Hello coffee lovers, today we'll talk about coffee culture in Bali. Since we were working while we are travelling, we had to drank a lot of coffee. We will try to describe my experiences as much as possible. Now let's get into it.
Coffee culture in Bali; brewing methods and coffee beans.
Brewing Methods
You may find variety of different brewing methods in Bali. Like Traditional Balinese Coffee, Pour-Over,
Espresso, French Press, AeroPress, Cold Brew, Vietnamese Drip Coffee...
Traditional Balinese coffee, known locally as "kopi Bali," is a beverage that deeply rooted in Balinese culture. It's typically made using finely ground coffee beans are boiled along with sugar in a pot of water. The resulting brew is strong, bold, and often sweet, with a rich aroma that fills the air. It's often enjoyed during social gatherings, ceremonies
Vietnamese filter coffee, also known as "Cà phê phin", is popular in Vietnam due to the way it is prepared. It is also very popular in Bali due to the close culture. It involves using a small metal drip filter to brew coffee directly into the cup. The process begins by adding ground coffee into the fin, which is then placed over a cup. Hot water is poured over the coffee grounds. Condensed milk is often added to sweeten coffee. Honestly, one of my favorite coffees is Vietnamese coffee :) I love its aroma and taste. Especially the coconat milk is amazing.
Variety of the Coffee Beans
The two main types of coffee beans cultivated in Bali are Arabica and Robusta.
Arabica beans are famous beacuse of their smooth flavors, often with fruity, floral and sometimes nutty undertones. Light to medium-bodied Arabica coffee is sophisticated to a variety of brewing methods, making it a favorite with coffee lovers worldwide.
Robusta beans are known for their strong flavor with a higher caffeine compared to Arabica beans. They often have a bitter and heavier taste making them ideal for espresso recipes. Robusta coffee more likely to have a smoother texture, with earthy and woody tastes. Robusta beans are valued for it's use in espresso blends to get a strong taste and crema.
Kopi Luwak
It is made from coffee beans eaten and excreted by civet cats. For this reason, it is also called musk coffee. I know it sounds a little gross, but this coffee is rewarded with its smooth and rich taste; Earthy, chocolatey and a little nutty. It is also one of the rarest and most expensive coffees in the world.
That's why it is such a famous coffee. Frankly, I didn't try it and I didn't want to try it.Because when I went to places serving this coffee, I saw that civet cats were kept in a cage. Animals are forced to eat only this plant throughout their lives and spend their lives in cages.
Cafés
I think this is one of the biggest effects on the coffee culture in Bali. Where you can work, chat over a cup of coffee and try new tastes. So it is a powerfull image for especially digital nomads. Sometimes you may see the coffee making process firsthand. Many coffee shops set in in front of stunning views of rice terraces, lush jungles, or beachfronts.
I must say, we prepared a list of the best coffee shops in Bali. If you are looking for a cafe with beautiful views and coffees you can check the best coffee places in Ubud from this link: https://www.balijoy.net/post/5-favorite-places-to-enjoy-coffee-in-ubud and also our favorite recommandations from this link: https://www.balijoy.net/post/5-coffee-shop-tip-in-canggu-for-bali-enthusiasts