtots Avenue. It offers Exceptional honey cakes, Middle Eastern desserts like knefe, creamy cheesecakes and quality coffee for connoisseurs - from pour overs to nitro coffee and everything in between.

Lumen Coffee

Lumen Coffee in Yerevan is located on 3A Teryan St. It is a popular destination for coffee enthusiasts, known for its minimalist design and high-quality, home-roasted coffee which they roast their own beans on a Giesen coffee roasting machine. Located on Teryan Street, this cafe offers a variety of alternative brewing methods and caters to vegan preferences with options like coconut, almond, and soy milk. The interior, a blend of vintage and modern styles, enhances the cafe's cozy atmosphere. It also hosts events with vinyl music, adding to its unique charm. The coffee shop is praised for both its ambiance and exceptional coffee quality​

Afro Lab

AfroLab Roastery, located in the heart of Yerevan on 40 Pushkin Street, is known as the city's first specialty coffee roastery. It is a key part of the Collective Group and has quickly become a beloved spot for coffee enthusiasts, music lovers, and design aficionados. The roastery prides itself on using top-tier coffee beans and state-of-the-art brewing equipment to create exceptional coffee blends that cater to various tastes.

The interior of AfroLab Roastery is inspired by tropical themes, providing a serene and inviting atmosphere ideal for relaxing, working, or socializing. They offer a diverse range of coffee options, from classic espresso to unique in-house blends, and the establishment also features outdoor seating, making it a versatile spot for any occasion.

AfroLab is known for its dedication to quality and customer experience. It operates from 8 AM to 2 AM daily, catering to early birds and night owls alike. Whether you prefer to dine in, enjoy the outdoor terrace, or grab a takeaway, AfroLab aims to provide a memorable coffee experience.

Coffee in Georgia: Coffee Culture

In Georgia, traditional coffee is very similar to the style of Armenian coffee, it is locally known as "საღრაკი ყავა" (Sagraki Qava). It involves finely ground coffee beans boiled with water and sugar in a small pot called a "ჯეზვე" (jezeve or cezve). This method results in a thick, strong coffee often served in small cups.

Like in Armenia drinking coffee is a social activity in Georgia, often associated with long conversations and gatherings with friends and family. It’s common to be offered a cup of coffee when visiting someone’s home, reflecting the country’s strong sense of hospitality.

Coffee in Georgia: Popular Coffee Shops

In recent years, particularly in the capital city of Tbilisi, there has been a significant increase in the number of coffee shops and cafes. These range from small, cozy establishments to more modern, Western-style cafes that offer a variety of coffee drinks, including espresso-based beverages like cappuccinos, lattes, and macchiatos. Some well-known coffee shops include:

Coffee LAB

Coffee LAB is located in Tbilisi on 27 Alexander Kazbegi Ave. It is a prominent specialty coffee roastery and cafe that has significantly influenced the local coffee culture. Established in 2016, Coffee LAB was among the first to introduce freshly roasted specialty coffee to Georgia. The founders, driven by their passion for high-quality coffee, traveled globally to learn from coffee experts and brought these insights back to Tbilisi​.

Located at 27 Alexander Kazbegi Avenue, Coffee LAB operates every day from 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM, providing a cozy environment for coffee enthusiasts. The cafe is known for its excellent service, delicious coffee, and a variety of pastries. Customers appreciate the friendly and helpful staff, as well as the calm ambiance ideal for working or relaxing​.

Coffee LAB offers a diverse range of coffee options, meticulously roasted in small batches to ensure optimal flavor. They provide various brewing methods, allowing customers to experience coffee in different forms. The cafe also serves as a wholesale supplier to some of the best cafes, restaurants, and hotels in Georgia.

OKRO Coffee Roastery

OKRO Coffee Roastery, situated at 14 Iakob Nikoladze Street in Tbilisi's Vera neighborhood, is a standout destination for coffee lovers. Opened in late 2023, this roastery and cafe is noted for its industrial-chic interior, which combines edgy graffiti art with traditional Caucasian carpets, creating a unique and inviting atmosphere​.

OKRO sources high-quality beans from coffee-growing regions like Guatemala, Colombia, and Ethiopia, which are roasted on-site. Their menu features a variety of coffee preparations, including classics like espresso and cappuccino, as well as cold brew and hand-brewed options. The cafe is also known for its culinary offerings, prepared by in-house pastry chef Laurent Deruere, who brings an innovative touch to Georgian baked goods with creations like flourless chocolate cake and savory quiches.

The cafe is designed to be laptop-friendly, making it an ideal spot for remote work or study. With its blend of great coffee, delicious food, and stylish decor, OKRO Coffee Roastery has quickly become a popular spot in Tbilisi's vibrant cafe scene.

Daily Grind Coffee & More

Daily Grind Coffee & More is located on 4 Kote Abkhazi Street near Freedom Square. This petite café allows visitors to to grab a quick cuppa or get a takeaway coffee. Known for its cozy atmosphere, this cafe features modern decor with big windows and exposed brick walls, making it a comfortable spot for both relaxation and productivity. It’s particularly popular among digital nomads and locals alike for its high-quality coffee sourced from Groovy Roasters, including options like batch brew, espresso, Aeropress, and V60​.

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