Discovering Coffee Tubruk: Indonesia's Unique, Traditional Brew

In the diverse landscape of coffee culture, Indonesia offers a traditional brew that stands apart from the global coffee scene. Coffee Tubruk (also called "Kopi Tubruk") represents a fascinating intersection of taste, tradition and practicality that has been cherished by Indonesians for generations. This blog post explores this distinctive brewing method through the experiences of Hayat, an Indonesian entrepreneur who has embraced her coffee heritage.

What is Coffee Tubruk?

Coffee Tubruk is a traditional Indonesian brewing method where ground coffee is placed directly into a cup, hot water is added, and the mixture is allowed to steep without filtering. Unlike other brewing methods such as espresso or pour-over, the coffee grounds settle at the bottom of the cup, creating a rich, full-bodied drink with a distinctive character.

What makes Indonesian Tubruk particularly unique is the common practice of mixing ground coffee with roasted corn. As Hayat explains:

"They have mixed it, not just the coffee ground, but they mixed it with corn. You know, corn roasting. The corn recipe can lessen the effect of the coffee and [add] a little bit, sweet, naturally."

This combination creates a more affordable, slightly sweeter beverage that reduces the intensity of the coffee while maintaining a complex flavour profile. The ratio varies, with Hayat preferring a 50-50 mix of coffee and corn for optimal taste.

A Rich Cultural Tradition

Coffee Tubruk isn't just a beverage; it's deeply embedded in Indonesian social culture. Hayat describes how her grandfather introduced her to this tradition:

This practice dates back multiple generations, highlighting how Coffee Tubruk has been a staple in Indonesian households long before specialty coffee became globally trendy.

The beverage plays a significant role in social gatherings as well. Hayat describes a cultural practice called "men's coffee":

"The people have together, nice. I mean, together not sit down, laying down. They take coffee. So it makes sense like the moment. Together not the people to talk, to talk like enjoy with the coffee."

Coffee Tubruk also features prominently in ceremonies and special occasions:

"Like ceremony for the wedding party, they are for little gifts, a parable of coffee... Every ceremony. They'll gift the coffee."

The Perfect Coffee Bean for Tubruk

While specialty coffee often showcases Arabica varieties, Coffee Tubruk traditionally uses Robusta beans. Hayat explains this preference:

"The people like Robusta because, you know, the taste, mostly in the mid and the mid are better than I think. And you know, Arabica has more acidity, I think, than Robusta. They don't want to get maybe a problem in their stomach."

Hayat particularly values Robusta from Dampit in East Java, noting its distinctive aromatic profile:

"Robusta from Dampit here... can smell a little bit of chocolate, milk and a little bit of cinnamon. So it's more or really smell it for the coffee from Dampit here."

Brewing and Enjoying Coffee Tubruk

The brewing process is refreshingly simple:

1. Add the pre-mixed ground coffee and corn directly to a cup
2. Pour in hot water
3. Allow the mixture to steep
4. Let the grounds settle to the bottom
5. Sip carefully to avoid disturbing the sediment

The result is a beverage with a "long taste" as Hayat describes it, lingering in the mouth well after drinking sometimes for hours! Some enjoy it black, while others add milk according to preference.

From Marketing to Coffee Entrepreneurship

Hayat's journey into the coffee business represents a passion-driven career shift. After working in marketing for the plastic industry, she started her coffee business in 2024. Her approach to marketing Coffee Tubruk draws on traditional methods:

"I directly go to the market to the store, to the shop. I have the presentation. You can play it when I'm there. And I display my product. That's what I do. So I think it's most effective. Because the people can take the testimony."

This hands-on approach allows potential customers to experience the product directly, creating an authentic connection that drives word-of-mouth marketing.

Looking Forward

For Hayat, coffee isn't just a business—it's a journey of discovery and growth:

"I need to learn. I need to know more about the coffee field. From the plantation... Everything I like to learn. Starting from last year. That's making me have a thinking that how this is what I want to. I need to enjoy my work."

Hayat's enthusiasm for exploring every aspect of coffee production, from cultivation to consumption, reflects the deep cultural significance of coffee in Indonesia.