Taplejung Java

Taplejung is a beautiful hill and mountain district located in the far northeastern part of Nepal. The third largest mountain in the world, Kangchenjunga, can be found here. The rich culture here depends primarily on agriculture and tourism in the well-populated city areas.

While travelling through Taplejung we had the opportunity to spend time with our local friend Rabina. As we walked through the streets after a long mountain trek she asked if we would be interested in trying the local Taplejung coffee. Of course our answer was a resounding yes!

As we walked into a small shop we settled in with anticipation for a plain cup of coffee. We were sitting for about 15 to 20 minutes simply enjoying each other’s company when a woman with a short thin frame appeared in the doorway carrying a silver tray with glasses filled with a drink that looked the consistency of a milkshake. When we went to take a glass we half expected it to be cold because of its thick texture and appearance. We soon realized it was not cold at all and in actuality was too hot to even pick up. We watched as the locals sitting next to us swirled the thick foam.

With that first taste I was shocked! The richness of the coffee was complimented with the sweet creaminess of frothed milk. We all sat with grateful hearts for such a delightful treat from our dear local friends. After we all finished our first glass of Taplejung coffee a deep sigh of pure satisfaction rested over the room. It was not very long before we started to wonder how exactly this famed local coffee was made.

One of our friends inquired of our host. She left the room and soon returned with her ingredients. She held out a small silver bowl filled with what appeared to be a golden coloured marshmallow fluff. We watched as she explained the process.

In this small silver bowl she mixed one part instant coffee and 1 1/2 parts sugar. She stirred them together and added a few small tablespoons of boiling water. She quickly stirred them together for a little over 10 minutes with a spoon. All the while whipping as much air into it as possible. Once the mixing process was completed 1/4 cup of the mixture was added to a glass. She then slowly stirred and poured in boiled milk to the top of the cup. And that was it!

As soon as I had access to a kitchen again I tried to make it myself! I am pleased to tell you that the kind owner of the coffee shop did a very good job of teaching me.