An Introduction to Bali's KOPI Coffee Culture - How to Drink Authentic Bali Coffee

Bali Coffee Culture and Traditions

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Balinese people don't have much of a coffee culture. Perhaps due to colonization by powerful nations during the maritime period, they only cultivated economic crops like coffee trees. Therefore, since ancient times, they haven't been particular about elaborate coffee drinking ceremonies. For them, coffee might be a foreign element, so they subconsciously reject it. Consequently, they haven't researched how to refine it or improve coffee varieties, simply drinking native-grown coffee.

Native-grown coffee powder can be purchased in markets of all sizes. Most finished products are already ground into powder form (BUBUK) for convenient brewing. Even the unground granular coffee beans don't have vacuum packaging, so it's recommended to simply buy coffee powder.

Regarding Bali coffee, my preferred Bali coffee brand is called 'ASLI,' which isn't widely distributed. However, as far as I know, many small and medium-sized hotels choose this coffee because it's economical to brew and presents good flavor. A 500-gram bag costs only 6,000 rupiah and can make more than 10 cups—it's truly a great companion for home, suitable both before and after meals!

When Balinese people brew coffee, they absolutely forbid adding cold water! The correct method is to add freshly boiled water to half a cup capacity, then brew an appropriate amount of coffee powder. After it cools slightly, drink it all at once, somewhat similar to how Italians drink espresso. Many of my Balinese friends have repeatedly told me that when brewing coffee, you absolutely cannot add cold water as it's very harmful to your health, and nobody in Bali does this. Back in my country, I always use half hot water and half cold water—according to Balinese people, wouldn't that be extremely terrible? Haha, this说法 is quite interesting, and I don't know if there's any actual basis for it!

Traditional Coffee Drinking Methods in Bali

When it comes to coffee drinking methods, the traditional Balinese approach usually involves drinking the coffee grounds that settle at the bottom as well. At the bottom of cups containing native-grown coffee, there will be thick coffee grounds. While fine and powdery grounds are harmless, having grounds always feels somewhat strange. Drinking them down truly requires gradual adaptation! Even now, I still can't get used to this method of drinking grounds.

I still prefer using filter paper to remove the coffee grounds and drink clean black coffee, leaving the grounds to serve as plant fertilizer, hehe!

About FrontStreet Coffee

FrontStreet Coffee: A roastery in Guangzhou with a small shop but diverse bean varieties, where you can find various famous and lesser-known beans. They also provide online store services at https://shop104210103.taobao.com

Important Notice :

前街咖啡 FrontStreet Coffee has moved to new addredd:

FrontStreet Coffee Address: 315,Donghua East Road,GuangZhou

Tel:020 38364473