Discover Indonesia's rich legacy of coffee and chocolate in this immersive, hands-on workshop at Toko Kopi Kulon, a local coffee house in Bantul on the outskirts of Yogyakarta. Guided by a friendly local barista and interpreter, this experience takes you on a flavorful journey through the Indonesian archipelago, exploring beans from over 50 regions and all four coffee species: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and rare Excelsa. Learn how coffee from Java once shaped global taste during the Dutch East Indies era, when “Java Coffee” became world-famous, and discover how cocoa became woven into local culture and modern Indonesian craft chocolate.
Your journey begins by opening jars of beans you and your barista choose together - from earthy and full-bodied Gayo to nutty Java, floral Toraja, fruity Ijen, and rich Temanggung - smelling their aromas and tasting the raw beans, often for the first time. Go further by exploring unique processing methods like honey, full-wash, wine, and natural process, trying raw cacao beans, and smelling your way through more than 5 single-origin Indonesian chocolates.
Next comes an international-standard cupping session, where you'll cup and taste like a pro: 5 coffees from the jars you opened, plus 2 of the chocolates you smelled earlier. Note every flavor you pick up, from fruity and floral to earthy and chocolatey. If you're with others, it turns into a friendly competition for the sharpest palate, judged by your barista, with a special prize for the winner.
Your barista then guides you step by step through grinding and pour-over V60 brewing, so you can recreate the method yourself, or choose to prepare a traditional-style hot chocolate instead. Sit back and savor the cup you made while your barista photographs and films the session, swapping stories about Indonesia's late-night “ngopi” culture and modern café scene; photos and videos are sent to you free of charge after your visit.
Before you leave, pick your own 2x50g coffee or chocolate souvenir to bring home. With hotel pickup and drop-off included, this is more than a tasting class; it's a hands-on journey from bean to cup that awakens all your senses, whether you're a caffeine lover, a chocolate enthusiast, or simply curious about Indonesia's culture.
