Coffee - Local Brands

[backtofront]

As I understand it arabica coffee growing was introduced to the Chiangmai area as a cash crop. And that the project faltered, nearly failing because of the difficulties of marketing the beans the farmers grew.

However that has allapparently changed and Thailand is now recognised as a major exporter of quality arabica beans? If this is the case what about the local market?

Doi Chang and Rai Khun Ying are selling expensive coffee recovered from civet poo. What other brands are there? What are recognised brands? Coffee roasters? Ground coffee brands?

[Corsola]

I am not expert of coffee, but do not go starbucks in Thailand.

[Maanaam]

Doi Tung is delicious.

[Maanaam]

but do not go starbucks or McCafe.(full stop)

FIFY.

[Neverna]

I am not expert of coffee, but do not go starbucks in Thailand.

Why not?

[mykthemin]

Because for one the prices are a complete rip off, Amazon do good coffee and cakes.

[Auroria]

I used to buy it online from Red Cliff in the North. I think it was around 600 baht for 1kg.

Now I pick up a kilo or two when in Macro. Usually change brands each time as I like to experiment and am yet to find one that I really love.

[david44]

Local brands inconsistent and poor value prices below per 250grams
Stick to illy or Lavazza

If these beyond budget best value of the cheapies IMHO is Suzuki around 250-300 or very cheap but good Zolito sold n Makro, forget around 180?

I only drink one small cup a day using around 10 grams so a 575 tin of Lavazza works out about 25 baht a cup at home , There are good local beans which I grind sometimes if making a pot for guests.

The ladies who sip lattes cannot handle 10grams of arabica , howver i never see point of milk in coffee like cream in tea

[Auroria]

If these beyond budget best value of the cheapies IMHO is Suzuki around 250-300 or very cheap but good Zolito sold n Makro, forget around 180?

Are those number the price? Per kilogram pack?

Thanks.

I think the last pack I bought in Macro could have been Zolito. I don't recall the brand Suzuki, but need to buy another KG pack in the next week or two.

[david44]

prices below per 250grams

no per 1/4

Suzuki is sold in circular cans Blue Gold or Silver is a shade better but nowhere near iLLY or Lavazza

If your adding milk and or sugar so diluting the flavour dirt chep Moccona 99 in Tesco is drinkable at the very bottom end of real coffee for me, Id sooner spend 25 baht a day one one really good cup

Also cheaper brands use more to get the same buzz as they nver seem quite as fresh zingy, I guess thats why premium brands are premium price, those 2 are world leaders in pre packaged , beans fresh ground will always be better read the many previous coffee threads or

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/foodanddr...e-at-home.html

[Auroria]

Okay thanks.

I'm more of a 500 baht or so per KG kinda man.

Once it's coffee I'm happy.

[david44]

Auroria once opened any bean or ground coffee deteriorates.
If you require a KG bettsr by 4 x 250
If vacuum packed its fresh until opened,
I store in airtight tins in the freezer which is not ideal only in this humidity storing in kitchens the flaovour degrades

I could use up to 25grams in a doppio and would often consume 2 or 3 per day in that awful gap between childhood and retirement called "WORKING AGE' I do not recommend more than 50gr daily even for hungover large fat males unless you want to be super frazzled.

Of course a bachelor pad full of "exhausted fillies' may need large doses, tho I find Thai lady quite happy 3-in one , in fact I belive thy call it in local lingo a 3 Holler

Enjoy and u need no fancy gear just dont boil tap water
After boil leave kettle pan 60 seconds
Pour over grounds
Plastic holder or metal Vietnamsese Fin is good but a new clean sock seres same purpose
A well made cotton sock last years or get a push filter machine
The Orrefors Swedish a best but easily broke
I got a unbreakable stainless steel filter jug I saw for 100 pounds in UK tracked down maker in China $18 delivered off Aliexpress. It is one of the best of dozens of coffee machines I've owned

I do like trad Turkish coffee in little copper can but Najaf and similar brands not readily sold up here and very messy way to live like an Arab, If in Mid East or Soi 3 try a cup with a cardamom pod sugar its v different to doppio or if you must add milk a machiato

If coffee too bitter its low quality, add BRANDY

Bon Appetit, avoid bon cafe its falsely named

[backtofront]

Okay thanks.

I'm more of a 500 baht or so per KG kinda man.

Once it's coffee I'm happy.

I buy Rai Khun Ying. Local arabica beans but apparently blended with some robusta. I also spoil it with a few heaps of sugar. And at home do the unforgivable, adding dollops of condensed milk.

If you would like to try it I can post you 250g

[Auroria]

Thanks, I might be able to source it. How much does 250g retail for?

[backtofront]

I think it is 500B for 4 x 250g. But will check tomorrow.

[Auroria]

Thanks. That's quite cheap.

I was running out so bought the ground Moccona Espresso roast in Tesco. I think it was 117b for the 250grm.

Haven't tasted it yet though.

[Neverna]

I am not expert of coffee, but do not go starbucks in Thailand.

Why not?

Because for one the prices are a complete rip off, Amazon do good coffee and cakes.

Amazon coffee is OK but it's no better than Starbucks IMO, and price for volume, there's not much difference, in fact Amazon might be more expensive. Amazon only serve very small cups of coffee. You'd need 2, 3 or 4 to equal a cup of Starbucks coffee.

[Auroria]

I was running out so bought the ground Moccona Espresso roast in Tesco. I think it was 117b for the 250grm.

Haven't tasted it yet though.

I noticed this morning that it was actually for use with a Filter, not an espresso machine.

Oh well, I packed it in, not sure if it would come through into the cup. It was so fine that a normal spoon only half filled the machine's holder, so I put in another half.

I think there were some amphetamines in it as I've been buzzed up high ever since.

So to note, coffee made for filters work perfectly well in espresso machines.

[mykthemin]

I am not expert of coffee, but do not go starbucks in Thailand.

Why not?

Because for one the prices are a complete rip off, Amazon do good coffee and cakes.

Amazon coffee is OK but it's no better than Starbucks IMO, and price for volume, there's not much difference, in fact Amazon might be more expensive. Amazon only serve very small cups of coffee. You'd need 2, 3 or 4 to equal a cup of Starbucks coffee.

Sorry do not agree, starbucks is a ridiculous price and amazon is about 50% cheaper for iced coffee, never drink hot here.

[Neverna]

Well I mostly drink hot coffee in Thailand and fluid ounce for fluid ounce, I'd say Amazon is more expensive than Starbucks.

Perhaps a little experiment is due to see exactly what one really gets in both establishments.

Watch this space.




Meanwhile ...

I have a coffee, I have a cup, ahh, coffee cup.