Calling all coffee lovers! Taiwanese award-winning Coffee brand, HWC Coffee has now arrived in Brunei.
HWC Coffee, the newest player to the country’s booming specialty coffee scene opened its very first branch at the Curve Complex in Batu Bersurat.
According to the international brand, the specialty coffee chain is more than just a coffee shop, it is a place where people can come and experience the true art of coffee-making.
Image: Azrina Zin
With its proud tagline “EspressSoul”, HWC Coffee is committed to bringing out the best in every coffee bean, awakening its soul and delivering a strong, aromatic coffee experience to their customers.
The brand is currently present in over 20 countries with more than 70 stores in Taiwan. HWC coffee is also known to be one of the top coffee names on Taiwan’s online community, among young coffeeholics.
General Manager Klaus Sim said that the decision to introduce HWC Coffee in the country was aimed to offer Bruneians high-quality specialty coffee and an exceptional coffee experience.
“Why started HWC Coffee in Brunei? It is because of the specialty beans that we’re using. Compared to a lot of cafes, our beans are being rated by the US coffee review,” he said.
“The specialty coffee scene in Brunei is growing at a very fast pace. So when we did our research before opening HWC Coffee, there are about more than 60 cafes in Brunei selling espresso-based coffee. We saw a potential to introduce the brand,” he further added.
Image: Azrina Zin
The new flagship store is located at Unit 5, Ground Floor, Block D, The Curve Complex, Batu Bersurat.
Upon entering the new outlet, customers are greeted to a minimalist and monochromatic interior decked out in cool-toned hues and natural lighting creating a leisurely and instagrammable atmosphere for patrons to enjoy.
Developed with accessibility in mind, the first branch comfortably fits more than 50 people. You can enjoy your cup of coffee, hang out with your friends and unwind after a long day of shopping in its cosy and cool setting.
Image: Azrina Zin
Klaus also added that The Curve Complex is a new and upcoming prime centre in the Sultanate and it would be the perfect location for the newly opened franchise.
Further adding that the building, located in the arterial area of Batu Bersurat is characterised by retail, restaurants and residential, also offering ample parking space and easy accessibility for customers.
“The most important criteria for a cafe is the availability of parking space. We want to provide our customers with ample parking space,” he said.
What’s on the menu?
HWC coffee is not just about the caffeine kick, it’s about the entire sensory experience – from the rich aromas to the perfectly balanced acidity and roasted beans.
Image: Azrina Zin
According to Klaus, the franchise is known for its finest and premium quality coffee with a 91-point in the Speciality Coffee Bean score.
“The coffee beans that we currently use is 91-point. We are also going to introduce more coffee beans in the future. We have the 92-points specialty coffee beans that we will also be introducing in the future,” he shared.
Image: Azrina Zin
Image: Azrina Zin
From Triple Champion Brown Sugar Bubble Caffe Latte to Caramel Caffe Latte, the international brand has lined up a variety of drinks under its coffee latte series to cater to consumers’ tastes and needs.
In pursuit of the finest quality, HWC Coffee has sourced a milk that matches perfectly with its products, remaining its local taste to Brunei.
Not only that, but the brand also offers ready-to-eat pastries and cakes from Pistachio Cube to Chocolate Cake.
Image: Azrina Zin
In addition, when asked about their future plans, Kelly said that she sees a lot of potentials and growing trends for a healthier lifestyle in the country and is excited about the prospect of expanding its footprint over time.
As for future plans, according to Klaus the international brand is planning on opening up 5 to 6 more branches in Brunei in the next two years.
Aside from that, HWC Coffee will also extend its menu and concept in the future.
“We are also looking at different concepts from a dine-in cafe to a grab-and-go kiosk. We will do a lot of pop-up events and are also looking into collaborating with other businesses in the future,” he shared.
Image: Azrina Zin
THE BRUNEIAN | BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
