By Allie Dossman

Any coffee drinkers out there?! I love coffee! I may not be considered a coffee or espresso connoisseur, but I have personally experienced coffee in numerous countries in Europe, Africa, South Asia, and the Americas. So, I won’t say I am a coffee expert, but I am fairly knowledgeable (for instance, did you know there are coffees made from animal poop? I did.). I have often dreamed of taking a trip around the world just to try out all of the different types of coffee that the planet offers. Every culture makes it differently and gives it their own unique flavor. I want to try them all!  Anyone with the same dream would be completely remiss to leave Kosovo off their list of coffee stops. Pristina, the capital city of the 8-year-old country of Kosovo, is not typically considered a tourist destination or a coffee capital. DO NOT let that stop you from visiting.  Kosovo offers so many wonderful things including delicious traditional food, fun modern night life, welcoming people, and the best macchiatos your tongue will ever experience in your lifetime (sorry, Italy, but it’s true!).

Italy claims to have the best macchiatos in the world, but I would have to dispute that. I have personally had both a macchiato from Italy and a macchiato from Kosovo, and I can tell you there is no comparison. The frothy consistency and rich aroma of the espresso is ‘to die for’! As you drink the macchiato, it’s like a warm blanket of joy poured over your taste buds and sliding down your throat like butter. The flavor is sensational. There’s nothing like it. If the flavor isn’t enough to win you over, let’s try another tactic.

A macchiato in Italy (especially in tourist areas) is relatively expensive. A tiny shot of espresso with milk foam costs an average of $2 in Italy (go to a tourist area like Venice and we paid almost $13 for a coffee. Beware!). The same small shot of espresso with milk foam in Kosovo is, on average, about half the price of Italy’s! It’s quite normal to pay $1 or less for a macchiato in the great city of Pristina. Don’t pay for over-priced coffee that claims to be the best in the world. Pay a normal price for what will be the best coffee you have ever had!  You’ll thank me later.

Where can I get this amazing coffee, you ask? Pretty much any coffee shop in Pristina will give you a good macchiato. The main square, Nene Tereza (Mother Teresa), is packed full of coffee shops that will be sure to give you great drinks! If you really want to be sure you’re getting the best of the best I would suggest Prince Coffee on the square at the Grand Hotel. Prince will not only have traditional espresso drinks but also have more modern takes on coffee with great flavors like mint or chocolate. Dit’ e Nat’ is a nice trendy coffee shop just off the square. It has a nice cozy atmosphere, with its walls lined with books and delicious coffee, but can also make other “adult coffees” if that’s what you’re in to. Another great place would be Don Cafe (pictured). It has great coffee but also a really cool atmosphere. It is not on the square, but a short drive to the Albi Mall will get you there. There are so many choices, but seriously, you can’t go wrong.

Coffee lovers are going to love Kosovo’s espresso drinks. If any of you make a trip to Europe or live in Europe, be sure to make Kosovo a stop on your coffee tour. I’d love to know what you think.