In May, I set off on an unforgettable journey through 11 countries, 8 of them brand new to me. While not every destination is centered around coffee, I always make it a point to explore the local coffee scene wherever I go. After all, that’s a part of what makes Tropical Bear Coffee special. 😊
This blog series is about the unexpected delights, beautiful landscapes, cultural quirks, and, of course, the specialty coffee experiences I discovered along the way. Let’s begin with Part 1: Georgia, Armenia, and Turkey.
Georgia: Where Mountains Meet Coffee Culture
We visited three places in Georgia: Stepantsminda, Tbilisi, and a small historical town called Asureti.
Stepantsminda (Kazbegi Region)
Just a few hours north of Tbilisi, Stepantsminda feels like a scene from a fantasy film. Nestled in the Caucasus Mountains and shadowed by the towering Mount Kazbek (16,581 ft), the area is home to incredible hiking trails to Gveleti Waterfalls, Dariali Monastery, and the iconic Gergeti Trinity Church.
Some highlights:
- Café 360 was unfortunately closed when we got there, but we continued to AltiHut, higher up the trail, where I managed to grab a nice cup of coffee with a stunning alpine backdrop. Not a third-wave espresso bar, but the view made up for it.
- Dariali Monastery, situated right at the Russian border, has a small café (also closed at the time 😞), but we were invited in for a monk-made wine tasting. The monks also produce cha-cha (Georgian grappa), jam, and soap — all locally crafted. A truly memorable experience.
Tbilisi
Tbilisi was a revelation: vibrant, green, and built across hills. A gondola ride took us to the top of a hill with a small amusement park (pro tip: go later in the day to skip the crowds).
The coffee culture in Tbilisi is rapidly growing, with cafés ranging from traditional to third-wave specialty coffee shops. Here are a few worth visiting:
- Black Cup: Tried a lavender-infused espresso — unusual but intriguing.
- 26.05 Coffee: Had a V60 pour-over, brewed perfectly.
- Kvarts Coffee – Coffee with Art: This shop sketches your image on your cup. Sadly, they were closing when I arrived (around 10 PM), but it’s definitely on my list for next time.
Asureti
We stopped at Café Elisabethtal, a charming little spot inside someone’s home. Think Turkish-style coffee, homemade spinach pie, and open books glued to a wall. Truly a hidden gem.
What Surprised & Delighted Me About Georgia:
- The breathtaking Caucasus Mountains
- Warm and welcoming locals (limited English, but easy to communicate)
- Georgian is not a Russian dialect—it’s a unique language with its script: Mkhedruli, which looks a bit like Greek
- The food is phenomenal: khinkali (dumplings), khachapuri, and cucumber-tomato salad with walnut dressing
- Homemade wine and cha-cha are delicious and abundant
- Very affordable travel: around $30 for dinner and $15–20 for lunch (for two)
- A-frames everywhere! Great for mountain lodging with scenic views
- Specialty coffee is taking off, especially in Tbilisi
What I Didn’t Love:
- The road to Stepantsminda via the Jvari Pass (7,805 ft) is full of trucks, potholes, and risky drivers
- Driving can be chaotic; don’t be surprised to see someone driving on the wrong side of the road!
Armenia: Rustic Beauty & Unexpected Tranquility
We crossed into Armenia near the town of Alaverdi and stayed in Haghpat, a village set in a lush canyon.
Our accommodation, Aghdepat Hotel, was a family-run boutique stay with home-cooked meals and panoramic views of the valley. The region reminded me a bit of Transylvania — green, wild, and peaceful.
What I Loved:
- Pomegranate wine is a thing here, and it’s really good
- Rich religious architecture: Armenia has some of the world’s oldest churches
- Super affordable: we had a full dinner for two for just $23
- Hospitable people (though reserved — don’t expect big smiles) :)
- Tea is more popular than coffee, but Armenian-style coffee is available - a traditional method of brewing finely ground coffee in a small pot called a cezve (or ibrik), typically over low heat. It’s served unfiltered in small demitasse cups, with a bold, rich flavor and a thick crema-like foam on top. It’s similar to Turkish or Greek coffee, but each culture adds its subtle touch
- Roads were surprisingly good on this side of the country
- Life felt untouched and raw — animals roaming, kids playing, a sense of community
What Was Less Charming:
- The border crossing was unusually complicated. I had to leave the car, go through customs on foot. It took longer than any other crossing we did.
- The cemeteries: large black granite plaques with full-sized etched portraits of the deceased. For me, it felt eerie. I couldn't bring myself to photograph it. :)
Turkey: A Quick but Rich Taste of Istanbul
We had a long layover in Istanbul, and here’s a cool travel tip:
If you're flying with Turkish Airlines and have an 8+ hour layover, you can join TourIstanbul — a free guided city tour!
We were picked up straight from the airport and whisked off to see Istanbul’s highlights:
- A traditional Turkish coffee break
- Visit to a beautiful mosque and the Spice Bazaar
- A walk along the Galata Bridge, soaking in views of the Bosphorus
It’s a brilliant way to experience the city, even if it’s just for a few hours.
Final Thoughts
These three countries gave me everything from towering peaks to spiritual quiet, from lively cafés to homemade wines. Even if you’re rushing from one place to another, take a moment. Sit down. Breathe. Enjoy a cup of good coffee.
Because wherever you are in the world, a good cup of coffee connects you to the place, the people, and the present moment.
Note: None of the businesses mentioned here have sponsored or paid for this content. This is an honest, unsponsored account of my travel and coffee experiences. 😊
Happy Brewing!
