Nestled in the historic town of Klang, Chuan Hoe Coffee Factory (全和㗝呸粉厂) has been preserving the art of roasting authentic Nanyang coffee since 1958.
Golden Fan Coffee Mixture
The term “Ko-Pi” (㗝呸) in the factory’s Chinese name is derived from the Hokkien word for “coffee” (咖啡). In 1960, Chuan Hoe Coffee Factory established its own brand, Golden Fan, which continues to the present day.
The Making of Ko-Pi
The process begins with coffee beans being roasted until they turn brown, which is roughly 80% darkness. At this stage, hot sugar syrup is added to give Nanyang coffee its characteristic caramelized flavor. Margarine is also added, and the mixture is subjected to continuous heating and stirring. When fully roasted, the coffee beans are aromatic as they release their essential oils.
Chuan Hoe Coffee Factory upholds the time-honored practice of wood-fired roasting. Unlike gas or electricity which burns at a consistent temperature, using firewood presents a greater challenge due to its varying moisture content. This leads to fluctuating heat intensity, so it is crucial to control the fire such that the coffee beans are roasted evenly.
Wood-fired roasting takes at least three times longer compared to charcoal roasting. However, patience is worthwhile as subtle smoky notes are infused into coffee beans during the roasting process.
In light of rising firewood cost, Chuan Hoe Coffee Factory uses wood salvaged from used shipping pallets. This resourceful approach not only saves cost, but also supports sustainability while still preserving the tradition of roasting Nanyang coffee.
Firewood is also used to prepare sugar syrup.
Margarine is also an important ingredient when roasting Nanyang coffee.
At 80% darkness, coffee beans lose most moisture. This leaves the beans porous and receptive to the infusion of flavors from sugar syrup and margarine.
Once the coffee beans have been fully roasted, they are ground and packed in airtight bags. The finished product is now ready for brewing.
Specialty Coffee Beans
Beyond their renowned wood-fired roasting expertise, Chuan Hoe Coffee Factory also offers a diverse selection of coffee beans to cater to the wide range of preferences from coffee connoisseurs.
Although the popularity of traditionally-roasted Nanyang coffee has dwindled over time, Chuan Hoe Coffee Factory ensures that its time-tested roasting method remains unchanged. Indeed, the rich flavors and bold aroma of Nanyang coffee embody the region’s cultural heritage.
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