Why Getting a Coffee in Colombia Doesn’t Always Mean Drinking Colombian Coffee

​Colombia is renowned for its coffee, yet ordering a cup locally doesn't always guarantee you're sipping the nation's finest beans. Surprisingly, a significant portion of Colombia's top-grade coffee is exported, leaving many domestic consumers with lower-quality brews. However, in Cali, a burgeoning specialty coffee scene ensures that those in the know can still enjoy exceptional Colombian coffee.

'Tinto' as we call black coffee in Colombia is (almost) never colombian coffee, specially if it's from the panaderia (bakery) down the corner.

The Coffee Paradox: A Nation of Coffee Lovers Without Quality Coffee?

Colombia stands as the world's third-largest coffee producer, following Brazil and Vietnam. In 2023, the country produced approximately 11.6 million 60-kg bags of green bean equivalent coffee, with about 93% of this production exported (source). This means that only a small fraction of the highest-quality beans remain within the country.

The primary destinations for Colombian coffee exports include the United States, Canada, Belgium, Germany, and Japan (source). This export-driven model often leaves local consumers with lower-grade beans or blends that may even incorporate imported coffee from other countries.

Graph showing the export destinations and import origins for coffee in Colombia.

Where to Find Authentic Colombian Coffee in Cali

Despite the prevalence of lower-quality coffee in many local establishments, Cali boasts a growing number of specialty cafés dedicated to serving high-quality, locally sourced beans. Here are some must-visit spots:

• La Palmera Coffee House – A boutique coffee shop offering expertly brewed specialty coffees from various Colombian regions.

• Macondo Coffee – Inspired by Gabriel García Márquez’s magical realism, this café serves single-origin coffee from small Colombian farms.

• Cafe del Sol – A hidden gem known for its commitment to direct-trade beans and artisanal preparation.

• Trinitario – A cozy café offering a selection of Colombian coffees in a relaxed atmosphere.

• Purist – Dedicated to purity in coffee, this spot offers meticulously prepared brews from select Colombian beans.

• BC Coffee Company – Known for its diverse range of Colombian coffees and commitment to quality.

Coffee has different processes: natural, washed and honey are the main 3.

Express Guide to Identifying (Not) Good Coffee

Am I drinking low grade imported coffee in Colombia? Here are 2 quick tips to help you identify it:

• Price – Anything under 4,000 pesos per cup is unlikely to be authentic Colombian coffee. Quality beans come at a price.

• Method - you see a tall metal tube where they get coffee from? Run, as fast and away as you can. If you don't see brewing methods like V60 or Chemex, it's not a good place.

These instruments are coffee methods. Brewing mechanisms to bring the best out of coffee. If you see them, you know you're in a good café. In order of appearance from left to right: french press, V60, Chemex (on a scale), AeroPress, and a water kettle.

Brewing methods are the different ways coffee is extracted from ground beans, and they play a huge role in bringing out the best flavors in Colombian coffee. Unlike espresso machines, which use high pressure to create a strong, concentrated shot, manual brewing methods allow for a slower, more controlled extraction, highlighting the coffee's natural sweetness, acidity, and complexity.

Some of the best brewing methods for enjoying Colombian coffee include V60, Chemex, French Press, and AeroPress. These techniques help preserve the delicate notes of fruit, caramel, and chocolate often found in high-quality Colombian beans. Pour-over methods like V60 and Chemex emphasize clarity and brightness, while immersion methods like French Press provide a richer, fuller-bodied cup.

That said, seeing an espresso machine in a café doesn’t necessarily mean it's a bad place. Many great specialty coffee shops use espresso for lattes and cappuccinos while also offering alternative brewing methods. A good rule of thumb? If you spot a V60, Chemex, or AeroPress on the counter, you know you’re in a place that takes its coffee seriously!

Despite this panorama, there's great cafés with colombian coffee in Cali. You just gotta know where to find them.

Experience the Best Coffee with Cali Cultural Tours

For those looking to delve deeper into Colombia’s rich coffee culture, we at Cali Cultural Tours offer immersive experiences:

Cali Coffee Tasting Tour – Learn the art of coffee tasting while sampling different varieties and brewing methods at top specialty cafés in the city. Understand what makes Colombian coffee unique and how to distinguish high-quality beans. Click here to book it.

Coffee Farm Visit – Take a trip to a working coffee farm just outside Cali, where you’ll see the entire process from bean to cup. Meet local coffee farmers, pick your own beans, and enjoy the freshest coffee possible in a breathtaking natural setting.

Book your Cali Coffee Tasting Tour or Coffee Farm Visit with us today and discover the real flavors of Colombian coffee!