If you’ve ever experienced Brunei coffee culture, you probably remember the days when getting a good cup of coffee meant one thing ,heading straight to Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. However, back then, it was the spot. it was the spot. It was where you’d meet friends, hang out after work, or, like us, hang out after school, and sip on something that made you feel just a little bit fancy. For us, that was the peak of the coffee scene or at least, that’s how we remembered it.

But when we recently returned to Brunei, something incredible hit us. The country’s coffee culture had transformed, completely. Gone are the days when your only choice was a basic cappuccino or an over-sweetened frappé. Today, Brunei is buzzing with specialty coffee shops, independent roasteries, and baristas who know their craft inside and out. The Brunei coffee scene has evolved into something world-class, rivalling the best cafés we’ve experienced everywhere from London to Melbourne.

And honestly? That blew us away.

A Journey Back to Where Brunei Coffee Culture First Inspired Us

Coming back made us appreciate how far Brunei coffee culture has grown since our school and after-work coffee days. We remember the slow afternoons spent chatting over iced lattes, the cosy corners filled with laughter, and the sense that coffee was more than a drink,  it was a connector.

But this time, we weren’t just there to reminisce. We were on a mission: to see how Brunei’s coffee scene had grown and meet the passionate people driving that change.

And let’s just say, we were not disappointed.

Brunei Coffee Culture Has Levelled Up,  A New Era for Specialty Coffee Lovers

During our trip, we visited coffee shops all across Brunei, exploring the thriving Brunei coffee culture, and each one had something special to offer. From minimalist espresso bars tucked away in quiet corners to vibrant cafés buzzing with young creatives, Brunei’s coffee culture has come alive in ways we never expected.

What impressed us most was the commitment to quality. The cafés weren’t just serving coffee; they were serving stories. You could feel the effort behind each pour, the attention to detail in every brew. Many cafés now roast their own beans, experiment with unique origins, and emphasize ethical sourcing. It’s the kind of growth you’d expect from major coffee cities,  but seeing it in Brunei felt deeply personal.

The passion was palpable everywhere we went. And nowhere was it more inspiring than at Roasted Sip.

A Private Tasting at Roasted Sip’s New Roastery

Roasted Sip’s new airport café is a landmark moment for Brunei coffee culture, bringing specialty coffee to travellers from around the world.

One of the absolute highlights of our trip was being invited for a private coffee tasting session with the incredible team at Roasted Sip, one of Brunei’s leading specialty coffee roasters.

Now, if you’ve been following Brunei’s coffee movement, you’ll know that Roasted Sip has played a big role in raising the country’s coffee standards. They’ve trained baristas, educated coffee drinkers, and introduced Brunei to a whole new level of appreciation for specialty coffee.

A Rare Gem in Brunei Coffee Culture — Specialty Coffee at the International Airport

And they haven’t stopped there. Moreover, Roasted Sip recently opened their very own café at Brunei International Airport,  and as many people know, it’s really, really rare to find a genuine specialty coffee shop inside an airport. The fact that they’ve been able to pull this off is amazing to say the least! It’s a bold move that shows just how far Brunei’s coffee culture has come, taking local craftsmanship to an international stage, right where travellers from all over the world can experience it.

Walking into their brand-new roastery felt electric,  it’s a real representation of the passion behind Brunei coffee culture, and the mix of anticipation and excitement is something only true coffee lovers can relate to The aroma of freshly roasted beans filled the air, and the team greeted us with such warmth and enthusiasm that we immediately felt at home.

During the tasting, we tried several of their latest roasts, each one showcasing a different flavour profile and origin. There were bright, fruity notes from Ethiopian beans, deep chocolate tones from Latin American blends, and even some experimental batches that showed their creativity and willingness to push boundaries.

What stood out most wasn’t just the taste, it was the passion behind every cup. The Roasted Sip team spoke about coffee the way artists talk about their craft. Every bean, every roast curve, every temperature adjustment had intention behind it.

It reminded us why we fell in love with coffee in the first place.

A Full-Circle Moment

The video below captures one of our favourite parts of that journey,  us visiting one of Roasted Sip’s coffee shops, which still houses their old roastery. For us, it was a full-circle moment. Standing there, surrounded by the comforting smell of coffee beans and the gentle hum of conversation, we couldn’t help but reflect on how far things had come, both for Brunei and for us.

When we first lived in Brunei, the idea of “specialty coffee” felt foreign. But now, it’s woven into the culture. People aren’t just drinking coffee, they’re appreciating it. They’re curious about origins, brew methods, and the craft behind every cup.

Seeing that shift first-hand was incredibly fulfilling. It’s proof that passion and community can elevate anything, even in a small market.

Watch our full video below to experience the Brunei coffee scene with us:
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Why Brunei’s Coffee Scene Deserves Global Recognition

Exploring cafés across the country, we could see the heart of Brunei coffee culture thriving in every corner.

We’ve travelled to some amazing coffee destinations around the world, from London’s sleek espresso bars to Melbourne’s creative brewers. And yet, what’s happening in Brunei right now is something truly special.

There’s an authenticity to it. A warmth. The cafés in Brunei aren’t trying to imitate anyone,  they’re carving out their own identity. You’ll find beautiful design, yes, but also genuine hospitality. The baristas take time to talk to you, to explain the coffee, to connect. It’s not rushed; it’s relational.

That’s what makes Brunei’s coffee culture so exciting, it’s rooted in community.

Whether you’re a local rediscovering your city or a traveller passing through, you’ll find that Brunei’s coffee scene now offers something for everyone:

• For the purists: Single-origin espressos, pour-overs, and locally roasted beans that rival international standards.

• For the explorers: Creative signature drinks that blend local flavours with global trends.

• For the dreamers: Spaces that feel like home, where great conversations happen over even better coffee.

The Future Looks Bright and Brewed

Leaving Brunei, we felt inspired. The growth of the coffee scene there reflects something bigger,  a celebration of Brunei coffee culture and the people bringing it to life.

And for us, The Coffee Twins, this trip was more than just about tasting coffee, it was about reconnecting with our roots and seeing how far a shared passion can go.

We left with full hearts, caffeine-fuelled smiles, and a deep appreciation for everyone in Brunei who’s part of this movement.

So here’s to Brunei,  to its baristas, roasters, dreamers, and café lovers. You’ve raised the bar, and we can’t wait to see what’s next.

☕ Watch the Full Video

Join us as we revisit Brunei, explore its thriving café scene, and share this unforgettable coffee journey.
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