Did you know that coffee can be paired with savory dishes like steak, chicken, salad, and even adobo?
While coffee is traditionally paired with sweet treats like cakes, breads and other pastries, Starbucks Philippines just proved that our well-loved beverage also goes well with almost any food that complements the flavor of coffee.
Through Coffee College, the world-renowned global coffee brand took participants on an immersive journey that aims to aid in their exploration of coffee flavor nuances as well as how these flavors complement the flavors of Pinoy food.
Starbucks Philippines marketing head Keith Cole said: “We want our customers to explore the flavor nuances of coffee and appreciate that coffee can be paired not only with desserts, but also with most savory food.”
Understanding Coffee Flavor Nuances
Just like real schools, Coffee College provides a brief discussion of the history and geographical origins of coffee. Apparently, coffee beans differ in taste and aroma depending on their origin. For instance, coffees from Asia Pacific have full-bodied, earthy and herbal flavors, while the ones from Arabia and Africa have citrus and winey taste. On the other hand, coffees have a distinct cocoa and nutty flavor if they’re sourced out from Latin America.
Experiencing Coffee and Food Pairing Feast
In order for participants to appreciate and have deeper understanding of coffee flavors, they are treated to a four-course coffee and food pairing feast. Depending on the food served, the coffee flavor, whether citrus, earthy or nutty, can complement and even bring out the best taste of the dish.
“Coffee is not just about drinking it. It’s about savoring each sip and enjoying the experience. Every pairing is unique and will take your coffee experience to new heights,” Cole added.
Brewing Coffee
Aside from the unique experience of food and coffee pairing feast, participants get to learn the two ways of brewing coffee. The methods called coffee press and cold brewing seem to produce different cups of coffee in terms of taste and body even if the same kind of coffee beans were brewed.
Interestingly, you can have your coffee brewed whatever way you want to have it as long as the brewing method is available in the Starbucks store.
In order to share the coffee journey experience to every customer, Starbucks regularly offers coffee tasting seminars in its stores for fee.
