Tahmis Kahvesi, Gaziantep (Tahmis Coffee, Gaziantep)
The oldest coffee shop closest to Istanbul is in Gaziantep. Tahmis Coffee, among the oldest coffee shops in the world, is the oldest known place to serve famous Turkish coffee. Open since 1635, Tahmis Kahvesi was established to generate income for the Mevlevi Lodge. The café also offers Turkish desserts. To note: the word tahmis refers to ‘the place where the coffee is pounded’. Tahmis Coffee is in the Şahinbey district of Gaziantep.
Queen’s Lane Coffee House, Oxford
Onward to Oxford and to Queen’s Lane Coffee House, located on the corner of Queen’s Lane Street. Queen’s Lane, the oldest coffee shop not only in England but also in Europe, resembles the cafes we see in British TV series and movies. This snug, historical coffee shop features large windows – all the better for viewing the street – and a sophisticated design. It has been welcoming coffee lovers since 1654 and was renamed as QL in 2009. The café’s menu includes desserts, Mediterranean cuisine, and Turkish coffee, as well as the traditional English breakfast.
Groppi, Cairo
Rumor has it that Groppi was frequented by German officers during the Second World War but this picturesque Cairo café is known for catering to the city’s middle- and upper-class families. In this authentic café, visitors can find poets, academics, and even politicians engaging in heated discussions or leisurely chats. Definitely worth the trip!
Ruszwurm, Budapest
Ruszwurm, a Budapest coffee shop standing since 1827, does not promise luxury or high-end comfort, but it has a sense of warmth and history. As Budapest’s oldest confectionery complex, Ruszwurm’s equipment is under protection. The shop’s décor has been largely and charmingly preserved from its original form. If you visit, do sample the famous Hungarian cream cake.
Caffè Reggio, New York
Next on our nostalgic global coffee journey is the United States and Caffè Reggio. This Italian-style café, serving in New York City since 1927, was at first a barber shop with a largely Italian-American clientele. Eventually, the espressos offered to clients morphed into a café operation. Caffè Reggio features in the famous Godfather films and definitely deserves a visit if you’re in the Big Apple.
Antico Caffè Greco, Roma
Our last stop is Antico Caffè Greco. This café in Rome was established in 1760 by a Greek woman. The coffee served at Caffè Greco, famously frequented by artists, writers, and opinion leaders over the years, is described as “flawless” by those who know the business. Caffè Greco, one of the oldest coffee shops in the world, is most certainly worth the trip!
