The gems and secrets of travelling continued a few weeks back for me, when I visited East Timor for the first time. I was keen to find out about the industries that they have there. Money has to come from somewhere and sadly tourism isn’t bringing enough money in just yet. East Timor however has some oil resources and more impressively, GREAT COFFEE. It’s coffee time on Thirsty Thursdays as I checked out a few coffee spots in Timor Leste, rounded up nicely to a top 5.
Coffee in East Timor: one of the finest.
So during my week in the country, as well as checking out the best sights in Dili and the Jesus Statue at Cape Fatucama, I decided to try East Timorese coffee in a few different places and here’s my take on it – yes East Timor coffee is excellent.
1. $1 Coffee in Peace Coffee, Dili
This cool coffee shop offers a fresh hot cup of coffee for only $1 US. Not only is it a bargain, but the coffee shop is an awesome place to relax. It’s not far from the parliament or the football stadium and can be found on Jacinto de Candido street.
Peace Coffee in Dili, East Timor
Not only is it cheap, but good staff and a nice decor make this my number one tip for drinking coffee in Dili.
Having a $1 US coffee in Peace Coffee, Dili, East Timor.
2. Pricey Coffee in Sky Bar/Panorama, Dili
The Sky Bar also appeared in my best bars in Dili post and no wonder – the views are epic – in fact it’s the highest bar in the city. For coffee the coffee was also excellent, but I must warn you – it’s around $3 US for the cheapest cup, so definitely not the backpacker’s option!
Having a coffee in Dili East Timor in the Sky Bar
3. Coffee and Toastie in the Hotel Timor, Dili
I stayed in the backpackers place but I thought I’d check out the posh Hotel Timor to see what a swanky place in Dili is like. When I entered the lobby, I fancied a coffee and a toastie in the cafe there. It was $2.50 US for a cup and $3.50 US for a toastie.
Cheese on Toast and a coffee in Hotel Timor, Dili
4. Free Coffee in the Backpackers Hostel
I stayed in the excellent East Timor Backpackers Hostel and they provided free tea and coffee, so essentially you don’t need to spend any extra cash to try the local coffee. A good way to relax in the afternoon in their beer garden.
There is free Timorese coffee in the awesome East Timor Backpackers
5. Coffee and Breakfast on Atauro Island
While staying in Dili, I also took a trip across to the awesome Atauro Island. Awesome might well be the most over used word in travel blog history, but if you check out my post on touring Atauro Island hopefully you’ll agree.
Coffee and breakfast on Atauro Island, East Timor.
So when you’re in East Timor, make sure you try the local coffee – it’s ace. I met a New Zealand girl when I was there and she was actually working on a research project up in the coffee plantations so tours can also be organised, alas on this trip I was there just to chill out and take in the top sights in Dili.
Videos from my Timorese coffee experiences in East Timor:
Mmm coffee! Here’s a question for you…which country do you reckon does the best coffee? Unfortunately I just found out yesterday that my travel buddy is allergic to all caffeine, the poor guy. So while in Asia, I might need to sneak off for secret coffee runs!
Hi Lisa – it’s a good question and I haven’t been to places like Costa Rica or Congo yet. But from my travels so far, I’d say Ethiopia, East Timor or Colombia, hard to tell as it’s also based on mood at the time and how relaxed you feel. Indonesia is also good coffee. Tough question!! And yes – get your fix of it! Safe travels. Jonny
As I swallow what could easily be compared to tuttu juice – I read this post and am envious! 😀
Hi Maria – thanks for your comment. Coffee is just as necessary as beer and water on my journeys! Safe travels. Jonny
The price of coffee in Dili is quite cheap. It’s same same in Vietnam. Is this country able to produce the coffee beans by itself? or Do they import them? Thanks so much for your sharing!
Hi Kien. Thanks for the comment. Apologies for the delay. I have been going through depression and only checking through my old comments and messages now. East Timor was a good time of my life before all that. Stay safe. Jonny