Who Invented Coffee? The Story Behind the World’s Favourite Drink
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Who Really Invented Coffee?
The true inventor of coffee isn’t a single person, but a region and a culture. Coffee’s story begins in Ethiopia, widely considered the birthplace of the Coffea plant. The earliest evidence of people recognising coffee’s energising properties comes from the highlands of Ethiopia more than a thousand years ago.
The Legend of Kaldi the Goat Herder
One of the most famous legends attributes the discovery of coffee to Kaldi, an Ethiopian goat herder.
According to the tale, Kaldi noticed his goats becoming unusually energetic after eating bright red cherries from a nearby shrub. Curious, he tried them himself and felt the same boost.
Word eventually spread to a local monastery, where monks used the cherries to create a drink that helped them stay awake during prayers. Whether myth or fact, the story highlights Ethiopia’s deep connection to coffee.
For a taste of Ethiopian heritage, explore:
Or read our in-depth guide:
How Coffee Spread From Ethiopia to the Rest of the World
After its discovery, coffee began its journey beyond Ethiopia:
1. Yemen – The First Coffee Drinkers
Coffee crossed the Red Sea into Yemen, where Sufi monks brewed it to stay awake during long hours of worship. Yemen is believed to be the first place where coffee cherries were roasted and brewed in a way similar to how we prepare coffee today.
2. The Middle East – Coffee Becomes a Cultural Ritual
By the 15th century, coffee houses called qahveh khaneh began opening in major cities like Mecca, Cairo and Istanbul. These became hubs for conversation, music, games and business — much like cafés today.
3. Europe – A New Trend Arrives
Coffee reached Europe in the 1600s, quickly becoming fashionable. London’s coffee houses were so influential that they became known as “penny universities”, offering intellectual discussion in exchange for the price of a cup.
4. The World – Global Cultivation Begins
European traders introduced coffee plants to Asia and the Americas. Regions like Brazil, Colombia, Guatemala, Kenya and Indonesia eventually became major coffee producers, each developing unique flavour profiles shaped by their climate and soil.
Explore global origins in:
Who Invented Coffee as We Know It Today?
While no single person “invented” coffee, the drink we enjoy today is the result of centuries of evolution:
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Ethiopian farmers discovered the plant and its stimulating effects.
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Yemeni monks developed early brewing techniques.
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Ottoman coffee houses shaped social coffee culture.
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European merchants introduced coffee worldwide.
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Modern roasters and baristas refined brewing and roasting into an art.
Curious about different roasting styles?
Read:
Coffee Origins Today: A World of Flavours
Today, the coffee world includes countless varieties and regions. Here are some notable examples:
South America – Smooth & Balanced
Central America – Sweet & Bright
Asia–Pacific – Deep & Earthy
For a curated overview of everything available, browse:
Final Thoughts
No single person invented coffee — instead, it’s the product of centuries of discovery, cultivation, culture and innovation. Its roots lie in the forests of Ethiopia, but its journey across Yemen, the Ottoman Empire and Europe transformed it into the global drink we love today.
Whether you prefer fruity Ethiopian beans or bold Indonesian brews, every cup you drink holds a piece of this rich history.