TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Coffee has become an integral part of contemporary lifestyle. Various coffee drinks are now available at increasingly accessible coffee shops. According to Taste Atlas, a platform for traditional culinary, authentic restaurants, and critic reviews, five Indonesian coffee drinks are recognized as the best in the world.
Taste Atlas has released a list of the 63 best coffee drinks in the world, including five Indonesian varieties: kopi tubruk, kopi luwak, kopi joss, kopi ginseng, and upside-down coffee. Here is a review of these Indonesian coffee drinks.
1. Kopi Tubruk
This coffee is well-known among Indonesians, especially in Java. It's a simple beverage to make—finely or medium-ground coffee is mixed with boiling water.
After stirring, the coffee is left to sit for a few minutes until the grounds settle at the bottom. Some people prefer to add sugar before pouring in the hot water.
It is believed that this brewing method was introduced by Middle Eastern traders, as it closely resembles the preparation of Turkish coffee. Kopi Tubruk ranks 26th on Taste Atlas' list of the best coffee drinks.
2. Kopi Luwak
Kopi Luwak, extracted from the coffee beans that have been digested and excreted by civets (luwak), ranked 30th. Passing through the animal's digestive tract causes the coffee beans to lose their astringency, resulting in a smoother, finer, and less bitter taste. After being collected, the coffee beans are washed, ground, and roasted.
As cited from Taste Atlas, it is believed that this coffee was discovered in the 19th century during the Dutch colonial period when local farmers were prohibited from harvesting coffee for personal purposes.
They accidentally found that civet droppings contained undigested coffee beans, which were then used to brew coffee. Kopi luwak is often referred to as the most expensive coffee in the world, but many oppose the trade of kopi luwak because it threatens civet populations as a whole.
3. Kopi Joss
Kopi joss, originating from Yogyakarta, ranks 51st. This unique, authentic coffee drink that emerged in the 1960s includes the addition of burning charcoal directly into a cup of brewed coffee.
The name 'joss' comes from the sound that occurs when the charcoal burns in the glass. The addition of charcoal is believed to have health benefits. In addition, the burning of charcoal neutralizes acidity and gives a smooth caramel flavor to the drink.
4. Kopi Ginseng (Ginseng Coffee)
Ginseng coffee, combining coffee with ginseng, ranks 59th. Ginseng coffee is usually made by mixing ginseng extract or powder with traditional coffee. This drink is often considered a healthier alternative to regular coffee due to the addition of ginseng.
Ginseng coffee can be obtained pre-packaged or made by adding ginseng extract or powder to brewed coffee. The ginseng flavor might be somewhat bitter for those trying it for the first time, so it may take some time getting used to. It may also be necessary to add some sugar for balance.
5. Kopi Terbalik (Upside-Down Coffee)
Lastly, there is kopi terbalik or kopi khop (upside-down coffee), ranking 62nd. As the name suggests, this drink is served upside down. In other words, coffee is brewed and poured into a glass, then flipped and placed on a large saucer.
Each coffee is served with a straw, and guests must use it to gently blow air into the glass, allowing the liquid to be poured onto the saucer. This drink originates from coastal areas in Aceh.
According to Acehnese legend, when men sip the coffee and then go to work at sea, they overturn their cups to keep the coffee clean so that the men can drink it after returning from work.