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How Many Different Types of Mandheling Coffee Exist in Indonesia - Golden Mandheling vs. Lintong Mandheling

Published: 2026-01-27 Author: FrontStreet Coffee

Last Updated: 2026/01/27, Professional barista communication - Follow Coffee Workshop (WeChat public account: cafe_style) - The Origin of the Mandheling Name: In 1945, Japanese soldiers stationed locally drank locally produced coffee on Sumatra Island and found it exceptionally delicious. They asked the vendor about the coffee's name. The story goes as follows: Japanese soldier: Umai! Kore doko kara? (Delicious! Where does this come from?)

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The Origin of the Name Mandheling

In 1945, Japanese soldiers stationed in the area tasted local coffee produced on Sumatra Island and found it exceptionally delicious. They asked a vendor about the coffee's name.

The Story Goes as Follows:

Japanese soldier: Umai! Kore doko kara? (Delicious! Where is this from?)

The vendor thought he was asked where he came from...

Vendor: Sahaja? Dari Mandailing, Tuan... (Sir, I am from Mandailing)

Japanese soldier: E? Nani? Mandeeringgu? (Huh? What? Mandailing?)

Vendor: Ya tuan. Mandailing tuan. (Yes sir, from Mandailing)

Japanese soldier: Ah, sou... (sambil manggut-manggut). (Ah, I see... nodding)

Due to the language barrier, the vendor from the Mandailing ethnic group misunderstood and thought he was being asked where he came from, so he replied "Mandailing."

Several years later, a Japanese veteran visited Sumatra to inquire about the feasibility of exporting "Mandheling coffee" to Japan. Pawani Company was the first company to export 15 tons of Sumatra green beans to Japan. Because of this beautiful misunderstanding, "Mandheling" became synonymous with Sumatra Island coffee.

Golden Mandheling is produced by Indonesia's finest coffee company, PWN. PWN is the abbreviation of Indonesia's Pawani Company. Golden Mandheling produced by PWN is packaged in 30kg bags, each with a certificate of guarantee.

The English name "Golden Mandheling" has already been registered by Pawani Company in Indonesia.

Variety Characteristics

Golden Mandheling is harvested entirely by hand, using exquisite agricultural processing techniques, and undergoes manual selection methods. Through four screenings and four selections, defective beans are eliminated to produce high-quality coffee beans. Generally, Mandheling from Sumatra carries some earthy flavors, with a strong grassy aftertaste, and may develop bitterness if deeply roasted. However, the carefully selected Golden Mandheling features plump, full beans with rich aroma. Compared to regular Mandheling, its taste is richer, smoother, and more mellow. After drinking, it leaves a slightly sweet aftertaste, making it the perfect choice for those who enjoy adding milk! Golden Mandheling can be said to hold the legendary title of being unbeatable in the world of direct coffee.

Variety Origin

Sumatra is most famous for the Arabica variety Mandheling, and the northern region appears to have many Robusta variety production areas. Among the traditional Arabica coffees produced in northern Sumatra, the finest are marketed under the names Lintong and Mandheling.

Lintong refers to coffee grown in a small area located in the southwest of the Toba Lake administrative region. The coffee growing areas are scattered across a high, undulating clay plateau covered with ferns.

Varieties Available in Our Store

At FrontStreet Coffee, the variety that best suits popular tastes is undoubtedly PWN's Golden Mandheling. With its unique, rich, and mellow aroma, it's the favorite for coffee lovers who enjoy full-bodied flavors and dislike acidity. Golden Mandheling is the highest quality and best among all Mandheling varieties. Besides Golden Mandheling, the store also offers Lintong Mandheling and Aged Mandheling.