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Since Hiromi and I both love coffee, I was curious about the cost, portion size, and quality of coffee in Switzerland, the Netherlands, and Japan, as we are traveling there soon. Here’s a rough comparison of the cost of a regular cup of coffee at a café in these three countries, ranked from most expensive to least expensive.

Switzerland: A coffee in Switzerland can range from CHF 4 to CHF 6 (approximately ¥650 to ¥970 / €4.20 to €6.30), depending on the location and the café.

Netherlands: In the Netherlands, a coffee typically costs around €2.50 to €4 (approximately ¥400 to ¥640 / CHF 2.70 to CHF 4.30).

Japan: In Japan, a coffee at a café usually costs between ¥300 to ¥500 (approximately €1.90 to €3.20 / CHF 2 to CHF 3.30), making it the most affordable among these countries.

2. Comparison of Portion Size and Quality

Switzerland

• Portion size: Swiss coffee servings tend to be smaller, often around 150-200 ml, especially in traditional cafés. Espresso-based drinks like cappuccinos or lattes are common, with an emphasis on quality.
• Quality: Swiss cafés often use high-quality coffee beans, and there’s an appreciation for European-style brews. The country’s proximity to Italy also means espresso drinks are particularly popular, often made with care.

Netherlands

• Portion size: Dutch coffee is typically served in portions of 200-250 ml, which is slightly larger than in Switzerland but still not as big as some countries like the U.S.
• Quality: The Dutch have a strong coffee culture, with a preference for drip coffee (“koffie”), espresso, and lattes. The quality can vary, but many cafés prioritize sourcing good beans. The Dutch also enjoy their coffee in a more relaxed, social setting, which might influence the overall experience.

Japan

• Portion size: In Japan, coffee sizes can range from 150-300 ml, depending on whether you’re in a specialty café or a chain like Starbucks. Portions tend to be smaller in independent cafés, where the focus is more on the quality of the brew.
• Quality: Japan has a highly respected coffee scene, particularly in specialty cafés where baristas often meticulously brew single-origin beans. Pour-over and siphon coffee are common and highly regarded for their flavor clarity. Quality is often very high, especially in urban areas with a vibrant café culture. Chains may offer more standardized options, but many independent shops emphasize artisan coffee.

From this breakdown, it’s evident that there are variations in portion sizes and quality, influenced by local preferences and café culture.

3. Price and Value Comparison

Switzerland

• High price, high quality: Coffee in Switzerland is the most expensive, often indicating high quality, particularly in espresso-based drinks. However, the portions tend to be smaller, emphasizing the overall experience and precision in preparation over quantity.
• Value perspective: If you value quality over quantity and appreciate European café culture, Switzerland offers good value, albeit on the pricey side.

Netherlands

• Moderate price, moderate quality: Coffee in the Netherlands falls in the middle range for both price and quality. Portions are slightly larger than in Switzerland, offering a balance between price and experience.
• Value perspective: The Dutch coffee experience provides good value for the price, especially if you prioritize a comfortable, social environment.

Japan

• Low price, high quality (in specialty cafés): Japan offers the most affordable coffee of the three countries, yet the quality can be exceptionally high, particularly in specialty cafés where coffee is meticulously brewed. The portions may vary, but for the price, you often get excellent coffee.
• Value perspective: In Japan, especially in specialty coffee shops, you often get the best value, paying less for high-quality coffee compared to Switzerland or the Netherlands.

4. Conclusion
   
   From the comparison of coffee prices, portion sizes, and quality in Japan, Switzerland, and the Netherlands, we can draw the following conclusions regarding price and value:

• Switzerland: High price but justified by premium quality and craftsmanship. Best for those willing to pay for a refined coffee experience.
• Netherlands: Moderate price and decent quality with larger portions than in Switzerland. Offers a balanced coffee experience.
• Japan: Offers the best value overall, with high-quality coffee at a lower price than in Europe. Specialty coffee in Japan, in particular, offers an affordable yet premium experience, making it a great option for coffee enthusiasts.