saw that story too. Not terribly surprised since Aussie coffee rox (esp Melbourne), and the price is same/cheaper, so no competition really.

yup. the kopi is Melbourne is definitely taste better and more happening than Starbucks. Only the Asian students drank at Starbucks...

only been to Melbourne twice but I miss the kopi there. I don't know how they manage to get such a thick head on their espressos. Lovely.

wah interesting. I didn't know what the kopi kulcha down under was so pervasive and in the case, influential too.

the Aussie's are very proud of their coffee. Key here I think is that their kopi competes head to head with Starbucks, unlike S'pore kopi.

head to head eh. Our preferences are more tongue and wallet based.

in that case, I'd say more wallet than tongue-based.

if the iconic Italian coffee chain Cova (just opened at Paragon) has a presence down under, and if so how well it's doing.

cova coffee is too ex.

agrees that it's pricey, but I think it's the best pure Arabica espresso. That's y I wonder if it's in Aussie cuz it could carve a niche.

some of the best cafes in Melbourne, are 'un-chained'...

yah usually the best things are. Then they make a lot of $, attempt franchising, launch IPO, then lose the values that we liked about them

overreaching!