From the Editor, Leigh O’Connor.
Australia’s modern café culture is a dynamic blend of global influence and local innovation, with a focus on quality, community and creativity.
From bustling inner-city laneways to serene coastal towns, cafés have evolved into cultural hubs offering more than just caffeine. The Australian obsession with coffee - particularly expertly crafted espresso and flat whites - has driven world-class barista standards and inspired countless specialty roasters.
Menus go beyond typical breakfast fare, showcasing locally sourced ingredients and inventive dishes that cater to a range of dietary preferences. Sustainability and design also play key roles, with many cafés embracing eco-conscious practices and aesthetically curated spaces.
Whether it's a quick morning ritual or a leisurely brunch with friends, cafés have become integral to the Australian lifestyle. This vibrant scene reflects the country’s multicultural roots, adventurous palates and laid-back ethos - making café-hopping as essential as the coffee itself.
Come with us this week, as we explore modern Australian café culture…
Australians cherish their coffee. A perfectly brewed flat white at the local café isn’t just a drink - it’s a daily ritual. So, it’s no surprise that many travellers are taken aback when a simple cup overseas costs more than $10 AUD, sometimes even reaching the $20 mark.
Saanika Madhwani delves into the world of overseas caffeine hits and asks the question – are we paying for the experience of over-priced brews?
In Brisbane’s fast-paced CBD, lunch breaks often amount to hastily grabbed sushi handrolls or uninspired salads.
Tucked inside a sleek corporate building on Eagle Street, FORM café offers a compelling alternative - one that aligns clean eating, sharp focus and high performance in a distinctly contemporary setting.
Check out our review of this new café using biohacking to fuel your 9-to-5 and encouraging diners to curate their ideal meal through the "FORM your own bowl’ concept.
Brunch has become an unmissable ritual in Australian culture, blending laid-back vibes with culinary creativity. For Aussies, brunch isn’t just a trend - it’s a beloved national pastime that shows no signs of slowing down.
For Aussies, brunch isn’t just a trend - it’s a beloved national pastime that shows no signs of slowing down. Check out our five café brunch favourite recipes to recreate at home:
Australia’s café culture is renowned across the globe and nowhere is that more evident than in the nation’s dedication to latte art. From Melbourne’s hidden laneway espresso bars to beachside cafés in Byron Bay, Australian baristas take pride not just in the taste of their brews, but in the visual artistry that adorns each cup.
In fact, for many café-goers, a beautifully poured tulip or rosetta is just as essential as the crema on their flat white. We take a look at how Australia’s latte art scene exemplifies the nation’s dedication to quality, innovation and presentation.
Whether you’re in a vibrant Melbourne laneway or a quiet regional town, a thoughtfully poured latte is a warm invitation to slow down and savour both beauty and flavour in every sip.
