Celebrate the Unique Coffee Flavours and Culture of Malaysia

As Malaysia gears up to celebrate its rich cultural heritage and independence this Merdeka Day, let’s raise our cups (or two, or three) to one of the nation’s most beloved drinks: coffee! Affectionately known as kopi by the locals, coffee holds a special place in Malaysian culture as it symbolises warmth, hospitality, and shared moments with loved ones. In this article, we invite you on a delightful journey through Malaysia’s diverse coffee landscape, where every sip tells a story of tradition, innovation, and the vibrant spirit of a nation.

Hainanese Coffee

This strong and aromatic coffee is an iconic staple in many coffee shops (kopitiams) across the nation. The grounds are brewed using a traditional cloth sock filter which produces a cup of coffee that has robust and slightly caramelised flavours imparted by the dark roasted beans. Hainanese coffee is typically served with sweetened condensed milk for a comforting and creamy taste of Malaysia’s rich heritage.

White Coffee

Said to have originated from the Old Town area in Ipoh, white coffee has become synonymous with this former tin-mining town in Perak, Malaysia. White coffee is highly regarded for its smooth and creamy texture complemented by a mild flavour. It is also considered a gentler alternative to the bolder Hainanese coffee. The “white” in white coffee refers to the lighter roast of the beans. To produce white coffee, the beans are roasted with only margarine (without sugar) instead of the traditional Malaysian kopi which is roasted with butter and sugar. Because sugar isn't used during the roasting process, it gives the coffee beans a lighter colour, hence the name white coffee.

Served with a spoonful of sweetened condensed milk, white coffee remains a popular choice for Malaysians who prefer a milder coffee experience.

Cham

Also known as yuan yang, kopi cham is a unique blend of coffee and tea, reflecting Malaysia’s fondness for fusion cuisine (and beverage). This popular drink combines the robust flavours of coffee with the aromatic notes of tea to create a refreshing drink fit for both coffee and tea lovers alike. The ratios may differ from shop to shop, but typically, a cup of kopi cham has 45% coffee, 45% tea, and 10% condensed milk. Not to forget, a heaping spoonful of sugar gives this delightful beverage a burst of sweetness with each sip.

Yin Yong

Rounding off this list is kopi yin yong (also known as kopi-yin-yong-lai), a popular order for Malaysians in coffee shops and hawker stalls. Taking inspiration from Hong Kong’s iconic coffee, kopi yin yong is one part coffee, one part condensed milk, and one part evaporated milk. The resulting drink is a creamy and indulgent treat that can be enjoyed throughout the day.

Nespresso’s Malaysian Creations

Taking inspiration from Malaysia’s vibrant coffee culture, Nespresso has crafted a selection of special recipes inspired by local flavours. Here are some of Nespresso’s Malaysian Creations you can recreate at home:

Savouring Malaysia's Diverse Coffee Heritage With Nespresso

From the robust yuan yang coffee to the creamy white coffee popularised from Ipoh, each of the coffees that we’ve covered tells a story of tradition and warm hospitality that Malaysians are well known for. As Malaysia raises the flag this Merdeka Day, let the aroma of a freshly brewed cup remind you of its rich cultural heritage and embrace the warm spirit of the nation.

Explore Nespresso’s range of capsules for both Original and Vertuo to recreate some of Nespresso’s authentic Malaysian creations at home. Join us in raising a cup to Malaysia's vibrant coffee traditions this Merdeka Day!