Malaysian coffee

Malaysia's main coffee-growing regions are in states like Kelantan, Kedah, and Johor, and on the island of Borneo (Sabah).

The country is the world's primary source of the unique Liberica coffee bean, which makes up over 95% of its production, although some Robusta and Arabica are also grown. 

The government is supporting the growth of specialty Liberica to help the country become a major producer of this coffee variety. 

Major growing regions

Peninsular Malaysia: Coffee is cultivated in states such as Kelantan, Kedah, Trengganu, Selangor, and Malacca.

Borneo: The Sabah region is another key area for coffee cultivation. 

Coffee bean varieties

Liberica: This is the most significant variety, making up over 95% of Malaysia's coffee crop and first introduced in 1875.

It is known for its unique profile.

Robusta and Arabica: While grown, they make up a much smaller portion of the total crop. 

Some local roasters may blend these with other beans. 

Processing and cultivation

Harvest: The main harvest period is from April to July.

Processing methods: Harvesting and processing can sometimes be mixed, with farmers harvesting both Liberica and Robusta at the same time.

Government support: The Malaysian government has committed to supporting Liberica coffee growth through research and farmer integration, recognizing its potential for the specialty market.

Unique characteristics: Liberica has an extensive root system, allowing it to grow in various soil types. 

KOPI

Malaysian coffee, known as kopi, is characterized by its strong, aromatic, and slightly bitter flavor, achieved through a unique roasting process that adds sugar and margarine. The roasted beans are traditionally brewed using a cloth filter and are typically served with sweetened condensed milk to balance the richness. Popular variations include kopi cham (coffee and tea), kopi-C (with evaporated milk), and kopi-o (black with sugar). 

Roasting and flavor

Unique roasting process: The coffee beans are roasted twice and coated with margarine and sugar, giving them a shiny, caramelized finish.

Flavor profile: This process gives the coffee a rich, somewhat burnt, and smoky flavor with a caramel-like sweetness that holds up well to milk and sugar. 

Traditional preparation

Brewing: Boiling water is poured over the ground coffee through a cloth filter, a method that produces a strong, rich brew.

Sweetening: The strong brew is traditionally balanced by adding sweetened condensed milk and sugar. 

Common variations

Kopi O: A hot black coffee with sugar.

Kopi C: Coffee with evaporated milk instead of condensed milk.

Kopi cham: A mix of coffee and tea.

Kopi-gao: A thick, strong coffee with plenty of condensed milk.

Iced versions: Adding "peng" to the name indicates the drink is served over ice, for example, Kopi O peng is iced black coffee with sugar. 

Other

White coffee: In contrast to the caramelized kopi beans, "white coffee" beans are roasted normally and have a lighter color and a milder flavor. 

Malaysia - KL -

Taken around 2009

Old family Pics - malaysia

 These pics were taken in 2009 in KL Malaysia

My Aunt Judy's house

Old ... old family pics ... I think this is my great granddad and great grand mum

My grand ma is somewhere here. Not sure who.

Grandma

mum is second from left.

Third from left is colin.

Aunty judy is second from right.

Uncle conrad is extreme right

The house is in KL. Address is 1 Weld Lane. 

The house was built in a rubber plantation.

Its built on pillars. Notice the stairs leading up into the house.

There is a trap door. which protected the occupants from wild animals like tigers.

This house was on a hill. a really beautiful house.

Cars would usually be parked under the house.

There was a kitchen behind. .... a corridor to the kitchen.

Always, kitchens were separate to the house.

My grandma is extreme left. Grandpa is the middle tall figure.

..

 Aunty rita is extreme left;

Uncle steven is second from left.

Next ... my Grandma 

Extreme right is Aunty Enid

The pic was taken in KL .. 21 Yap Kwan Seng Road

..............................................................................

Uncle colin,,, below

Roseanne and Christian

Me & Joanne in Malaysia ... early 1970s ??

Grandpa and Grand ma

Is is a certificate that grandpa received from the pope.

It came with a medal for meritorius services to the church

Extreme left.. Aunty Judy. Uncle colin and grandma.

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2009... my bedroom in KL ... aunty judys place

Breakfast with Aunty Judy

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Old pics of the old house in KL //// 21 yup kwan seng road.

The car is a Austin 7

Its number plate is B2943

There was a garage behind the car. Behind this was the kitchen.

Thew kitchen was always separate to the main house. Cooking was considered a messy business.

The trees behind were inhabited by monkeys.

I remember they were rumbutan trees, My grandfather used to get angry when he heard the momkeys and he used a catapult to frighten them away.

The pic below is another view of the same house. The driveway ... notice the Austin 7.

The front porch of the house.

There was a little bench on the bottom left. My mum and dad used to always sit there.

The ramp was built because of flooding.

the old tennis court. Judy and grandma.

The front of the house.

My grandpa was a excellent pianist. The piano in the back was his.

Aunty judy and grandma.

The day Judy received a award for service to the govt.

Aunty rita is extreme left.

The wedding photo of my grandpa and grandma.

My family were so religious. notice the altar in the back of the photo.

The two babies are possibly uncle Colins two kids.

Letf Aunty Judy, Aunty Bing, Grandma, Colin Dad Mum 

Me and joanne... bottom right.

Pic taken in Australia

second from left is brother Lawrence ,,, principle of St Johns,

ST Johns Institution was a Catholic Boys school  but it took girls for matriculation (years 11 and 12).

In KL 

This is where my parents met.

To the right of brother lawerence are:

Grandpa, Grandma, colin, mum, aunty judy and conrad

This is my grandma with either Judy or Conrad