Top 10 of Asian Coffee Bean Variety in 2023

Southeast Asian coffee is burgeoning, emerging as a thrilling challenger to traditional powerhouses like Ethiopia and Panama. In this vibrant region, countries like Singapore are embracing and celebrating their unique coffee traditions, such as the cherished "Kopitiams." Simultaneously, nations including Japan, Taiwan, China, South Korea, Thailand, and Malaysia are cultivating world-class coffee and nurturing baristas who are gaining international acclaim.

Southeast Asia now offers a plethora of distinctive blends and accessible, high-quality brews. The flavors and quality of these coffees are richly enhanced by their diverse origins, reflecting the region's growing dedication to coffee excellence. For aficionados and casual drinkers alike, Southeast Asia's dynamic and evolving role in the global coffee landscape is an exciting and inspiring development to follow.

1. Vietnam Coffee Bean - Focusing on Catimor, Bourbon, Robusta

furama da lat vietnam coffee farm

Vietnam is a major player in the world coffee market, coming in second place to Brazil and emphasizing robusta beans. The government's significant investments and support initiatives demonstrate its dedication to the coffee industry. Particularly from the Central Highlands, Vietnamese coffee is renowned for its distinct sweet strength.

What's good with coffee bean from Vietnam?

  • Growing Regions: Central Highlands, Dien Bien, Son La, Da Lat
  • Common Varieties: Catimor, Bourbon, Robusta
  • Innovation in coffee varieties has led to robusta and arabica types that exceed SCA standards.
  • Government and grower initiatives maintain Vietnam's leading position in global coffee production.
  • Coffee from the Central Highlands stands out for its exceptional sweetness.

Where can you buy Vietnamese Coffee Bean online?

2. China Coffee Bean - Focusing on Catimor, Bourbon, Typica, Robusta

Furama China coffee bean

Despite being relatively new, China has become a major player in the coffee industry, thanks in large part to the arabica beans grown in the province of Yunnan. Young, affluent consumers are driving the shift in culture from traditional tea drinking to a growing coffee culture. This group is driving the nation's specialty coffee market to unprecedented heights.

What's good with coffee bean from China? 

  • Growing Regions: Yunnan, Hainan, Fujian
  • Common Varieties: Catimor, Bourbon, Typica, Robusta
  • Yunnan's climate is ideal for arabica coffee cultivation.
  • Coffee culture is rapidly expanding due to a robust economy and growing middle class.
  • The specialty coffee market is flourishing, meeting the refined tastes of Chinese consumers.

3. Indonesia Coffee Bean - Focusing on Caturra, S-795, S-288

Furama Indonesia coffee bean

Coffee from Indonesia is well known for having a distinct flavor, especially the well-known Sumatran varieties. A variety of coffee varieties can be grown under varied conditions due to the country's extensive archipelago. The distinctive earthy flavors of the coffee are a result of traditional processing techniques like giling basah.

What's good with coffee bean from Indonesia?

  • Growing Regions: Sumatra, Java, Bali, Sulawesi, Kalimantan, Flores, Timor, Papua
  • Common Varieties: Typica, Catimor, Caturra, S-795, S-288, Timor, Robusta
  • Sumatra's coffee is emblematic of the Asian coffee flavor profile.
  • A wide array of specialty-grade coffees comes from different Indonesian regions.
  • The giling basah method gives Indonesian coffee its unique character.

Where can you buy Indonesian Coffee Beans online?

4. Myanmar Coffee Bean - Focusing on SL34, S795, Catuai

Furama Myanmar coffee bean

Myanmar is quickly gaining recognition for its unique and high-quality coffees. This Southeast Asian nation, despite being a newcomer to the global specialty coffee market, is making waves with its exceptional natural and washed coffees. The coffee industry in Myanmar is growing in harmony with the environment, focusing on sustainable practices that preserve its rich biodiversity.

What's good with coffee bean from Myanmar?

  • Growing Regions: Shan State, Mandalay, Chin State
  • Common Varieties: SL34, S795, Catuai, Caturra, Typica
  • Myanmar coffee is often grown alongside fruits and other crops, contributing to its distinct taste.
  • Natural and washed process coffees are standout offerings from Myanmar.
  • Sustainability and eco-friendly farming are key priorities for the burgeoning coffee sector.

Where can you buy Myanmar Coffee Bean online?

5. Thailand Coffee Bean - Focusing on Catimor, Catuai, Robusta

Furama Thailand Coffee Bean

Thailand's domestic production of arabica is a key factor in the country's niche positioning in the specialty coffee market. The northern regions have been greatly impacted by the royal endeavor that has been the switch from opium to coffee cultivation. However, a barrier to the global market has been created by high import duties on foreign beans.

What's good with coffee bean from Thailand?

  • Growing Regions: Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Mae Hong Son, Nan, Tak, Chumphon 
  • Common Varieties: Catimor, Typica, Bourbon, Caturra, Catuai, Robusta
  • The Royal Project Foundation has been instrumental in promoting coffee over opium.
  • A strong domestic market due to high import tariffs on foreign beans.
  • Thai arabica is gaining international recognition for its quality.

Where can you buy Thailand Coffee Bean online?

6. Malaysia Coffee Bean - Focusing on Liberica, Robusta

Furama Different varieties of roasted coffee beans inside wooden compartments

Malaysia has a distinct coffee industry, with a focus on liberica bean production. Despite being less widespread globally, this variety is becoming more valued as a result of persistent efforts. The goal of specialized farms is to fully explore the flavor profile of liberica.

What's good with coffee bean from Malaysia?

  • Growing Regions: Johor, Sabah, Sarawak
  • Common Varieties: Liberica, Robusta
  • Malaysia's geographical constraints have led to a focus on liberica production.
  • Government and private sector efforts are revitalizing interest in Malaysian liberica.
  • Specialty coffee shops are educating consumers on liberica's unique qualities.

Where can you buy Malaysia Coffee Bean online?

7. Timor-Leste Coffee Bean - Focusing on Hibrido de Timor, Typica, Moka

Furama Timor Leste Coffee Beans

Image credit: wildtimorcoffee.com 

Timor-Leste, also known as East Timor, is a small but noteworthy coffee-producing country in Southeast Asia. Its unique Timor Hybrid varietal, a natural cross of Arabica and Robusta, is highly regarded in the coffee community for its resilience and distinct flavor profile.

  • Growing Regions: Ermera, Aileu, Maubisse, Manufahi
  • Common Varieties: Hibrido de Timor (Timor Hybrid), Typica, Moka
  • Timor-Leste's coffee cultivation benefits from rich volcanic soil and organic farming methods.
  • The coffee sector is a vital part of Timor-Leste's economy and development efforts.
  • Efforts are underway to improve infrastructure and increase the visibility of Timorese coffee on the international stage.

Where can you buy Timor-Leste Coffee Bean online?

8. Philippines Coffee Bean - Focusing on Excelsa, Liberica 

Furama Philippines Coffee

The Philippines produces a variety of coffee; other varieties are also grown there, but robusta is the country's main export. The coffee industry is currently rebounding from past losses brought on by pests and illnesses. The demand for coffee, especially the classic kapeng barako, is rising domestically, which is driving growth in the specialty coffee market.

What's good with coffee bean from Philippines? 

  • Growing Regions: SOCCSKSARGEN, ARMM, Davao Region, CAR, CALABARZON
  • Common Varieties: Typica, Robusta, Liberica, Excelsa
  • A variety of coffee types are grown, with robusta being the primary export.
  • Domestic consumption is driving the growth of a vibrant specialty coffee market.
  • Collaborative efforts are underway to rejuvenate the Philippine coffee industry.

Where can you buy Philippines Coffee Bean online?

9. Laos Coffee Bean - Focusing on Catimor, Typica, Robusta

Furama Laos Unroasted Coffee Bean

Despite many obstacles, Laos's coffee industry is still a strong contributor to the Asian coffee landscape. The nation, which primarily exports robusta, is also pushing arabica production in an effort to increase farmer incomes. Clearing agricultural lands of unexploded ordnance is essential to ensuring safe cultivation and growth.

What's good with coffee bean from Laos?

  • Growing Regions: Bolaven Plateau, Luang Prabang
  • Common Varieties: Catimor, Typica, Robusta
  • Coffee cultivation persists despite the historical impact of war and natural disasters.
  • Government advocacy supports diversification into arabica production.
  • Rural communities are central to the nation's coffee production and recovery efforts.

Where can you buy Laos Coffee Bean online?

10. Papua New Guinea Coffee Bean - Focusing on Arusha, Mundo Novo

Furama Papua New Guinea Coffee Bean

Coffee is the main source of income for millions of smallholder farmers in Papua New Guinea. Coffee continues to be a major component of Papua New Guinea's agricultural production despite infrastructure issues. Despite logistical challenges, the nation's coffee production is still a major force in the region.

What's good with coffee bean from Papua New Guinea?

  • Growing Regions: Western Highlands, Eastern Highlands, Jiwaka, Morobe, Simbu, Sepik
  • Common Varieties: Typica, Arusha, Mundo Novo, Catimor, Caturra, Robusta
  • Coffee is a vital cash crop for around three million Papua New Guineans.
  • Infrastructure issues, like poor farm-to-market roads, hinder the industry's growth.
  • Smallholder farmers, who produce 85% of the coffee, are essential to the nation’s economy.

Where can you buy Papua New Guinea Coffee Bean online?

Discover the Essence of Asia in Every Bean with Furama Coffee — Your Premier Destination for The Finest Coffee Beans Supplier in Asia.

  • Embark on a Flavor Journey: Unlock the secrets of the East with Furama Coffee's meticulously curated selection of premium Asian coffee beans.
  • Craft Your Perfect Cup: From the bold robusta to the aromatic arabica, Furama Coffee brings you an array of choices to satisfy your personal taste and brewing style.
  • Visit Furama Coffee today or chat with us online to explore the richness of Asia being captured in every bean.

Updated 9 November 2023

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About Author

Falisya Suraya

Falisya Suraya is a freelance content writer specialises in commercial writing, love travel and enjoy walking on the beach.