Coffee drinking culture will keep growing in Malaysia

There is a growing coffee drinking culture in Malaysia, whether it’s enjoyed as a morning pick-me-up or as a social beverage with friends. Chiam Tow Jin, vice president of the Malaysia Specialty Coffee Association (MSCA), notes that the country has seen an increase in coffee culture over the past few years, with the trend being accelerated during the pandemic. The lockdown allowed people to have more time for hobbies, leading to an increase in coffee brewing as a pastime.

The coffee consumption in Malaysia has also experienced significant growth, with a 73% increase from 2020 to 2021, according to data from the International Coffee Organization. In 2021, Malaysia consumed 597,064 bags of coffee beans compared to 344,783 bags in 2020. The Dalgona coffee trend, which became viral on social media during the lockdown, contributed to many people trying their hand at making this creamy and frothy coffee beverage at home using coffee powder, sugar, milk, and hot water.

Chiam attributes the growth of coffee brewing and drinking to social media, particularly among younger Malaysians. The expanding number of coffee roasteries and cafes also plays a role in the expansion of the coffee culture, as it provides more opportunities for people to appreciate different coffee varieties. He believes that coffee is a beverage that brings people together socially.

Although there is a surge in the popularity of coffee, Chiam believes that local coffee drinks served at traditional kopitiams (coffee shops) or warungs have always been part of Malaysian culture. He clarifies that people are not necessarily shifting from local to Western-style coffee drinks but rather have an expanded menu of coffee options to choose from.

In terms of coffee preferences, Chiam states that most people tend to favor the Arabica species due to its diverse range of flavors, from chocolatey to fruity. As Malaysia celebrates International Coffee Day, the MSCA is organizing Malaysia Coffee Week 2023 from October 26 to 29 at the 1 Utama Shopping Centre in Petaling Jaya, which is the largest coffee festival in the country.

Dr. Mohamad Zabawi Abdul Ghani, the director-general of the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (Mardi), acknowledges that drinking coffee has become a lifestyle, particularly for young people. They enjoy coffee while studying or spending time with friends, and adults often have coffee during meetings. The growth of coffee shops with unique concepts encourages young people to explore and enjoy coffee according to current trends.

Dr. Mohamad Zabawi mentions that Malaysian-grown Liberica coffee has a distinctive taste profile, characterized by its flowery or fruity notes with a slight smoky or woody undertone. It is preferred by locals due to its low acidity and bitter flavor. Additionally, different states in Malaysia have variations in their coffee crops. The country primarily grows three coffee species: Liberica, Robusta, and Arabica. Liberica is the most prominent type, accounting for 87% of coffee grown in Malaysia, followed by Robusta (10%) and Arabica (3%). Arabica is known for its mild and sweet taste with nutty and chocolaty flavors, while Robusta offers a less complex taste with hints of chocolate, nuts, caramel, and woodiness.

The flavor of coffee can also be influenced by different processing methods and roasting temperatures. Overall, the coffee culture in Malaysia continues to thrive and evolve, offering a wide range of coffee options for enthusiasts to enjoy.