From Coffee Shops to Brewing it At Home, Delivered Fresh to You On-Demand with Lalamove

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The History and Importance of Coffee in Singapore

 

In Singapore, approximately 79% of Singaporeans consume coffee regularly and 58% of them drink it daily. Coffee plays an important role in Singapore’s culture as it is deeply ingrained in the nation’s rich heritage. Since the early 20th century, local coffee establishments combined a Malay and Hokkien word to form the term “Kopitiam” and it became an iconic representation of local coffee shops. Unlike modern coffee, these traditional blends of coffee are called “Kopi” and are brewed from beans roasted with sugar and butter, resulting in a distinctive caramelised flavour. Besides its distinctive amora, Kopi is available in all kopitams known as social hubs for Singaporeans to enjoy affordable local dishes and beverages. Kopi is mostly preferred among the older generation but it eventually became a popular beverage with the younger generations due to its affordability. 

 

As Singapore’s economy evolved over the decades, the coffee culture also shifted to modern innovations. The growing demand for high-quality, artisanal coffee experiences has led to an increase of speciality coffee establishments in Singapore by 2% to 3% year on year. The consumption of single-origin and dynamic coffee can cost minimally around $8 per cup in these types of coffee shops. Despite its high cost, the interest in nuanced flavours is still at an all-time high among coffee drinkers. Singapore's economy is highly dependent on the coffee industry since Singapore's coffee culture cultivates an interplay of tradition and modernity coffee consumption. 

 

Coffee Facts

 

How much caffeine is in coffee? 

The doses of caffeine in coffee depend on the type of coffee, the method of preparation and the serving size. 

For brewed coffee such as drip or filtered has around 80 to 100mg per 8 ounces which is equivalent to a 240ml cup. For espresso, it has an average of 63mg per 1 ounce serving which is equivalent to a 30ml shot. For instant coffee, it has an average of 30 to 90mg per 8 ounces which is equivalent to a 240ml cup.

Decaffeinated coffee has an average of 2 to 5mg per 8 ounces which is equivalent to a 240ml cup and is usually popular among pregnant women.

 

Is coffee good for health?

Coffee is beneficial to our health when consumed in moderation as coffee is rich in antioxidants which help to reduce inflammation and improve mental and cognitive function. Studies also have suggested that regular coffee consumption may lower the risk of certain diseases such as Type 2 Diabetes, heart disease and liver health.

 

Why Is A Cup of Coffee Expensive

 

It is no surprise that a cup of coffee in Singapore is rather expensive compared to other countries in the Southeast region. It is mainly due to numerous factors of economic, cultural and lifestyle factors. Starting strong, Singapore has one of the highest operating costs among neighbouring countries, or matter of fact in the world. Rental and labour costs are high due to limited lands and competitive wages due to labour shortages in the food and beverage industry. Not to mention, most speciality coffee beans are imported from far-distanced countries such as South America or Africa. So why are consumers still willing to pay such a high price for a cup of coffee? Generally, most consumers view it as a luxury or an experience rather than just a beverage to consume. Cafes in Singapore are lifestyle destinations, with the added ambience and free wifi, it has become a popular spot for people to work in with their laptops. Convenience of not brewing your coffee, social influence and brand loyalty play a vital role in these contributing factors too. Even though fast-growing big coffee chains such as Luckin Coffee can price their coffee at a more affordable price compared to other coffee chains, it is not sustainable in the long run.

 

Based on recent news, your next cup of joe is about to be even more pricer than before due to climate change which caused a drastic drop in supply that resulted the disruptions in the supply chain. Recent changes in the prices and low supply have shifted consumer behaviours as climate change has affected the supply of coffee beans due to rising temperatures, unstable weather patterns and degradation of soils. 

 

Cheapest Way to Enjoy A Good Cup of Coffee

 

Fret not, you can still indulge in high-quality cups of coffee at an affordable price by buying coffee beans directly from suppliers and brewing them yourself at home. Not only you can save significantly, but it also ensures fresher coffee. The potential cost of brewing coffee at home is around 10% to 15% of what you would usually pay at a coffee shop. Besides, you get to have full control of your coffee experience through experimenting with different brewing methods, grind sizes and flavours and most importantly, freshness and less waste are assured. So why not transform your home into your favourite coffee shop? Nothing beats the comfort of a home.

The easiest way to start brewing at home is by using a coffee grinder and either brewing it with the method of French press or drip coffee maker. Buy coffee beans in bulk or straight from the suppliers and make sure to store the beans in an airtight container to maintain their freshness. 

Let’s weigh the pros and cons of making coffee at home. The pros are brewing it at home is cost-effective, convenient, less waste and customisable. However, the cons of making it yourself is that buying quality coffee equipment can be expensive, it is also time-consuming especially if you are rushing and it requires certain skills if you want to experience the same quality of coffee as those in coffee shops. However, buying coffee equipment can often be viewed as a one-time investment that pays off in the long run and many items in the market do not empty your wallet. Brewing coffee yourself can feel troublesome sometimes but once you get into a routine, it can be a relaxing part of your day. Learning a new skill such as making coffee can be rewarding and fun to take up, what better way than to learn how to make something you appreciate? 

Brewing your coffee at home can be perceived as more than just a cost-saving habit, it is also a lifestyle. Each cup you make is customisable which reflects your personal taste and creativity with sustainability in mind. As you get into a routine of brewing coffee by yourself, your knowledge of coffee increases and it can be rewarding and eventually turns into a social activity to form a connection with others over similar interest in coffee. Most coffee lovers take pride in indulging personal brewing into their personal aesthetic, a statement of who they are.

 

4 Easy Steps for Beginners on How to Brew Your Coffee

 

Here’s a foolproof way to kickstart your brewing journey at home that is easy, affordable and fun. 

 

What you need: 

  • Fresh Coffee Beans (or pre-ground coffee)

  • A Coffee Grinder (optional if you use pre-ground coffee)

  • A Coffee Maker (choose from French press, drip coffee maker or pour-over)

  • Hot Water

  • Your Favourite Coffee Mug

 

Step 1: Select the type of coffee beans you like 

  • Most people will always start with medium roast or light roast when trying out a new origin. 

  • For pre-ground coffee, pick one that is suitable to your brewing method.

 

Step 2: Measure your coffee and water

  • Follow the exact instructions stated on your coffee bean packaging to maximise the flavouring. 

  • If not provided, the standard measurement should be a 1:15 ratio. 1 gram of coffee for every 15 grams of hot water. A typical size of a cup is to use 2 tablespoons of coffee (approximately 10 grams) for 1 cup (approximately 150ml) of hot water.

  • You can always switch up the ratio based on your preference.

 

Step 3: Brew the coffee

  • French Press: Add the coffee and hot water together, and let it steep for 3 to 4 minutes before pressing the plunger.

  • Pour-Over: Slowly pour the hot water over the coffee grounds in a circular motion and let it drip through the filter.

  • Drip Coffee Maker: Add water and coffee grounds together and the machine will do the remaining part of it.

 

Step 4: Spice it up & Bon Appétit

  • Once the coffee is ready, you can choose to enjoy it black or with extra flavourings such as milk, sugar, syrups or creamer. 

 

High-Quality Coffee Beans to Use At Home

 

Here are some local high-quality coffee bean brands you can support directly to get you started on brewing your first cup of coffee in the comfort of your home: 

 

1. Common Man Coffee Roasters

https://commonmancoffeeroasters.com/collections/all

 

 

2. Perks Coffee Co.

https://perkcoffee.co/sg/ 

 

 

3. Cowpressocoffee

https://cowpressocoffee.sg/ 

 

 

4. Santino Coffee Specialists Pte Ltd

https://santino.com.sg/ 

 

 

5. Round Boy Roasters

https://order.roundboyroasters.com/ 

 

 

 

Freshness Delivered on Same-Day & On-Demand 24/7 for You with Lalamove

With convenience and flexibility in mind, a cup of joe is always within your reach with Lalamove. We ensure your coffee beans stay fresh when delivering them, right to your doorsteps. Enjoy reliable, on-demand and same-day delivery 24/7, anytime & anywhere!

 

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