In Klang, coffee factory retains traditional methods for unique flavour
Tan Loon Chuan, third-generation in family business, roasts beans with charcoal to create special ‘kopi-O’
Updated 3 years ago · Published on 01 Oct 2022 11:00AM
Tan Loon Chuan, the third generation in his family to run Chuan Hoe Coffee Factory in Klang, Selangor, puts wood inside a charcoal oven to roast the coffee beans. – SYEDA IMRAN/The Vibes pic, October 1, 2022
by Syeda Imran
KUALA LUMPUR – Chuan Hoe Coffee Factory is a traditional coffee factory located in Klang.
It is one of the few traditional ground coffee factories in Malaysia that still practises the charcoal roasting method.
Tan Loon Chuan, 63, is the third heir to his family’s coffee-making business. For years, he has kept to the charcoal method of roasting the beans.
He believes this gives the coffee a unique aroma and flavour, which is not found in beans processed by modern methods.
“To obtain a smooth coffee powder, the beans must go through several stages.”
The method is coupled with his expertise in managing the time and temperature of the roasting, frying, and blending of the beans with sugar and butter.
Despite the smoky work environment, Tan works hard to retain the special flavour of the charcoal-grilled “kopi-o”.
The Vibes’ photographer SYEDA IMRAN was there to record Tan’s labour of love. – The Vibes, October 1, 2022
Tan prepares to start working with the coffee beans, which come from various continents, at Chuan Hoe Coffee Factory in Klang, Selangor. – SYEDA IMRAN/The Vibes pic, October 1, 2022Tan checks the coffee beans during the roasting process. He maintains the traditional charcoal method of roasting. – SYEDA IMRAN/The Vibes pic, October 1, 2022Tan displays the roasted coffee beans. He believes the traditional charcoal roasting method gives the coffee a unique aroma and flavour not found in beans processed by modern methods. – SYEDA IMRAN/The Vibes pic, October 1, 2022 A mixture of sugar and butter is poured onto the roasted coffee beans. – SYEDA IMRAN/The Vibes pic, October 1, 2022A worker at Chuan Hoe Coffee Factory pours roasted coffee beans into the mixture of butter and sugar. – SYEDA IMRAN/The Vibes pic, October 1, 2022A worker pours the caramelised coffee beans into a compartment for cooling. In order to obtain smooth coffee powder, the beans must go through several processes, says Tan. – SYEDA IMRAN/The Vibes pic, October 1, 2022The caramelised coffee beans are cooled in a compartment at Chuan Hoe Coffee Factory. – SYEDA IMRAN/The Vibes pic, October 1, 2022Tan pours the caramelised coffee beans into a blending machine for the grinding process, where the beans are turned into coffee powder. – SYEDA IMRAN/The Vibes pic, October 1, 2022The final product, packaged caramelised coffee is pictured before being distributed at Chuan Hoe Coffee Factory. – SYEDA IMRAN/The Vibes pic, October 1, 2022The signboard at Chuan Hoe Coffee Factory in Klang, Selangor. Despite the smoky work environment, Tan works hard to retain the special flavour of the charcoal-grilled ‘kopi-o’. – SYEDA IMRAN/The Vibes pic, October 1, 2022
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