Cover International Coffee Day is a celebration of one of the most consumed beverages in the world (Image: Getty Images)
International Coffee Day is a celebration of one of the most consumed beverages in the world (Image: Getty Images)
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For International Coffee Day, our editors share their favourite coffees, or the ones that mean the most to them
For many, October 1 marks the start of a new month, a new quarter, or a new season. But for coffee lovers, it’s International Coffee Day.
Malaysia's vibrant café culture is a large part of our everyday life, from casual mamaks and traditional kopitiams to the plethora of world-class cafés you can find dotted around the country.
Coffee unites the world in a way that no other beverage does. Whether you're a connoisseur who nerds out on different beans or you drink it purely for function, everyone has their favourite brew and go-to spot.
Here at Tatler, a day rarely goes by without the aroma of coffee wafting through the office. So, we asked our team to share their top picks. Here are their favourites.
In case you missed it: Curate Coffee Roaster’s Shaun Liew’s decade-long legacy within Malaysia’s speciality coffee industry
Curate Coffee Roasters
The experience at Curate Coffee Roasters is intimate and personal, as two-time Malaysia Brewers Cup Champion Shaun Liew holds service and hospitality to the highest standard, offering something for each and every customer preference. While my go-to order is always filter or black coffee, Shaun always makes sure I try something fun or new each visit!
Katelyn Tan, Dining and Travel Editor of Tatler Malaysia and Indonesia
ZUS Coffee's Orange Americano
Let me preface this by saying I’m generally not into coffee for anything beyond the morning caffeine bump. I can’t tell Arabica from Robusta or Liberica. I’ve committed what some might call sins in my persistence to mask the beans with milk (and, in days past, an assortment of syrups). That said, I was first introduced to Zus’s Orange Americano during a cover shoot this year, and it was life-changing. The citrusy, sweet and acidic notes of the orange juice cut right through the bitterness of the coffee, resulting in an extremely light, refreshing and highly satisfying experience. I’m still no coffee connoisseur, but Zus Coffee has done something special in showing me the pleasure coffee can hold and ensuring I can never walk past an outlet without giving in to the temptation of a fix.
Kiran Pillay, Power & Purpose, Deputy Print Editor
Latibule Coffee
Above The beautiful colour of their espresso, dotted beautifully with coffee oils (Image: Keandra H'ng)
The beautiful colour of their espresso, dotted beautifully with coffee oils (Image: Keandra H'ng)
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A listening bar and cafe in one, you’ll usually find some kind of vinyl playing, with a mild chatter throughout the cafe from its patrons. Their interior is inspired by Japanese kisstaens and Taiwanese coffee bars, with bar seating and cosy corners, this is a hidden gem if I’ve ever seen one. They specialise in dark roast coffee, pulled manually with a lever. They rotate their beans, with their friendly staff never failing me with their recommendations. My favourite order is their dirty latte, a shot of espresso poured over freeze-distilled milk, and finished with a glossy top of coffee oil. Don't miss out on their desserts too!
Keandra H'ng, Dining Writer
Provisions
Not only does Provisions in PJ have great coffee, but wholesome food too. I'm a sucker for their sous vide kaya (although this might be from Li instead but they might still sell it at the cafe), butter cake, egg sandwich and my go-to bakery when I want to get a whole loaf of sourdough. Special honorary mention to Unknown Coffee in Penang and their Peanut Butter Latte, which got me through lockdown.
Celeste Goh, Senior Writer, Tatler Homes Malaysia
QRA's Oat Latte
Above QRA's proximity to the office is Jen's guilty pleasure (Image: QRA)
QRA's proximity to the office is Jen's guilty pleasure (Image: QRA)
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I depend on The Five's Q'ra's extra-hot oat milk latte to power through my workday. It’s simple, nothing fancy, just a hot, nutty pick-me-up that I look forward to after lunch.
Jennifer Choo, Regional Managing Editor, Tatler Homes
Vienna White, Dome Café
A shot of espresso topped with steamed milk and a generous dollop of whipped cream dusted with cocoa powder, this indulgent pick-me-up is served with a crisp biscotti slice and is the perfect treat for coffee-drinkers like me who enjoy a hint of sweetness with their caffeine. I just happened to be reading a novel set in Vienna when I first tried this drink and I was star-struck. Hopefully I’ll be able to plan a trip to Austria soon but in the meantime sipping this cuppa at Dome Malaysia will have to suffice.
Tania Jayatilaka, Digital Editor
Single Dose Coffee
Tucked in a somewhat quiet corner of PJ is Single Dose Coffee, previously operating in Bangsar before relocating to its current site. Introduced by a friend of mine whom I trust to have impeccable taste, I was instantly taken by the old-shophouse charm that’s warm and full of character without feeling dated or contrived. The soft lighting and laid-back ambience make it ideal for meetings, catching up on work, or simply enjoying some solitude with a good cup. Its dirty latte, in particular, has become a recent fixation. While I’ve yet to make it a regular haunt, it’s quickly become one of my new go-to favourites.
Sim Wie Boon, General Manager, Tatler Malaysia
Keandra's expertise lies within writing deep dives into the culture and anthropology of food, sometimes with a philosophical twist. With a background in London's F&B consultancy scene, she's excited to be back in Kuala Lumpur to champion the local dining scene.
Reach her at keandra.hing@tatlerasia.com, @keandruh
