Asia as a coffee country and producing region: New trends in focus
In the world of coffee, Europe and the USA often come to mind first, while Asia is rather associated with tea and rice paddies. Yet the coffee culture in East and Southeast Asia is literally booming! Japan, Taiwan and Thailand are just some of the countries where groundbreaking coffee trends have emerged in recent years. From exotic coffee variations to innovative brewing methods – Asia presents a fascinating variety of coffee and café sensations.
Specialty coffee: Quality and diversity from East and Southeast Asia
An emerging trend in East and Southeast Asia is Specialty Coffee. This is no longer merely refers to robusta or strongly roasted coffee, but to high-quality arabica coffee. In countries as Taiwan, Vietnam and Thailand, a respectable arabica production has developed in recent years. The adoption of various cultivation and processing methods creates unique aromas and flavor profiles. Moreover, the export of arabica specialty coffee supports the local population and strengthens the development of coffee farmers in these regions.
Honey processing: The sweet revolution of coffee pleasure in Taiwan
Another exciting trend is honey processing, especially in Taiwan. It is a special processing method of coffee cherries leaving the mucilage, the sticky layer around the beans, intact. Depending on moisture and sun exposure during the drying process, different honey processed coffees with distinctive flavors are created. From winy character to a hint of whiskey – these coffees promise an exceptional taste sensation.
Dalgona coffee: The viral trend from Korea
Dalgona coffee from Korea is now flooding the world of social media as the trendy drink of the moment. The recipe consists of instant coffee, sugar and milk producing a creamy foam reminiscent of caramel. Dalgona coffee enjoys great popularity, not only because of its attractive color and creamy, foamy consistency, but also because of the desire for variety and a café experience in the comfort of your own home. Although similar iced coffee drinks have been around for years, Dalgona coffee gained special attention due to the viral hype and "stay at home" situation during Corona times.
Coffbucha coffee: The innovative fusion of kombucha and coffee
Coffbucha coffee fusion from Japan, a traditional blend of Asian kombucha and coffee, is taking the fermented beverage market by storm. Besides the taste of coffee, this innovative trend provides the health-promoting properties of probiotics. With a kombucha culture and a few days of patience, Coffbucha coffee will be created, appealing to health-conscious consumers and catching on to the trend of carbonated coffee-soft drink hybrids. Various fermentation processes create delicate flavors that appeal to both coffee lovers and those who find conventional coffee too bitter.
Egg and iced coffee from Vietnam
In Vietnam, egg coffee is very popular. This sweet specialty coffee called Ca Phe Trung combines black Vietnamese coffee, sweetened condensed milk and rich whipped egg yolk to create a unique taste experience. Another refreshingly different coffee creation is Vietnamese iced coffee, also known as Cà phê sữa đá. It consists of strong coffee poured over ice cubes and sweetened condensed milk.
Asian cafe trends: New flavor and color sensations take the market by storm
Asian coffee culture also stands out for its exceptional coffee bars. Design-oriented cafés in Thailand, for example, are true Instagram darlings. Also, in some café-bars you can find a fusion of coffee and cocktails, which involve alcoholic drinks like coffee cocktails. Many of these and similar concepts are beginning to inspire restaurateurs in Europe to break new ground in café culture.
Cat cafés: Relaxation and velvet paws in one place
As in cat cafés, for example. There visitors can not only enjoy coffee and cake, but also interact with cats in a relaxed atmosphere. Originally established in Taiwan, these cafes provide ample space for the animals, while guests can watch, pet, and relax with the cats. The cats are the focus, and the rules ensure that they are always in control of their interactions. Cat cafés provide a unique experience for animal lovers while offering a new home to stray cats.
Many other Asian café concepts are bringing a breath of fresh air to the European café scene, mainly by focusing on the aforementioned new coffee recipes and imitating "Asian style" with a colorful design. So if you are a restaurateur thinking about opening a café, you should consider the Asian trend.
