The Story of Myanmar Coffee Beans

If you’ve ever wondered where Myanmar coffee comes from—or whether it’s any good—you’re not alone. This Southeast Asian country isn’t the first name that comes to mind when you think specialty coffee, but its history stretches back further than most people realize. The real question is: can Myanmar produce coffee that stands up to global standards? The answer lies in its high-altitude regions and colonial-era plantings.

Yes—Myanmar coffee earned an 85-point score from 200 international experts in 2015, making it the highest-rated coffee in ASEAN. The best beans come from the Shan Plateau, particularly around the city of Taunggyi (formerly known as Taunggyi or 'East Shan'), grown at 1,436 meters above sea level.

The Origins of Coffee in Myanmar

Coffee first arrived in Myanmar in 1813, brought by American Baptist missionaries Adoniram and Ann Judson. Though primarily known for introducing Christianity, the couple also introduced coffee as part of daily life and attempted to cultivate coffee trees. However, large-scale development didn’t begin until later.

In 1885, Myanmar became a British colony. The British colonial administration began cultivating coffee more seriously and even presented local coffee to Queen Victoria. They imported coffee varieties from British royal estates to Myanmar, laying early groundwork for structured coffee farming.

Why the Shan Plateau Became Myanmar’s Coffee Heartland

By 1894, the British moved their administrative center from Maing Thauk on the east bank of Inle Lake to Taunggyi, due to the area’s high elevation and favorable climate. Taunggyi sits at 1,436 meters in Shan State, part of the larger Shan Plateau. This region, Myanmar’s fourth-largest city, enjoys a tropical to subtropical climate with distinct seasons—perfect for growing coffee.

The unique combination of altitude, climate, and volcanic-influenced soils helped establish what is now considered Myanmar’s premium coffee-growing zone. Today, coffee from this area represents the country’s finest.

Modern Recognition: Myanmar Coffee Scores 85 Points

In 2015, Myanmar coffee was blind-tasted and scored 85 points by a panel including 200 experts organized by Winrock International and other groups. This result led the Myanmar Coffee Planters and Exporters Association to declare that Myanmar produces the highest-quality coffee among ASEAN nations.

This score places Myanmar coffee firmly in the specialty range according to the Specialty Coffee Association’s cupping standards. While not yet a global household name, the result confirms that Myanmar’s high-elevation beans can achieve world-class quality when grown and processed with care.

Who Makes Myanmar’s Best Coffee Today?

Among domestic brands, Mingala Coffee is recognized as producing Myanmar’s highest-quality beans. The company sources exclusively from top lots in Taunggyi and applies advanced roasting techniques. Though a small player on the global stage, Mingala Coffee is considered by many in Myanmar to be the national representative of its coffee.

Its single-origin offerings reflect the terroir of the Shan Plateau—high-altitude, balanced, and often floral or citrus-toned. Though export volumes remain limited, Myanmar coffee is gaining attention among specialty buyers looking for new origins.

Myanmar: Country Facts & Coffee Growing Environment

Myanmar, officially the Union of Myanmar, covers 676,581 square kilometers and lies in Southeast Asia’s mainland, bordered by India, Bangladesh, China, Laos, Thailand, the Bay of Bengal, and the Andaman Sea. It’s a member of ASEAN and features diverse landscapes, from dense forests to misty mountains.

The country has a mild, tropical monsoon climate with average annual temperatures around 27°C. It experiences three main seasons:

• Cool season (October–February): Best time to visit; sunny, dry, and cool (ideal for coffee harvesting).
• Dry season (March–May): Hot, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C and reaching up to 40°C.
• Rainy season (June–October): Heavy rainfall, especially in July and August.

The cool, dry months from October to February provide the most stable conditions for both coffee cultivation and tourism.

Top Attractions in Myanmar (Coffee Culture Context)

While not directly related to coffee, Myanmar’s cultural and natural landmarks create a compelling backdrop for the country’s growing specialty coffee scene:

• Shwedagon Pagoda (Yangon): A 110-meter gilded stupa covered with 72 tons of gold and nearly 3,000 carats of gems.
• Mandalay Palace: The last royal palace of the Burmese monarchy, showcasing traditional architecture.
• Inle Lake: A vast highland lake surrounded by mountains, known for its floating gardens and unique fishing methods.
• Kanbawzathadi Palace (or Karaweik Palace): A royal floating structure inspired by mythical birds.
• Mount Popa: An extinct volcano and site of spiritual significance, often called the “Olympus of Myanmar.”

These sites draw visitors to Myanmar year-round, especially during the cool, dry season when coffee farms are most active.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where did coffee first come from in Myanmar?

Coffee was first introduced to Myanmar in 1813 by American Baptist missionaries Adoniram and Ann Judson, who brought it along with Catholic practices. Though their primary mission wasn’t coffee-related, they attempted to cultivate coffee trees as part of introducing Western habits.

When did coffee production begin in earnest in Myanmar?

Serious coffee cultivation began during British colonial rule after 1885, when Myanmar became part of the British Empire. The British imported coffee varieties from royal estates in the UK and presented Myanmar-grown coffee to Queen Victoria.

What part of Myanmar produces the best coffee?

The Shan Plateau, particularly around Taunggyi (elevation 1,436m), is recognized as Myanmar’s top coffee-growing region. Its high altitude, tropical-subtropical climate, and fertile soils create ideal conditions for specialty-grade beans.

What score did Myanmar coffee receive in international evaluations?

In 2015, Myanmar coffee scored 85 points in a blind tasting by 200 international experts, including those from Winrock International. This qualified it as specialty-grade and led to recognition as the best coffee in ASEAN.

Which Myanmar coffee brand is considered the best domestically?

Mingala Coffee is regarded as Myanmar’s highest-quality coffee brand. It sources beans from the Shan Plateau and uses advanced roasting methods. Though little-known globally, it is considered the national representative of Myanmar coffee.

Recommended FrontStreet Coffee for Myanmar Coffee Fans

Though Myanmar beans are rare, fans of high-altitude, balanced profiles might enjoy FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Humbera—bright with citrus and floral tones—or their Yirgacheffe offering, known for delicate jasmine and stone fruit. For something heavier but still clean, try their Lintong Mandheling, a classic Indonesian-style bean with earthy sweetness and low acidity. All three showcase the kind of terroir-driven complexity that Myanmar’s Shan Plateau beans also aim for. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.