The Art of Coffee Drinking

The Art of Coffee Drinking: Coffee and Where You Are

By Janpha Thadphoothon

The philosophy of coffee is simple — you drink it and enjoy life. Some people may cite the pros and cons of coffee drinking. I, however, prefer to go irrational. In a world where rationality reigns supreme, being somewhat irrational and arbitrary is a little luxury. I am sure you would agree with me that sometimes, in life, we need to break away from the tyranny of reason.

First of all, let me introduce you to the notion of coffee as not just a drink but an experience. It is well known that coffee has been part of human civilization for centuries. People say that it was discovered by a herder named Kaldi in Ethiopia, whose goats danced with joy after nibbling on the berries of a certain plant. Whether this tale is factual or not, wisdom from the past hints that coffee has long played a role beyond mere refreshment.

In my opinion, you can have coffee anywhere, but where you have it matters far more than you might imagine. I think my coffee tastes a lot better when I have it in Pattaya. In fact, I came up with this very idea while having my black coffee on the balcony of a beachfront hotel in Pattaya, Thailand. The news has it that Pattaya is known for its lively beaches and bustling nightlife, but for me, it’s the quiet mornings with a cup of coffee that leave the deepest imprint on my heart.

Gradually, I have realized that every place lends its own flavor to the experience of drinking coffee. I once had a coffee with myself in Kathmandu, Nepal. It was on the fifth floor of a modest hotel perched on the side of a hill. Nice view, actually. The coffee got cold easily due to the low temperature. You can imagine the crisp December air in Nepal. The coffee and its aroma tasted delightful when accompanied by a sweeping view of the Himalayas. On that very morning, I woke up early, came up to the restaurant, and sat at a table with my favorite book. I was not alone. There were a few other tourists sitting and chatting at a far corner, having tea and coffee. The sounds of their conversations blended seamlessly with the faint chanting from a nearby monastery.

Some argue for the importance of fancy cafés and gourmet beans, while some argue against it, insisting that it’s not about where you are or what you’re drinking but who you’re with. I somehow think it is a combination of all these elements. My gut tells me that a good cup of coffee is a symphony of taste, time, place, and company.

What’s more, sometimes when you have good coffee, your mind wanders, and you enter another reality. The world is full of beautiful people, but what inspires and delights me is not that I can get a good deal or take advantage of others, but to learn about them and, if possible, help them. Nobody is worthless. That’s why when I heard someone once saying that certain people were worth no more than a cup of cheap coffee, I got very upset. Make no mistake, every life is valuable.

I notice that when I drink coffee alone, my thoughts often drift to past travels. Those were the good old days for some. I recall sitting at a tiny street-side café in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, watching the endless flow of motorbikes. The coffee was thick and strong, served with condensed milk at the bottom. Gradually, I learned to appreciate the slow ritual of sipping it while observing life go by.

Sometimes, I have coffee with cake and a bunch of cookies. Looking back, those were among the best moments in my life. You create your own best gift. Don’t let the situation jump over and take control of your life. Don’t ever. As the saying goes, "Happiness is not something ready-made. It comes from your own actions." In my case, it often begins with a good cup of coffee.

I’d like to entertain you with the idea that a cup of coffee can transform an ordinary morning into an extraordinary one. That’s not all — it can also serve as a gentle reminder that life is fleeting and that we should savor the little pleasures while we can. My conviction is that it’s not about the price of the coffee or the fanciness of the cup, but the state of mind you are in when you drink it.

What we all know and agree upon is that a good day often starts with a good cup of coffee. Experts say that the aroma of freshly brewed coffee can uplift your mood and stimulate your mind. I am not an expert, but I have read somewhere that the scent of coffee alone can reduce stress and improve alertness. It has perplexed me why something so simple can hold such profound power.

Having said that, I realize that not everyone drinks coffee for the same reasons. Some people drink it to wake up, some to relax, and some to socialize. In Thailand, for example, coffee culture has exploded in recent years, with trendy cafés popping up in every city and town. Some are drawn by the aesthetics of these cafés, others by the quality of the brew. Like it or not, coffee has become part of the modern lifestyle.

Nevertheless, it is my long-held belief that (though I could be wrong) coffee is best enjoyed in solitude, at least occasionally. There’s a certain magic in sitting alone with a cup of coffee, listening to the world in motion while your thoughts wander freely. Globally, cafés have become the new public squares, where people come not only for caffeine but for connection, conversation, and contemplation.

Let’s be a bit more scientific. Studies have shown that moderate coffee consumption is associated with a lower risk of certain diseases. But as with all things, moderation is key. Some argue against excessive coffee drinking, citing potential health risks, while others point to its benefits. I guess it is the age-old debate of pleasure versus prudence.

The past is the past. Those were the days when coffee was a simple morning ritual, a hot beverage served with breakfast. Now, it has become an experience, an event, a social statement. Nevertheless, it is my belief that its essence remains the same — a comforting companion in the theatre of life.

One may ask what makes a particular cup of coffee unforgettable. Is it the beans, the brewing method, the company, or the place? I am not sure, but I think it’s the memory it creates. A coffee shared with a friend on a rainy afternoon, a solitary cup sipped while watching the sunrise, or an unexpected espresso after a long day of travel. These are the moments that linger.

And then ultimately, it’s not just about coffee. It’s about what it represents — a pause, a connection, a little act of kindness to oneself. I could be wrong, but somehow I think it is one of life’s quiet rituals that give us strength to face the day.

I like the idea of coffee as a bridge between worlds, between people, between the self and the surroundings. What’s more interesting is that no two coffee experiences are the same. Each cup holds the possibility of a new story, a fresh perspective.

In closing, I must admit that my philosophy of coffee is less about the drink and more about the moments it frames. It is my personal belief that a well-timed cup of coffee can make even the most ordinary day feel extraordinary. And you don’t need a profound philosophy to enjoy your coffee. All you need is time, a place, and an open heart.

Just living is not enough. One needs sunshine, flowers, and good coffee.

About the Author:

Janpha Thadphoothon is an assistant professor of ELT at the International College, Dhurakij Pundit University in Bangkok, Thailand. Janpha Thadphoothon also holds a certificate of Generative AI with Large Language Models issued by DeepLearning.AI.