Originally Posted by
exbayern
I have not had Starbucks in Japan, but did have brewed coffee a few times in China (not by my choice) and found it tasted odd. May be the water, or more likely just the taste of Starbucks coffee is not my taste.
I did find a different taste in Japan as well - these are countries very used to the flavour of green tea (in just about everything in the case of Japan) and the coffee does have a flavour with it that I would describe as 'compatible' if not completely reminiscent.
Similarly, in the UK, you'll find a much darker roast used for espresso-based drinks than in the US. Not nearly as dark as the likes of Pret and Caffe Nero, mind.
I once out of desperation had to enter a Starbucks in Germany and found many confused people. The coffee culture doesn't adapt well to the grab and go aspect of Starbucks. (Coffee to go is still somewhat rare, perhaps due to the environmental aspect, perhaps due to the already existing culture around coffee shops and 'stand cafes') People were looking for seating, or standing tables, and seemed overwhelmed by the choices.
I noticed that the Starbucks I passed in Frankfurt were pretty much configured as 'stand cafes'. Certainly, most of the branches I know in the UK are at least as much set up for drinking in as taking away. And you'd get all sorts of grumbling if you attempted to serve someone drinking in with a paper cup!
Personally, I don't think they're terrible. I don't think they're outstanding either, but there are many places where "not terrible" is the best option you can get!