We already know that Northern Virginia is home to dozens of cool and cozy coffee shops and cafes to get your daily dose of happiness. Whether you prefer your coffee iced or hot, these 24+ coffee shops in Fairfax County will hit the spot. But did you know that several of these coffee shops highlight the Washington, DC area's diverse international population, offering unique glimpses into coffee cultures from around the world? From Egyptian coffee to Australian-inspired lattes, here's how to go on a global caffeine tour.
Asia
Qamaria Coffee
Image courtesy of Qamaria Coffee/Facebook
Did you know Yemenis were one of the first to brew coffee to drink? Many say Yemen was the birthplace of this morning masterpiece. Over 500 years ago, historians discovered evidence of coffee beans in the regions surrounding Yemen. Sufi monks used these beans similarly to how we enjoy coffee today - to stay awake! You can either grab your passport and travel to Yemen to taste the original cup of coffee or head to the new Qamaria Coffee shop in Vienna, where you can enjoy a charming stroll through the town with a cup of coffee in hand. Yemeni Coffee is especially different due to the combination of spices and herbs brewed in the coffee. A fan favorite is the Mufawaar, a traditional coffee made on the stove with Yemeni beans infused with cardamom and cream, producing a perfectly balanced taste. If you're feeling more adventurous, try the Juban or Sana'a, both brewed with ginger, cardamom, and cinnamon. The Juban includes a surprise addition of Qishr, a favorite Yemeni blend.
Qamaria also serves Turkish Coffee brewed in a "Cezve" for its thicker texture and to ensure the intense flavor can be savored. On hot summer days, one has to try the Iced Qamaria Latte. This chilled delight is crafted with pre-spiced milk to bring out the beautiful flavors of cinnamon and cardamom in the latte, finished with a drizzle of honey. This café stays open until 11:30 PM as it is customary to drink coffee after dinner for a chance to further catch up with friends and family.
Magnolia Dessert Bar & Coffee
Something is definitely brewing in Vienna because next on the tour is Magnolia Dessert Bar & Coffee, whose specialty is Thai-inspired dishes and drinks! The café's beverages are as beautiful and aesthetically pleasing as the surroundings. Many menu items feature unique ingredients that go beyond the classic vanilla latte. If you're a fan of ube, the Purple Potato Latte is a must. Don't let the word potato scare you - this delectable drink is mixed with milk and purple sweet potato powder for a stunning purple hue. Another showstopper is the Aun Chun Latte made with Butterfly Pea Flower Powder found from the petals of a flower native to Thailand.
Bòn Bon’s Cafe
Image courtesy of Bòn Bon’s Cafe/Facebook
Ready for a journey to Saigon, right in the center of Fairfax, VA? Bòn Bon’s Cafe is a contemporary Vietnamese coffee shop that combines traditional Vietnamese flavors with a modern twist for coffee lovers. Drip coffee enthusiasts will be thrilled by the Vietnamese style, Cà phê phin. Brewed in a "phin," this coffee offers a delightful combination of chocolate and caramel tangs, resulting in a bittersweet taste. For those who prefer a creamier coffee, Vietnamese white coffee (Bạc sỉu) is your drink. Also known as Saigon-style coffee, it is made with condensed milk that was influenced by French colonialism. Don’t miss the cafe's signature drink, Egg Coffee (Cà phê trứng). It was created during the French War when milk was scarce but provides a smooth and creamy taste everyone would still love. Like many other cultures, coffee in Vietnam is often enjoyed in the evening as a social activity, a way to bring people together.
Shotted Specialty Coffee
Shotted is a Saudi-brand coffee shop in Tysons and serves up delectable coffee, lattes, and sweets. Be sure to order the Saudi Coffee, served in an Arabic coffee pot (Dallah). Of course, there is always something for the latte sweethearts! With pistachios being a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine, Shotted offers a special latte featuring a secret green gold sauce dedicated to this fruit.
Latin America
Colada Shop
It's cafecito time! In Latin American countries, this cherished tradition usually takes place after dinner, offering a perfect moment to bring people together over coffee and sweet bread. Colada Shop - located within Bloomie's at Mosaic and a 2024 RAMMY Award winner - is spreading the colada love with their Cuban flavors to the DMV area. The simple yet bold taste of Café Cubano, with its whipped espresso sugar, promises a sweet ending to any meal. For a creamier option, try the Cafe con Leche, a staple in any Spanish-speaking country, but with Colada's signature whipped espresso sugar. You can't go wrong with a Café Bon Bon, featuring condensed milk for a rich and velvety taste. And no cafecito time would be complete without a sweet treat, so make sure to order some appetizing Pastelitos.
Added Bonus: Keep a lookout for their seasonal menu as they craft extraordinary drinks from Spanish elements! This summer is the Summer of Más Maíz featuring their Majarete Foam Cold Brew topped with corn coconut cold foam.
Africa
Fava Pot
Made with Najjar coffee beans and heated with sand, Egyptian coffee, also known as Turkish coffee, is a true experience at the 2024 RAMMY Award-winning Fava Pot in Falls Church. Sand coffee is brewed by combining fine coffee grounds and water in a cezve, then heating it in sand to the desired temperature, allowing the coffee to foam. The grounds settle at the bottom, creating a thick and flavorsome cup of coffee. Fava Pot's coffee adds hints of cardamom that pairs delightfully with Egyptian cookies.
Oceania
Bluestone Lane
Image courtesy of @kateneedscaffeine
Bluestone Lane Coffee brings Australia's "Coffee and Chill" culture to Tysons! For Australians, it's not just about a great cup of coffee but also about the memories made over coffee before heading out to surf. While Northern Virginia lacks surfing spots, Bluestone Lane is still committed to creating a relaxing atmosphere, opposing the typical coffee-and-work environment. One of its most popular drinks is the flat white, which is known as the best in the world for its silky steamed milk and thin layer of foam (but please judge for yourself). Another must-try is the Coconut Water Cold Brew, to make it feel like you are just coming back from a surf session!
Fairfax County has the perfect blend of different coffee cultures each adding its own twist and traditions to the coffee experience. Take a coffee tour around the world right here in Fairfax County—you might just discover your new favorite coffee spot! Make sure to tag us along your journey on social media using #FXVA and @VisitFairfax.
