5 Asian countries with a strong coffee culture

With a unique coffee culture that brings something special to the table, Asia is a diverse and exciting place for coffee lovers

Asia is a powerhouse when it comes to coffee production. Vietnam alone is forecast to produce 1.98 million tonnes this year, with robusta beans making up the large bulk of it. India following suit, and despite fickle weather affecting yields, it managed to produce 374,200 tonnes last season. And yet Asian coffee still lags in prestige behind Latin America and Africa, largely because of perception.

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Robusta has long been associated with instant coffee and budget blends. And while that’s not exactly the whole truth, its reputation has kept Asian beans from reaching the heights that it could. But times are changing and palates are becoming more discerning—at least enough to give robusta a chance. Speciality roasters from Thailand and the Philippines are proving that Asian coffee could be a revelation, and it’s time to wake up to what Asia has to offer.  

Here are five Asian countries with thriving coffee cultures and what makes their beans stand out.

Claim to fame: robusta

Vietnam is the world’s second-largest coffee producer and the undisputed king of robusta beans, responsible for 90 per cent of this variety’s production. Unlike the more common arabica, robusta has twice the caffeine, giving it a stronger, more bitter profile with earthy, nutty undertones. Vietnam’s coffee stylings demonstrate that it’s not about the beans you have but what you can do with them.

The country’s coffee culture is built on strong, bitter brews prepped through a small metal filter (called “phin”), then enjoyed with swirls of condensed milk, known as cà phê sữa đá. For those who prefer an even more indulgent experience, cà phê trứng (egg coffee) is a rich, creamy concoction of whisked egg yolk, sugar and coffee. It’s a drink about experience as much as it is about taste.

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