Making coffee like that in Spain or Vietnam

[bighatnohorse]

While in Spain and Portugal I would order Cafe Americano - and loved it. Always drank at least two cups because the size was a bit smaller than what I'm use to at home.
While in Vietnam, Thailand and Cambodia I used a hotel expresso/coffee machine and pressed the Coffee/Americano button and got a good cup of coffee.
But for whatever reason, a Cafe Americano from Starbucks or wherever just does not taste the same.

What's the difference and how do I get coffee like in Europe or SE Asia but here in the US?

 

[vigocart]

Thanks for amazing information

 

[wstsider]

While in Spain and Portugal I would order Cafe Americano - and loved it. Always drank at least two cups because the size was a bit smaller than what I'm use to at home.
While in Vietnam, Thailand and Cambodia I used a hotel expresso/coffee machine and pressed the Coffee/Americano button and got a good cup of coffee.
But for whatever reason, a Cafe Americano from Starbucks or wherever just does not taste the same.

What's the difference and how do I get coffee like in Europe or SE Asia but here in the US?

What was your taste on the Starbucks coffee

 

[bighatnohorse]

The coffee in Thailand, Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia seemed "thicker" with a "fuller" flavor. The coffee in Spain was smoother, thicker and fuller. Starbucks seems acidic, burnt and watery. The coffee / expresso machines in one hotel probably cost on the order of $10,000. USD (just my guess - I know these machines are expensive).
I bought some roasted robusta beans (from India) from a local roaster here in the US. I'm using an Aero Press and still can't get the coffee flavor that I want.

 

[wmark]

Big Hat, no taste buds.

 

[Musicphan]

Maybe try a full immersion brewer - like a french press. That will increase the body of the coffee.

 

[wstsider]

The coffee in Thailand, Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia seemed "thicker" with a "fuller" flavor. The coffee in Spain was smoother, thicker and fuller. Starbucks seems acidic, burnt and watery. The coffee / expresso machines in one hotel probably cost on the order of $10,000. USD (just my guess - I know these machines are expensive).
I bought some roasted robusta beans (from India) from a local roaster here in the US. I'm using an Aero Press and still can't get the coffee flavor that I want.

Try a pour over maybe that will work

 

[Fishreeler]

Sorry, I think water also affects the taste, where do you make coffee
Sorry, I think water also affects the taste, where do you make coffee

 

[bighatnohorse]

Okay - I found my answer; a Nespresso Vertuo espresso machine.
I caught it on sale for $108. USD - but the pods are very expensive at $1.10 each!
However, it is a simple push-button experience. It produces a rich crema every time. There's virtually no clean up. It's so good - that it's hard not to over-caffinate one's self. I limit myself to two cups per day.
I could become a coffee-holic very easily now.

 

[joylifter]

In Vietnam they use a drip, I never liked starbucks coffee because they taste burnt