It’s been almost three months since our May coffee adventure - and, just like that, summer has flown by. Between other work projects, some trail running, and a little more traveling, time really did its thing.
But here I am, finally sharing the last part of the journey. And honestly, I saved my favorite for last. Romania is my home country. Greece was a dream destination for both my mom and my mother-in-law. And Tunisia? That was my 51st country, and a delightful surprise.
Let’s get into it.
Romania
The place where I grew up and where my love for coffee first started, watching my mom brew Turkish-style coffee in a tiny pot on the stove. Only recently did she switch to a French press (with Tropical Bear Coffee, of course!).
In the past, everyone in Romania brewed stovetop coffee. It was the norm: simple, rich, and familiar.
Then came the wave of modern coffee culture. I remember when “5 to go” coffee shops started popping up everywhere, now with over 600 locations across Romania. Their tagline is “More coffee, less bucks,” and it’s true; you could get a decent cup for just over $1. While you had to pay a little more for something beyond the basics, it still felt like a bargain compared to Western Europe.
But I also remember being shocked the first time I saw specialty coffee prices in a café in Sinaia (a ski resort town). It was the first time a coffee price made my jaw drop. 😅 Fancy place, fancy prices!
This May, we had a few short layovers in Romania, and we made the most of them. We visited the stunning Muddy Volcanoes, my hometown’s museum, and caught up with friends in Bucharest.
During those days, we brewed French press coffee at home (Tropical Bear Coffee, naturally), but we also did a little specialty coffee tour through Bucharest, on foot, during our run!
Here are two must-visit specialty coffee shops in Bucharest:
- Saint Roastery Specialty Coffee – This was my first time trying an espresso tonic. Refreshing and unexpectedly good! Also, pistachio croissant? 10/10.
- Mabo Roastery – A gem recommended by some Romanian friends I met in Helsinki (they own Rams Roastery there). Mabo’s coffee is roasted by Bogdan Georgescu, World Coffee Roasting Vice Champion (Taipei 2019). With credentials like that, you know it’s going to be good, and it absolutely was.
After I posted my Romania coffee reel on social media, my best friend from college messaged me saying those two spots were also her favorites. I love that.
It makes me really happy to see how the specialty coffee scene in Romania is growing. Can’t wait to discover more on my next visit home. 😊
Greece
This was my third time in Greece, but the first time going with my husband, mom, and both in-laws. It was a special trip for them.
We spent a few beautiful days on Aegina Island, known for its pistachios and peaceful charm. We visited ancient temples, hiked the highest peak (where I brewed a perfect cup of coffee), and wandered through a serene olive orchard. Most of the coffee I had there was what I brought from the US, but we did stop at a beachfront café for lunch, and the ducks on the beach stole the show. 😂
After Aegina, we headed to Athens to check off a few family bucket-list attractions. Not totally my kind of adventure, but it was worth it for the shared memories (minus the moment my mom’s wallet got stolen—ouch!).
Greece’s coffee culture is something else. It felt like there was a coffee shop every 300 feet! From freddo espressos to traditional Greek coffee, there’s no shortage of caffeine options. While I didn’t get deep into the local specialty coffee scene this time, Athens has some amazing third-wave coffee shops I’m saving for my next trip.
Tunisia
Country #51 ✅ and my first time in Africa!
We chose Tunisia to celebrate my husband’s birthday and to explore a new continent together. Because if you haven’t picked up on it yet… we love traveling, discovering new places, and learning about different cultures. 😊
We stayed in Bizerte, a quiet coastal town, at a charming boutique hotel owned by a lovely French lady named Marie. Honestly, she might be the nicest host we’ve ever had. The level of warmth and attention she showed us made it feel like visiting family while still giving us our space.
Our room opened onto a little poolside breakfast area shaded by a lemon tree. Breakfast? Generous, delicious, and yes, it came with coffee. Happy Erica. :)
While Tunisia is more of a tea-loving country, I still managed to enjoy great coffee by the pool and even brewed some Tropical Bear Coffee by the beach. Dreamy, right?
We spent most of our time trail running and exploring. The locals were incredibly friendly, the beaches were practically empty, and life moved at a refreshingly slow pace.
Highlights:
- Wandering the colorful Medina of Bizerte
- Visiting Cap Angela, the northernmost point of continental Africa
- Walking the old town in Tunis, with its beautiful blue-and-white architecture (it reminded us of Greece!)
Tunisia is a hidden gem. If you love Mediterranean countries but want something less touristy and more budget-friendly, put Tunisia on your list.
That’s a wrap on our May Coffee Adventure!
If you’re curious about the best coffee spots in Bucharest, how to enjoy coffee while hiking in Greece, or what it’s like to sip specialty brews by the beach in North Africa, drop me a message. I'm always around, probably sipping a cup of specialty coffee. 😊
Until next time,
Happy Brewing!
Erica
