The pursuit of the perfect flat white has crossed continents, landing now in New Zealand. A British content creator known only as “Flat White Frank” is currently touring the country, meticulously sampling coffee in a quest to identify the world’s best rendition of the beloved espresso-based drink. His journey, which began in late January , has already taken him through Wellington and Auckland, with Christchurch and Queenstown still on the itinerary.
Frank, who prefers to keep his real name private, began his coffee-focused social media account in November , merging a background in the specialty coffee industry with a growing interest in content creation. Having spent his 20s working as a barista, at a coffee roastery, and with a major coffee machine company in London, he noticed a gap in the online review landscape. “Some people online are reviewing Guinness, they’re reviewing beer, they’re reviewing wine, they’re reviewing food… no one’s doing coffee,” he explained to RNZ. He saw an opportunity to fill that void, particularly as the specialty coffee scene continues to expand in the UK and, as he’s discovering, in New Zealand.
So far, Frank’s search has yielded a standout contender: Frank’s café in Wellington. He was particularly impressed by the café owner’s house espresso, describing it as an “8 out of 10,” and a subsequent flat white made with a passionfruit-fermented Colombian coffee, which he deemed “insane.” This highlights a trend within the New Zealand coffee scene – a willingness to experiment with unique fermentation processes to elevate the flavor profile of the beans.
Frank’s undertaking isn’t simply about identifying a superior beverage; it’s about directing consumers to quality coffee shops. He observed that while the number of specialty coffee spots is increasing, awareness of these locations often lags behind. “People need to know where to find them,” he stated, suggesting his reviews serve as a guide for coffee enthusiasts.
The timing of Frank’s visit coincides with a broader cultural moment for coffee appreciation. The hunt for the best flat white taps into a global fascination with artisanal food and beverage experiences. It’s a trend that extends beyond coffee, as evidenced by the attention garnered by Bill Dumas, a Texan barbecue expert dubbed the “Sausage Sensei,” who is currently sharing his expertise in Australia. Dumas, like Frank, views his craft as “consumable art,” emphasizing the artistry and dedication involved in creating a high-quality product.
While Frank’s focus is specifically on the flat white, his journey implicitly acknowledges the broader sophistication of New Zealand’s coffee culture. The country has long been recognized for its high standards in coffee preparation and its embrace of innovative brewing techniques. The fact that Wellington immediately emerged as a frontrunner in his search speaks to the city’s established reputation as a coffee destination.
The impact of Frank’s reviews remains to be seen, but his project has already generated buzz within the New Zealand coffee community. His Instagram account, Flat White Frank, is likely to gain further traction as he continues his tour, potentially driving increased foot traffic to the cafes he features. The success of his endeavor could also inspire similar initiatives in other regions, further elevating the profile of specialty coffee worldwide.
Beyond the immediate impact on individual cafes, Frank’s quest underscores the growing importance of social media in shaping consumer preferences and driving tourism. His content provides a compelling narrative that resonates with coffee lovers, effectively leveraging the power of visual storytelling to promote New Zealand’s culinary offerings. This approach is increasingly common in the hospitality industry, as businesses recognize the value of engaging with potential customers through authentic and visually appealing content.
As Frank moves on to Christchurch and Queenstown, the anticipation builds. Will another café surpass Frank’s in Wellington? The answer remains elusive, but one thing is certain: the search for the world’s best flat white is providing a fascinating glimpse into the vibrant and evolving world of specialty coffee.
Meanwhile, in New Zealand, other news is unfolding. A significant police presence swarmed a Christchurch street, with reports of shots fired. The incident is currently under investigation by emergency services. Elsewhere, a court case has revealed allegations of ‘medical child abuse’ involving an infant’s mystery illness, with the mother pleading not guilty to multiple charges. And Nepal’s government is considering tightening regulations for climbers attempting to summit Mount Everest.
