What type of coffee is produced in Asia?

If you like coffee, you're undoubtedly already aware that Southeast Asia has a thriving and expanding coffee culture. These coffees may be just as popular in America as they are in Asia, where “Kopitiams,” or Starbucks-style coffee specialty shops, are all the rage in places like Singapore.

Asia is regarded for producing some of the best and most unusual coffees on the planet. Some coffee connoisseurs may travel thousands of miles for the flavor of Vietnamese or Indonesian coffee, for example.

You owe it to yourself to taste coffee from the Southeast Asian region if you haven't before. Some Southeast Asian coffees are a unique experience, while others are a cost-effective alternative to a traditional blend. In the end, it all comes down to the origins of the beans.

If you want to be a true coffee expert, you need to know which Asian countries produce the most coffee and what kind of coffee they produce. So, who are the leading coffee producers in Southeast Asia, and what types of beans do they produce? Continue reading to learn more about the region's coffee producers.

Thailand

Despite the fact that Thailand's coffee exporting sector only began in the mid-1970s, the country has achieved significant progress in producing high-quality coffee in just a few decades. Thailand has quickly risen to become Asia's third-largest coffee producer, with a reputation for organic and fair trade standards that have resulted in some very exceptional coffee. It also helps that the soil and climate in Thailand are ideal for growing coffee plants! Thai coffee is in high demand on the worldwide coffee market, with unique types such as the Thailand Peaberry being sought for and relished by coffee enthusiasts all over the world.

Vietnam

Vietnam is known for its lush rainforests, rice, and distinct culinary delights, but you might be surprised to find that it is also the world's fourth-largest producer of coffee. This is particularly impressive given that their coffee industry did not begin to thrive until the 1990s. The Robusta is Vietnam's hallmark bean, a bitter bean that is inexpensive to grow, resulting in very affordable Vietnamese coffees that are adored by coffee enthusiasts all over the world.

Indonesia

It should come as no surprise that a country the size of Indonesia produces a lot of coffee. Indonesia produces a third of the world's coffee beans; the majority, like Vietnam, are Robusta beans, with Arabica beans accounting for around 10%.

Java

Naturally, the island that bears the name of coffee produces coffee beans — how could it not? The rich coffee berries brought to the island by the Dutch in the 1600s are used to make Java coffee.

Laos

Laos has been producing coffee since 1915 when French colonists introduced the plant and determined that the country's soil and temperature were ideal for cultivating it. Laos presently produces about 20,000 tons of coffee per year, and the coffee is recognized for its mild flavor with flowery and citrus undertones.

Sumatra

Sumatra is another name that is nearly synonymous with Asian coffee. It creates its own distinct mix of coffee that has a rich flavor profile and is considered a delicacy by many coffee connoisseurs. Sumatra Arabica is a distinctive and delicious coffee beverage that is well known around the world.

Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea, like its neighbor Indonesia, is a major coffee grower in the world. The New Guinea coffee bean boasts a fruity finish and a well-balanced flavor profile, making for a delicious cup of coffee. Java, Sumatra, Djember, Tim Tim, and Catimor are among the coffee varieties grown in New Guinea.

Final Thoughts

If you've been limited to mainly American and European coffees, there's no better time than now to broaden your coffee horizons. You may want to stick with your tried-and-true blends, or you may discover that Southeast Asian coffees offer a fascinating change of pace from your usual cup, or you may discover that these coffees open up entirely new worlds of flavor and taste.

Whatever the outcome, there is no scarcity of coffee coming out of these places, so if you decide one of these coffees is for you, go ahead and drink it all!