Latest news with #specialtycoffee
Yahoo
11 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Cempedak loaf, orange Americano and solitude at Beanery: Inside the most peaceful café in Cheras
KUALA LUMPUR, June 28 — Cheras is filled with cafés and specialty coffee bars. Most tend to be packed on weekends; it's how it is when everyone seems to be hankering for their Eggs Benedict and sourdough for brunch, and enough cups of coffee to keep them up for the rest of their week. This feels as though it defeats the purpose of visiting a café, if one is after some peace and quiet; it might well be less crowded at a wet market, honestly. Which is why it feels like such a discovery coming across Beanery, a somewhat secluded café nestled within the quieter part of Taman Taynton View. Outside, we are greeted by a random assortment of potted plants and a discreet wooden door; perhaps promising a bit of a contemplative retreat within. Orange Americano. — Picture by CK Lim Inside, a hush. Stucco walls cool to the touch, exposed concrete floors, and plenty of wood – the warm grain of teak, polished mahogany – in both the furnishing and subtle accents. There's a thoughtful rhythm here, a stillness that nods towards both Scandinavian minimalism and Japanese aesthetics. This design sensibility comes courtesy of Brendon Lee, the founder of Beanery. Formerly an e-commerce account manager, he now runs the café with his family. Lee is also the barista here; when we visited, he was behind the bar pulling shots of espresso for customers. Slowly, without rush, as though he was brewing pour-over coffee rather than making long blacks and flat whites. Cempedak Loaf (left). Framed wood (right). — Picture by CK Lim That level of care is evident in our Orange Americano. The espresso's bitter edge is lifted by the citrus oils. The scent alone is enough to entice: roasted beans and orange zest, sharp and clean. We pair our coffees with Beanery's fresh bakes. The Cempedak Loaf, warmed before serving, is an unexpected delight. A buttery crust gives way to a tender crumb, laced with golden strands of the tropical fruit. It's indulgent without being heavy, sweet enough without being too cloying. Just the way we like it. Every bite and sip is accompanied by the curated ambience; Lee shows restraint in not filling every available cranny with more tables and chairs. Instead, there is sufficient space for one to fall into a private reverie or to simply take in every detail – how a slice of tree trunk, rough-edged but polished too, hangs framed on the wall like a window into a distant forest. One can find solitude here, if so desired. Natural light diffuses gently from the outside, which makes the window seat the most tranquil spot by far. From there, the world passes by, a boon for those fond of observation or simply lingering with a coffee and a slice of cake. Speaking of cakes, these continue to tempt from Beanery's chiller display: Espresso Burnt Cheesecake, Matcha Tiramisu, Genmaicha Tea Mousse, and more. The window seat. — Picture by CK Lim For us, there is a certain pleasure in the yielding cool of their Oreo Mousse, shaped into a formal cube with a single Oreo cookie perched on top as a bold punctuation. You really can't go wrong with a marriage of cream and cocoa, can you? Savour this slowly, as with everything else here. Even my caffè latte, which arrives some time later, reflects this unhurried pace. Steamed milk, poured into a fresh shot of espresso without flourish. The resultant cuppa is velvety and calming. No more and no less. It is exactly what it should be. This might be the most peaceful café in Cheras, we reckon. (For now, at least. Fingers crossed.) Oreo Mousse. — Picture by CK Lim What lingers is not one single cup nor any particular slice, but the sense of one's own place in an often disruptive world. If nothing else, Beanery provides a Zen-like space for us to unwind and reflect on all the small, ordinary things in our lives. Such a gift, this. My 'caffè latte', velvety and calming. — Picture by CK Lim Beanery 74, Jalan Nadchatiram 1, Taman Taynton View, Cheras, KL Open Tue-Sun 9am-7pm; Tue closed IG: FB: *This is an independent review where the writer paid for the meal. *Follow us on Instagram for more food gems. Zen-like space. — Picture by CK Lim
Malay Mail
11 hours ago
- Business
- Malay Mail
Cempedak loaf, orange Americano and solitude at Beanery: Inside the most peaceful café in Cheras
KUALA LUMPUR, June 28 — Cheras is filled with cafés and specialty coffee bars. Most tend to be packed on weekends; it's how it is when everyone seems to be hankering for their Eggs Benedict and sourdough for brunch, and enough cups of coffee to keep them up for the rest of their week. This feels as though it defeats the purpose of visiting a café, if one is after some peace and quiet; it might well be less crowded at a wet market, honestly. Which is why it feels like such a discovery coming across Beanery, a somewhat secluded café nestled within the quieter part of Taman Taynton View. Outside, we are greeted by a random assortment of potted plants and a discreet wooden door; perhaps promising a bit of a contemplative retreat within. Orange Americano. — Picture by CK Lim Inside, a hush. Stucco walls cool to the touch, exposed concrete floors, and plenty of wood – the warm grain of teak, polished mahogany – in both the furnishing and subtle accents. There's a thoughtful rhythm here, a stillness that nods towards both Scandinavian minimalism and Japanese aesthetics. This design sensibility comes courtesy of Brendon Lee, the founder of Beanery. Formerly an e-commerce account manager, he now runs the café with his family. Lee is also the barista here; when we visited, he was behind the bar pulling shots of espresso for customers. Slowly, without rush, as though he was brewing pour-over coffee rather than making long blacks and flat whites. Cempedak Loaf (left). Framed wood (right). — Picture by CK Lim That level of care is evident in our Orange Americano. The espresso's bitter edge is lifted by the citrus oils. The scent alone is enough to entice: roasted beans and orange zest, sharp and clean. We pair our coffees with Beanery's fresh bakes. The Cempedak Loaf, warmed before serving, is an unexpected delight. A buttery crust gives way to a tender crumb, laced with golden strands of the tropical fruit. It's indulgent without being heavy, sweet enough without being too cloying. Just the way we like it. Every bite and sip is accompanied by the curated ambience; Lee shows restraint in not filling every available cranny with more tables and chairs. Instead, there is sufficient space for one to fall into a private reverie or to simply take in every detail – how a slice of tree trunk, rough-edged but polished too, hangs framed on the wall like a window into a distant forest. One can find solitude here, if so desired. Natural light diffuses gently from the outside, which makes the window seat the most tranquil spot by far. From there, the world passes by, a boon for those fond of observation or simply lingering with a coffee and a slice of cake. Speaking of cakes, these continue to tempt from Beanery's chiller display: Espresso Burnt Cheesecake, Matcha Tiramisu, Genmaicha Tea Mousse, and more. The window seat. — Picture by CK Lim For us, there is a certain pleasure in the yielding cool of their Oreo Mousse, shaped into a formal cube with a single Oreo cookie perched on top as a bold punctuation. You really can't go wrong with a marriage of cream and cocoa, can you? Savour this slowly, as with everything else here. Even my caffè latte, which arrives some time later, reflects this unhurried pace. Steamed milk, poured into a fresh shot of espresso without flourish. The resultant cuppa is velvety and calming. No more and no less. It is exactly what it should be. This might be the most peaceful café in Cheras, we reckon. (For now, at least. Fingers crossed.) Oreo Mousse. — Picture by CK Lim What lingers is not one single cup nor any particular slice, but the sense of one's own place in an often disruptive world. If nothing else, Beanery provides a Zen-like space for us to unwind and reflect on all the small, ordinary things in our lives. Such a gift, this. My 'caffè latte', velvety and calming. — Picture by CK Lim Beanery 74, Jalan Nadchatiram 1, Taman Taynton View, Cheras, KL Open Tue-Sun 9am-7pm; Tue closed IG: FB: *This is an independent review where the writer paid for the meal. *Follow us on Instagram @eatdrinkmm for more food gems. Zen-like space. — Picture by CK Lim
Free Malaysia Today
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Free Malaysia Today
Didi's is giving European bakes a local makeover
Didi's Café and Bakery is bringing something fresh to the table. (Andrea Edmonds @ FMT Lifestyle) KUALA LUMPUR : Listen up, Wangsa Maju folks – your neighbourhood just got a cool new café that's baking up a storm. At Didi's Café and Bakery, you'll find specialty coffee and freshly baked pastries with a unique twist you won't get anywhere else. Opened in February, the café's name means 'elder sister' in Hindi – a sweet tribute to what owner Nashilla Rafiq is called at home. While it's a family-owned spot, it's Nashilla, a former lawyer and mum, who runs the show. 'All of this started because our entire family loves coffee,' the 35-year-old told FMT Lifestyle. 'We wanted to bring something new and exciting to the neighbourhood.' All the café's goodies are baked in-house by a skilled pastry chef. (Andrea Edmonds @ FMT Lifestyle) At Didi's, classic European bakes get a local makeover with creations like rendang croizza and masak lemak-stuffed ciabatta. Nashilla's younger sister, 25, is the creative force behind many of their creations. 'She's really good with flavour profiles – always trying new things, exploring funky combinations,' Nashilla said. 'She came up with the idea for the masak lemak-stuffed ciabatta, and even though customers are hesitant at first, we encourage them to give it a try. Most end up loving it.' The siblings first tested their ideas through pop-ups. Once they realised their unique creations were a hit, they brought on skilled chefs to help execute their vision – and just like that, Didi's Café and Bakery was born. The croizzas come in three flavours and are a must-try. (Andrea Edmonds @ FMT Lifestyle) FMT Lifestyle tried some of Didi's signature items, and loved every one of them. The masak lemak stuffed ciabatta was a pleasant surprise. Shredded chicken in a fiery, tangy masak lemak sauce is stuffed into crusty Italian bread, with a bright yellow filling that looks intense but isn't oily. Somehow, they've nailed the richness of masak lemak without the heaviness – keeping it moist, spicy, and seriously flavour-packed. You've seen big pizza chains experiment with local flavours, but on a croizza? That's something else. Generously loaded with tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef, this croizza hits all the right notes. The croizza base is the real game-changer: made with croissant dough, it's flaky, buttery, and still sturdy to hold all the toppings together. The Kefir chicken croizza is also a must-try with its perfect balance of spice and sweetness. The apple turnover too was a quiet winner. Chunky apple pieces and smooth custard are wrapped in a golden puff pastry, with just the right touch of sweetness. You will end up finishing it in a few greedy bites. The pistachio cherry croissant meanwhile, which happens to be Nashilla's personal favourite, is a visual stunner. The croissant is perfectly laminated, topped with a crown of crunchy pistachios, and filled with luscious pistachio cream and sweet-tart cherry compote. On Wednesdays, Didi's offers 10% off all matcha lattes for ladies' night. (Andrea Edmonds @ FMT Lifestyle) And if none of this is your cup of tea (or coffee), they've got plenty more – from sourdough and focaccia to cinnamon rolls and beyond. Didi's takes their drinks seriously, too. The butterscotch latte and matcha strawberry are definite must-tries. And if you're a matcha lover, swing by on Wednesdays for ladies' night, where you'll get 10% off all matcha lattes. As it's a family affair, you'll often find Nashilla's mother, Noor Shida Ismail, around the café – coffee in hand, happily chatting with customers. 'What I've realised from running this café is that people who come here end up sharing pieces of their lives with us,' Noor Shida shared. 'On Mother's Day, we had two girls sitting here in tears because their mother no longer remembers them. It's moments like that which are so touching.' So if you're craving a little downtime, drop by this cosy café. With seasonal specials like the Raya-exclusive onde-onde pain suisse, there's always a reason to come back for more. Head over to Wangsa Maju to discover this cosy little café. (Andrea Edmonds @ FMT Lifestyle) Follow Didi's Café and Bakery on Instagram. Didi's Café and Bakery 69, Jalan Wangsa Delima 5 Pusat Bandar Wangsa Maju 53300 Kuala Lumpur Operation Hours: 9am-12am: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 9am-1am: Friday, Saturday, Sunday (Closed on Mondays)
Independent Singapore
17-06-2025
- Business
- Independent Singapore
Brews over booze: Singapore Gen Z parties sober but high on caffeine
Photo: Instagram/ SINGAPORE: The high once associated with liquor at parties has now shifted to specialty coffee brewing in pubs in the city-state, as they adapt to Gen Z's changing preference for safe spaces and alcohol-free experiences, AFP reported. In May, a GlobalData survey showed that Singapore pubs have been winning over the younger generation with non-alcoholic drinks and unique experiences amid the drop in alcohol consumption while socialising, from 78% in 2021 to 74% in early 2025. One recent example was a daytime party held in Duxton district. By 4 p.m., the place was already full, with baristas busy behind the counters making specialty coffee while DJs spun back-to-back sets in the background. The event was organised by Beans and Beats, co-founded by 21-year-old Aden Low, which organises coffee parties at different venues. He said, 'A lot of people think alcohol gives you the high, but caffeine sometimes can do that too,' adding that's why the atmosphere is still 'quite energetic'. Guests sip their coffee from white paper cups while dancing to curated music. Thirty-one-year-old Esther Low, who attended the event in Duxton, said, 'It's also the idea that this is a safe space,' noting that clubbing often comes with a hook-up culture. 'So, for me, that's personally why I would prefer this,' she added. AFP reported, citing a 2024 World Health Organisation (WHO) report, that alcohol use among young adults has dropped, based on population surveys and cohort studies. The rise of the 'sober curious' movement, where people choose to cut back on drinking or quit altogether, has also grown—often driven by health reasons and better mental acuity. /TISG Read also: Gen Z and Millennials are confident in spotting scams, yet are the first to jump into new investments
Yahoo
16-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
High-Impact Workshops and Lecture Series Announced for World of Coffee Geneva 2025
Actionable Learning Opportunities Focus on the Specialty Coffee Value Chain GENEVA, SWITZERLAND / / June 16, 2025 / The Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) is proud to unveil the education program at World of Coffee Geneva, taking place June 26-28, 2025, at Palexpo SA. Over 60 free lectures and 25 hands-on workshops empower professionals across the specialty coffee value chain and provide the tools and knowledge they need to innovate, adapt, and lead in the global coffee industry. "This year's education program is all about practical, forward-thinking learning that meets the moment," said Kim Elena Ionescu, Chief Strategy & Insights Officer at the SCA. "Our Lecture Series, which is free of charge to attendees, is designed to inform, inspire, and connect the global coffee community, while our fee-based workshops offer a deeper dive into key topics and skills that complement SCA's certificate programs."Early registration for the World of Coffee Geneva Workshops is strongly encouraged. The 25, 2.5-3.5 hours workshops include the following: Thursday, June 26, 2025 Crafting Connections: A Market-Readiness Workshop for Green Coffee Producers & Exporters Regenerative Thinking: A Design Thinking Toolkit for Specialty Coffee Crafting Exceptional and Sustainable Coffee Blends Hiring and Training: Building Strong Foundations for a Growing Team Your Coffee Data Made Easy: Build your Business Intelligence Dashboard for Better Decisions Beyond the Beans: How to Craft Stories to Connect with Your Buyer Boost Your Social Ventures: Sustainable Project Funding through Crowdfunding Sensory Training: Unlocking Coffee's Full Potential Friday, June 27, 2025 Mastering Sensory Skills: A Hands-On Approach to Specialty Coffee Evaluation Taste with Your Eyes: How Color Impacts Flavor (and Willingness to Pay?) The Evolution of Coffee Brewing: Geography, Flavor, and Culture Taste, Describe, Create: Applying the CVA Descriptive Form to Coffee Blend Creation Coffee Business Growth Masterclass: Navigating Consolidation with Strategic Action Savoring Diversity: A Workshop on Coffee Species Genetics and Flavor Exploration Building your Own Pricing Impact Assessment to Support Smallholder Livelihoods Where Did That Charge Come From? A Roaster's Guide to Coffee Costs Saturday, June 28, 2025 Fundamentals of Green Coffee Buying Level Up Your Leadership: Management for Multi-Site Operators Infused at Origin: Understanding and Experiencing Infused Coffees The World of Coffee Geneva complimentary Lecture Series will explore urgent and emerging topics across three thematic tracks: Science, Business, and Sustainability. Science sessions include a diverse range of topics exploring chemistry, sensory qualities, and innovations in coffee research. These sessions are: Unraveling Cup Quality of Wild Varieties and Half-Wild Hybrids Conserved at the Coffee Genebank by the Agronomic Institute (IAC) in Brazil; Electrochemical Measurement and Modification of Coffee; Past, Present, and Future of Cupping; Impact of Decaffeination on Coffee Quality - A Chemistry Perspective; Sensory and Chemical Impact of the Presence of Black and Sour Physical Defects; Hot & Cold Value Assessment: Comparative Sensory Profiling of Cold, Hot, and Gentle Brewed Coffees Using Descriptive Techniques; An Exploration of Coffee Brewing Habits Through Netnography and Means-End Chain Analysis; Exploring the Impact of Nitrogen Injection on Cold Brew Quality: Extraction Levels, Caffeine, and Chlorogenic Acid Concentration; and Exploring Coffee Acidity: A Flavoromics Perspective. Business sessions include a variety of topics that address both the current landscape and future direction of the specialty coffee industry. These sessions are: What is Specialty Coffee?; Coffee Consolidations: Smart Strategies for Small Companies to Scale Up (ver. 2.0); Staying Ahead of the Curve: Leveraging Coffee Industry Trends for Success; The Great Coffee Price Breakaway; Building Customer Loyalty: Lessons From Scaling Nairobi's First Specialty Coffee Subscription Service; Global Coffee Supply Chain: Overcoming Logistics Disruptions; Global Trends in Specialty Coffee: How Shops Around the World Engage Consumers Through Design, Experience, and Communication; and The Evolution of Coffee Culture in Ukraine: Challenges, Adaptation, and Future Prospects. Sustainable sessions include a range of impactful topics focused on environmental responsibility, social equity, and collaborative strategies within the coffee industry. These sessions are: Results from the Latin America Coffee Carbon Footprint Baseline Study and the Impact of Industry-Wide Collaboration for Carbon Footprint Baselining; Circular Economy and Regenerative Agriculture: Toward Living and Prosperous Incomes; The Role of Women in the Sustainable Development of the Coffee Industry: The Case of Rebuild Women's Hope Cooperative in the Democratic Republic of Congo; Carbon Footprint in Brazilian Coffee: Measurement and Reduction Strategies; Toward Equitable Compliance: Making Mandatory Human Rights and Environmental Due Diligence Work for All; Closing the Living Income Gap: Collaborating on Prices, Efficiency, and Value Distribution in the Honduran Coffee Sector; and Agroforestry Coffee and Participatory Guarantee Systems Initiatives: How the Slow Food Coffee Coalition Members Build an International Network Based on Biodiversity, Transparency, and Collaboration. To view the full education schedule and register, visit of Coffee Geneva is Europe's largest international specialty coffee trade show, anticipating approximately 13,000 professionals from 160+ countries. With approximately 450 exhibiting companies, the event offers unparalleled opportunities to showcase products, network with industry leaders, and access qualified global coffee buyers-25% of whom plan to invest over $1 million this year. Event sponsors include Host Sponsor: BWT water+more; Platinum Sponsor: Barista Attitude; Diamond Sponsor: Nestlé Professional; and Gold Sponsor: Alpro. The Portrait Country: Café de Colombia, will feature exclusive cultural activations and a pop-up café experience Registration for World of Coffee Geneva 2025 is now open at SCA members receive exclusive registration discounts. Interested in exhibiting or sponsorship? Contact Margaret Andreucetti at margareta@ or sponsorships@ Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) is the largest global coffee trade association dedicated to making coffee better by fostering a global coffee community and supporting initiatives that drive specialty coffee as a thriving, equitable, and sustainable industry. Through collaboration and progressive approaches, the SCA supports the industry through research, standards, education, and events. Working worldwide, the SCA elevates coffee quality standards while connecting a growing global community. Learn more at or follow @specialtycoffeeassociation on social media. # # # For further information, contact:Amy Riemer, Communications Director978-502-4895 (mobile)amy@ SOURCE: World of Coffee View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
