Article: Why Coffee Tastes Different in Thailand: It's Not Just the Beans, Water Plays a Role Too
Why Coffee Tastes Different in Thailand: It's Not Just the Beans, Water Plays a Role Too
Since you started living in Thailand,
have you ever felt that "even though I'm using the same coffee beans, the taste is slightly different from what I drank in Japan"?
The coffee beans are the same.
The dripper is also the same.
The brewing method hasn't changed.
And yet,
・The bitterness is strong
・The aroma is weak
・The aftertaste is heavy
・It doesn't taste like the coffee I drank in Japan
Some of you may have had such an experience.
Of course, the taste of coffee changes depending on the type of beans, the roast level, and the brewing method.
However, what many people overlook is "water."
About 99% of coffee is water
About 98-99% of a cup of coffee is made up of water.
In other words, no matter how good the coffee beans are, if the water changes, the taste will also change.
This is why baristas and specialty coffee shops around the world place great importance on water quality management.
If coffee beans are the main character, then water can be said to be the stage that brings out their charm.
Japan and Thailand have different water characteristics
Japan is a country with a soft water culture, which is rare worldwide.
In contrast, water with higher hardness than in Japan is common overseas.
While Thailand has many bottled water brands, their characteristics may differ from the ultra-soft water that Japanese people are accustomed to.
Minerals such as calcium and magnesium contained in water are said to affect coffee extraction.
How does coffee taste change with soft and hard water?
| Comparison Item | Soft Water | Hard Water |
|---|---|---|
| Aroma | Easily enhanced | May be slightly suppressed |
| Sweetness | Easily perceived | Bitterness may be pronounced |
| Mouthfeel | Smooth | Rich and full-bodied |
| Aftertaste | Clean and refreshing | May feel heavy |
| Compatibility with Japanese tastes | ◎ | ○ |
Neither is necessarily superior.
However, the coffee taste that Japanese people are accustomed to is often based on extraction with soft water.
I, too, noticed a difference in Thailand
When I first started living in Thailand, even though I was using my favorite coffee beans that I brought from Japan,
I felt that "for some reason, it didn't taste like the coffee I drank in Japan."
Even after changing the beans and grinding method, it didn't improve. The last thing I re-examined was the water.
Then the impression of the aroma and aftertaste changed, and I reaffirmed the importance of water for coffee.
The taste difference experienced in Thai life is not limited to coffee
In fact, the difference due to water is not limited to coffee.
Among Japanese people living in Thailand, some feel that
・Japanese rice doesn't cook well
・The dashi flavor isn't right
・The aroma of Japanese tea is weak
Related articles
→ Why Japanese rice doesn't cook well in Thailand | It wasn't the rice, but the "water" that was different
→ Why the taste of dashi changes in Thailand | It wasn't kombu or bonito flakes, but the "water"
→ Why Japanese tea doesn't taste good in Thailand | It wasn't the tea leaves, but the "water" that was different
What is the recommended water hardness for coffee?
In the coffee industry, it is generally said that relatively soft water tends to bring out the aroma and sweetness better than extremely hard water.
Especially,
・Drip coffee
・Hand drip
・Specialty coffee
・Black coffee
For those who enjoy these, it's worth paying attention to water hardness.
Why ONSENSUI99 pairs well with coffee
ONSENSUI99 is natural alkaline ionized water sourced from 750m underground in Tarumizu City, Kagoshima Prefecture.
Its characteristics are:
・pH 9.5-9.9
・Hardness 1.7mg/L
・Ultra-soft water
This ultra-soft water with a hardness of 1.7mg/L is chosen by those who want to enjoy coffee in an environment that is close to the taste Japanese people are accustomed to.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it okay to brew coffee with Thai water?
There's no problem. However, since the hardness and mineral content vary depending on the water, there may be differences in taste.
Which is better for coffee, soft water or hard water?
It depends on personal preference, but soft water tends to be preferred if you value the aroma and sweetness that Japanese people are accustomed to.
Which is more important for coffee, the beans or the water?
Both are important, but since the majority of a cup of coffee is composed of water, the influence of water is also said to be significant.
Is it okay to brew coffee with alkaline ionized water?
Generally, there's no problem. Since individual perceptions of taste vary, it's recommended to compare them yourself.
Related Articles
Why the taste of dashi changes in Thailand | It wasn't kombu or bonito flakes, but the "water"
Why is overseas water difficult to drink? Explaining the difference from Japanese soft water
Does water change the taste of coffee? The "right way to choose water" for delicious brewing
Summary
If you feel that the taste of coffee is different in Thailand, the cause might not just be the coffee beans, but also the water.
About 99% of coffee is water.
By focusing not only on bean selection but also on water selection, you might be able to get closer to your preferred cup.
Even in Thailand, why not try incorporating the perspective of water to enjoy the familiar taste of coffee from Japan?
