Discovering Indonesia’s Coffee and Cacao Origins Through Tasting
House of Beans works to connect Indonesian producers with roasters and cafés in Japan, sharing the appeal of Indonesian coffee and cacao. As part of this effort, we hosted an event for tasting and exchange at Kurasu Ebisugawa in Kyoto, with support from Bank Indonesia.
Under the theme “Beyond Specialty,” the event encouraged visitors to look beyond quality scores and evaluations to discover the landscapes, producers, and stories behind each product. Through firsthand tasting, we hoped to deepen their understanding of Indonesia’s diverse origins.
Watch Highlights from the Event
Exploring the Diversity of Indonesian Coffee
The event featured eight coffees from Flores, Bali, Java, Sumatra, and Papua. Alongside Arabica, visitors were introduced to Robusta and Liberica, highlighting the remarkable range of flavors and characteristics found in Indonesian coffee.
In a cupping-style tasting, guests explored the aromas and flavors of each coffee. Comparing coffees from different regions, varieties, and processing methods allowed visitors to experience their distinctive qualities firsthand.
Green coffee beans and information about their origins were also displayed at the counter. The Kurasu and House of Beans teams introduced each coffee, connecting its flavor profile with the story of where it came from.
Discovering Indonesian Cacao Through Chocolate
Alongside the coffees, we introduced cacao grown in Aceh Tenggara, Sumatra, and Jembrana, Bali. With the cooperation of Orang Orang Cacao, we offered 70% dark chocolate made from cacao from each of these two origins.
Visitors had the opportunity to compare the chocolates and discover the differences between the two regions. Cacao beans and origin information were displayed alongside the samples, creating a connection between the chocolate we enjoy and the places where its ingredients are grown.
The tasting was an opportunity to share the appeal of Indonesian agricultural products through cacao as well as coffee.
Sharing Origin Stories and Connecting with Guests
Throughout the event, the Kurasu and House of Beans teams gathered with visitors around the counter to introduce the coffees and cacao. Guests listened to the presentations, explored the aromas, and shared their impressions with one another.
Representatives from Bank Indonesia and the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia in Osaka also attended. The event brought together those sharing the stories of Indonesian producers and people in Japan who enjoy coffee and cacao, creating a space for tasting and exchange.
Through firsthand tasting and conversation, we sought to communicate qualities that cannot be fully conveyed through written materials alone.
Bringing Indonesian Coffee and Cacao to Japan
At this event in Kyoto, guests had the opportunity to taste coffees and cacao from a variety of Indonesian origins and learn about the stories behind them. House of Beans will continue to connect producers in Indonesia with people in Japan, creating opportunities to discover new origins and flavors.
We sincerely thank everyone who attended, Kurasu Ebisugawa for hosting the event, Bank Indonesia for its support, and all those who helped make the event possible.
