Let’s Explore Asian Coffee

Did you know? Over 1 billion people worldwide drink coffee daily. In Asia, where more than one-third of all coffee is produced, drinking coffee has become a cultural phenomenon. Early birds flock to neighborhood kopitiams around Singapore to get their cup of coffee to boost their morning. At the same time, many professionals in Jakarta and Bangkok share theirs at cafes around town. 

It's no secret that most Asians still drink instant, 3-in-1 coffee in the comfort of their homes. After all, it is, in fact, the cheapest and the most convenient kopi out there. Whether by using coffee pods, coffee sachets, or coffee capsules, coffee is loved all throughout the region.

However, nowadays, there's a boom in cafe culture in Asia, especially among the urban young. Even with this boom, coffee consumption in the region has primarily remained authentic to its unique flavors and forms. 

Coffee's flavor profiles are often specific to the farms or estates where the coffee plants were grown—and can even show traits of their countries and regions of origin. There are four central coffee-growing regions in the world: South America, Central America, Africa, and Asia. Each part of the world, whether South America, Central America, Africa, or Asia, produces coffee with unique qualities to each region. This is why when selecting a roast profile, we would consider where it originates from and which profile will best enhance the coffee. In doing this, we're not only making sure you get the best coffee but that we're able to appreciate the precise characteristics that make it so delicious. With its mild temperatures, abundant rain, and rich soil, Asia is a prime location for coffee cultivation. 

Various countries in Asia started producing the most diverse varieties of coffee centuries ago. For a while now, Southeast Asia has been a remarkable productive coffee-growing region for Robusta coffee beans. Much of this crop was either processed and exported or channeled into the region's coffee shops and cafes. If we were to describe Asian Coffee, it would be: silky, rich, earthy, spicy, savory, and wild. These are the words most commonly used to describe Asia, specifically Southeast Asia's extraordinary arabica coffees. Most Asian coffee also has low to medium acidity levels, making them easy to consume for those with a sensitive stomach.

Coffee-producing regions in Asia

There are many coffee-producing regions in Asia; let's explore the top three Southeast Asian countries:

• Thailand
• Vietnam
• Indonesia

Thailand

Thailand has now quickly become the third largest coffee-producing Asian country. It has gained a reputation for its focus on organic and fair trade practices, resulting in some truly excellent coffee coming out of the region. In addition, it helps that the soil and climate in Thailand are ideal for coffee plants to flourish, too! Thai Coffee now controls a high demand in the global coffee market and is enjoyed by coffee lovers worldwide.

Vietnam

Vietnam is the fourth highest producer of coffee in the entire world. And this is impressive as their coffee industry didn't start developing until the 90s. Vietnam is known to have a unique style regarding its coffee culture. The locals have invented various signature coffee drinks. Even so, they have common characteristics; they are strong in taste and often very sweet. The signature bean in Vietnam is the Robusta. This bitter bean is cheap to produce, resulting in very economical Vietnamese coffees appreciated by coffee lovers everywhere.

Indonesia

Unsurprisingly, an area as large as Indonesia produces a lot of coffee. A third of the world's coffee beans are produced in Indonesia; most, just as in Vietnam, are Robusta beans, although about 10% are Arabica beans. Indonesia has three main coffee-growing areas: Java, Sulawesi, and Sumatra. Each would have its own distinct taste. For example, Aceh's Kopi Gayo would differ from Sulawesi's Kopi Toraja. Any coffee lover should explore the different types of coffee from Indonesia. 

Here in Singapore, we also have a special way of serving our coffee. Traditionally, the beans are wok-roasted with sugar, margarine, pineapple skin, and maize to a dark black brown. Then it is ground and brewed with a sock-like cotton strainer in watering can-sized pots. There are many kopitiams where you can enjoy a good cup of coffee, but why not make one in the comfort of your home? 

Here at No Harm Done, we'd like to bring excellent coffee Asian Coffee to your door. We produce NESPRESSO® compatible coffee capsules and cut out all the bad stuff. All our coffee is chosen and sourced ethically, wrapped in compostable capsules. 

Kopitiam at home.