Why Coffee Tastes Different in Different Cafés

Have you ever ordered the same drink in two different cafés and noticed it tastes completely different? Even if the beans are similar, coffee can vary dramatically from one place to another. That’s because flavour isn’t just about the bean — it’s about everything that happens before the cup reaches your hands.

1. The Beans Themselves

Not all coffee beans are created equal. Differences in:

• Origin (country, region, altitude)

• Variety (Arabica subtypes)

• Processing method (washed, natural, honey)

• Roast level

can completely change the flavour profile. One café may favour bright, fruity single origins, while another might use a darker, chocolate-forward espresso blend.

2. Roast Style

Roasting transforms green coffee into the aromatic beans we know. A lighter roast often highlights acidity and fruit notes. A darker roast brings out bitterness, body, and smoky flavours. Two cafés could use beans from the same origin but roast them differently, resulting in very different taste experiences.

3. Grind and Extraction

Coffee brewing is precise. Small changes in grind size, dose, water temperature, or extraction time can alter flavour dramatically.

• Under-extracted coffee can taste sour or thin.

• Over-extracted coffee can taste bitter and harsh.

A well-calibrated espresso machine and grinder make a huge difference.

4. Water Quality

Water makes up the majority of your cup. Minerals in water affect extraction and flavour. Cafés often filter or treat their water to achieve consistency. Poor water quality can dull or distort even the best beans.

5. Milk and Technique

For milk-based drinks, the way milk is steamed matters just as much as the espresso. Texture, temperature, and milk type (dairy or plant-based) all influence sweetness, mouthfeel, and balance.

A perfectly textured flat white can taste silky and naturally sweet. Overheated milk can flatten flavour and add bitterness.

6. Barista Skill and Consistency

Coffee is both science and craft. A skilled barista regularly adjusts grind size and extraction to keep flavour balanced throughout the day. Attention to detail — from cleaning equipment to weighing shots — affects the final cup.

Bottom Line

Coffee tastes different in different cafés because every step — from sourcing and roasting to water, equipment, and technique — shapes the final flavour.

The beauty of coffee is that it isn’t one-dimensional. Each café expresses it in its own way. That’s what makes exploring different coffee shops such an enjoyable experience.