A Beginner's Guide to Specialty Coffee: From Flat White to Mocha Mint
Standing at a cafe counter, staring at a menu full of unfamiliar terms, can feel intimidating. What’s the difference between a latte and a flat white? Why is one coffee RM9 and another RM13? And what on earth is a “specialty” coffee anyway?
Don’t worry. We’re here to demystify the world of specialty coffee and help you find your perfect cup.
What Makes Coffee “Specialty”?
Beyond Regular Coffee
Specialty coffee isn’t just marketing speak. It refers to coffee that:
- Scores 80+ points on a 100-point quality scale by certified tasters
- Has traceable origins - you can often know the farm, region, and processing method
- Is freshly roasted - typically within weeks, not months
- Is prepared with care - precise brewing methods that respect the bean
Why Does It Cost More?
Several factors contribute to specialty coffee pricing:
| Factor | Impact |
|---|---|
| Bean quality | Higher grades cost more at origin |
| Sourcing | Direct trade and fair prices |
| Freshness | Smaller batches, more frequent roasting |
| Equipment | Professional machines require investment |
| Training | Skilled baristas don’t come cheap |
| Preparation | More time and attention per cup |
The Espresso Drinks Explained
Understanding the Base: Espresso
Espresso is the foundation of most cafe drinks. It’s not a type of bean or roast, it’s a brewing method that forces hot water through finely-ground coffee at high pressure.
The result? A concentrated, intense shot (about 30ml) with a layer of golden crema on top.
What it tastes like: Bold, intense, with complex flavors that can range from fruity to chocolatey depending on the beans.
Black Coffee Drinks
These showcase the coffee’s pure flavor with minimal additions:
Espresso (RM 9)
- Just the shot, nothing else
- Best for: Those who want intense, pure coffee flavor in a few sips
- Volume: ~30ml
Americano (RM 9)
- Espresso + hot water
- Best for: Those who want black coffee but less intense than espresso
- Volume: ~180-240ml
- Origin: Named after American soldiers in WWII who diluted espresso to mimic their filter coffee
Long Black (RM 9)
- Hot water + espresso (poured on top)
- Best for: Those who appreciate the crema and want a slightly stronger Americano
- Difference from Americano: Order matters! Pouring espresso last preserves more crema
White Coffee Drinks
These combine espresso with steamed milk in varying ratios:
Cappuccino (RM 11)
- Equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and foam
- Best for: Those who like a balanced coffee-to-milk ratio with textured foam
- Traditionally a morning drink in Italy!
Latte (RM 11)
- Espresso + more steamed milk + thin layer of foam
- Best for: Those who prefer a creamier, milder coffee experience
- Great canvas for latte art
Flat White (RM 11)
- Double espresso + velvety microfoam
- Best for: Those who want strong coffee flavor but smoother than a cappuccino
- Origin: Australia/New Zealand debate!
Quick Comparison
| Drink | Espresso | Milk | Foam | Strength |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cappuccino | 1 shot | Medium | Thick | Medium |
| Latte | 1-2 shots | More | Thin | Milder |
| Flat White | 2 shots | Less | Microfoam | Stronger |
Flavored & Specialty Drinks
Popular Flavored Lattes
Vanilla Latte (RM 12)
- Latte + vanilla syrup
- Sweet, aromatic, comforting
- Great entry point for coffee newbies
Hazelnut Latte (RM 12)
- Latte + hazelnut syrup
- Nutty, slightly sweet
- Pairs beautifully with pastries
Mocha (RM 13)
- Espresso + chocolate + steamed milk
- Essentially a coffee-chocolate hybrid
- Perfect for chocolate lovers testing coffee waters
Signature Creations
At Bubbs & Bites, we’ve developed some unique offerings:
Mocha Mint Latte (RM 13)
- Our signature drink
- Chocolate + mint + espresso + milk
- Refreshing yet indulgent
Orange Espresso (RM 12)
- Espresso + fresh orange
- Surprisingly refreshing
- The citrus brightens the coffee’s acidity
Espresso Soda (RM 12)
- Espresso + sparkling water
- Fizzy, refreshing, unusual
- Great for those who find regular iced coffee too heavy
Cold Coffee Options
Iced vs. Blended
Iced Coffee
- Hot-brewed coffee poured over ice
- Clean, straightforward
- Coffee flavor forward
Ice Blended
- Coffee + ice + often milk, blended together
- Thick, smoothie-like texture
- More of a dessert drink
At Bubbs & Bites, our Ice Blended Coffee Vanilla and Iced Blended Mocha are perfect for hot Malaysian afternoons.
The Affogato Special
Affogato (RM 14)
- Hot espresso poured over cold ice cream
- Part coffee, part dessert
- The temperature contrast creates magic
- Pro tip: Eat quickly before it becomes coffee soup!
Finding Your Perfect Coffee
Start Here Based on Your Preferences
If you like:
- Strong, bold flavors → Start with a Flat White
- Creamy and mild → Try a Latte
- Sweet but coffee-forward → Go for a Mocha
- Something refreshing → Experiment with Orange Espresso
- Dessert in a cup → Order an Affogato
Questions to Ask Your Barista
Don’t be shy! Good baristas love helping customers discover their preferences:
- “What roast are you using today?” - Light, medium, or dark affects flavor
- “What tasting notes can I expect?” - Helps set expectations
- “Can you make it less sweet/stronger?” - Most drinks are customizable
- “What do you recommend?” - Baristas often have favorites for good reason
Coffee Myths Debunked
Common Misconceptions
Myth: “Espresso has more caffeine than regular coffee” Truth: Per ounce, yes. Per serving, a regular coffee usually has more total caffeine.
Myth: “Dark roast is stronger” Truth: Dark roast actually has slightly less caffeine. “Strong” depends on brewing, not roast level.
Myth: “Real coffee drinkers drink black” Truth: There’s no wrong way to enjoy coffee. Milk, sugar, flavors, whatever makes you happy!
Enjoying Coffee at Bubbs & Bites
Our coffee menu is designed for exploration:
- Classic options for the traditionalists
- Signature drinks for the adventurous
- Non-coffee alternatives for companions who don’t drink coffee
- Knowledgeable staff happy to guide your choices
Perfect Pairings
We recommend:
| Coffee | Pairs With |
|---|---|
| Flat White | Smoked Duck & Eggs Waffle |
| Vanilla Latte | Bananutella Waffle |
| Mocha Mint | Any chocolate dessert |
| Americano | Light Bites (lets you taste the toast) |
| Affogato | Nothing - it IS dessert! |
Your Coffee Journey Starts Here
The beauty of specialty coffee is that there’s always something new to discover. Don’t be afraid to try drinks that sound unfamiliar, ask questions, and take note of what you enjoy.
And remember: the “best” coffee is simply the one you enjoy most.
Come explore our specialty coffee menu at Bubbs & Bites. Whether you’re a curious beginner or a seasoned coffee lover, we’re here to serve you something delicious.
Still unsure what to order? Tell our baristas your preferences (sweet/not sweet, strong/mild, hot/cold) and let them guide you. We love helping coffee newbies find their perfect cup!