Let’s face it — few things in life are as pleasurable as starting your day with a cup of coffee from your favourite local barista. That first early-morning sip, with its rich aroma and comforting warmth, can instantly lift your spirits and kickstart your day.
Kuala Lumpur is home to a vibrant specialty coffee scene, brimming with cosmopolitan cafes, talented baristas, and whimsical coffee spots that beckon from every corner. Here, drinking coffee has transformed from a simple necessity into a cherished hobby and lifestyle embraced by the community.
The charm of traditional coffee
In Malaysia, the essence of coffee culture begins at the humble kopitiam, where hawkers effortlessly pour hot streams of "kopi’ from one vessel to another, creating a rich blend sweetened with condensed milk and frothed to creamy perfection.
These old-style Hainanese coffee shops are a source of pride for the locals, even to this day. Whether you fancy “Kopi-O,” “Kopi-C,” or even Kopi Cham (a delightful mix of coffee and tea), each cup is a wallet-friendly treat, typically costing no more than RM3.
This affordability makes coffee an accessible treat for everyone. Imagine sipping a steaming cup in a classic kopitiam, surrounded by the warm chatter of friends and family. It’s all about simple pleasures and good conversation — perfect for catching up without the worry of a hefty bill.
The rise of modern cafes
As we cherish our local kopi, we’re also witnessing a surge of new cafes sprouting up everywhere. The allure of trying the latest trendy spots can be hard to resist, and the excitement of capturing that perfect coffee shot can lead to impulsive splurges on those high-end drinks.
Specialty drinks often range from RM10 to RM20, and while it might not seem like much at that given moment, those costs can quickly add up for regular coffee enthusiasts. They certainly bring joy — especially on those days when you need a little pick-me-up — but it’s essential to be mindful of our spending.
How much are you spending?
A 2023 report from the Malaysia Coffee Association (MCA) revealed that 85% of millennials enjoy coffee at least once a day. Whether it's your go-to coffee spot or that viral café in your neighbourhood, your daily coffee habit might be costing you more than you realise.
Let’s break down the numbers:
When you see it laid out like this, it’s clear that your coffee habit can have a significant impact on your finances — perhaps it’s time to sip smart!
How to manage your coffee spending
Enjoying coffee is a passion for many, and there’s no need to feel guilty about it. However, if you’re looking to cut back a bit, here are some ways to do so:
1) Brew at home
One of the best ways to cut down on your coffee spending without giving up your coffee habit is by brewing your own at home. Start your day with homemade coffee — fresh, cost-effective, and no queues! With countless recipes online, you can explore a variety of brews, from classic blends to seasonal favorites like Pumpkin Spice Latte.
The best part? You can savour them while lounging in your PJs, with soothing background music or your favourite show. This simple change could save you an extra RM100 each month — money you can stash away for savings or paying off debt.
2) Set a coffee budget
Determine how much you want to spend on coffee each month. Using a budgeting app like Belanjawanku can make it easy to track your expenses and stick to your plan. With this app, you’ll have a clear view of your daily caffeine costs, helping you enjoy your coffee fix without overspending.
Regularly reviewing your purchases can reveal patterns in your habits, empowering you to make more mindful choices and maybe even discover ways to save.
3) Take advantage of promotions
Many coffee shops offer exciting promotions, with selected drinks available at discounted prices during specific hours. For example, you might find handcrafted drinks for as low as RM6.60! Timing your visits to coincide with these deals can help you grab a cup at a great price. Occasionally, there are even 'buy one, get one free' offers — perfect for those who love a free drink. It’s a win for your taste buds and your wallet!
4) Save special treats for the weekend
If those caramel lattes or cold brews have become a daily habit, they may be quietly draining your budget. Instead of cutting out these treats entirely, why not reserve them for the weekend?
Think of it like this: Monday through Friday, you stick to simpler, cost-effective options like home-brewed or ordering a basic black coffee. Then, come Saturday, treat yourself to that extra-special order you’ve been craving all week. It’s a way to make your indulgence feel more rewarding while keeping your expenses in check. After all, coffee tastes even better when it’s part of a well-deserved treat!