Java Junkies

by Liza Rowan

Top photo: Baristas at Supresso

Quest for the perfect bean

Supresso Coffee Gallery

Mandarin Gallery #03-11

Since February this year, the AWA Java Junkies have been visiting a variety of coffee specialists twice a month. Staff at each site we’ve visited have been beyond hospitable, going to all lengths to share their knowledge of this much loved, ubiquitous bean. In planning to write about a specific venue this month, I struggled to single one out.

However, giving proof to the saying that the coffee cup is really half full, Phase 2 Heightened Alert solved my dilemma. At the time of writing, dear reader, you cannot visit any of these wonderful Java Joints to sit in with friends and enjoy their unique spaces and offerings.

Therefore, it is appropriate to write about a colourful gem hidden away in Mandarin Gallery on Orchard Road – because it isn’t a café! Supresso Coffee Gallery, (#03-11) is a purveyor deeply passionate about all things coffee.

Starting small in 1971 in Sumatra, Supresso now brings the best of Indonesian coffee to the global market. Coffee is sourced from local farmers across the archipelago, many of whom focus on specialty and organic beans. With knowledge accumulated over generations, roasting and blending creates over 100 varieties of both single-origin and blended coffee. There is something on offer for every coffee connoisseur.

The baristas at Supresso will enthusiastically explain the various ways you can make your home brew. This, in times of the pandemic, has become an emergency art form for many of us. You might like to grind your own beans for their aroma and your lazy morning routine, or go with a ‘drip’ form of coffee when you’re short on time. Then, there are capsules for when everyone in the household wants a different coffee experience, specifically in acidity, body, bitterness, balance, flavour….all coffee traits our experts at Supresso deftly pass on.

If you can’t make a trip to the store in person, do visit their website (https://www.supresso.com/sg/) to scan their brochure for the sheer pleasure of reading through the names and coffee descriptions. Personally, I was drawn to ‘West Java – wine taste, berry like, sweet honey’. As with many fine things in life, the more we learn about them, the more we appreciate them and the deeper we dig. As we junkies continue on our java appreciation journey, our addiction expands, and not just to the coffee!

Want to know more? Join our Facebook group and sign up for our next outing! www.facebook.com/groups/awajavajunkies

Liza Rowan is a holistic nutritionist, supporting Green Umbrella, an education NGO in Cambodia. You can also find her proudly holding a tennis racket or coffee cup!

Liza Rowan