Arabica Estate

Special thanks to Arabica Estate for extending this food review invitation.

Arabica Estate is one of the major distributors of roasted coffee beans in Penang. Focusing on specialty coffee, the roastery deals almost exclusively with Arabica beans. To cater the needs of different customers, Arabica Estate offers several grades of mixed blend and single origin beans from around the world.

Arabica Estate has an outlet at Automall which serves as its flagship store. Like most eateries here, the eatery does not have air-conditioning and relies on natural breeze for ventilation. What sets Arabica Estate apart from competition is the fact that it has attained halal certification. This distinction applies to both the roastery and the kitchen.

Cappuccino (RM10.00) contains a two shots of espresso with an equal amount of milk. Brewed from a blend of premium beans, the coffee presents reasonably strong flavor amid soothing creaminess. Iced and ice-blended versions are also available, but I generally prefer hot coffee because this is when the coffee's aroma and taste are most pronounced.

Charcoal Latte (RM13.00) is black in color due to the presence of charcoal powder. A pinch of salt is added for heightened taste, resulting in a cheese-like taste. The hot drink is also given a small dose of sweetness through condensed milk. Tulip-pattern latte art is presented on milk foam.

One of the unique drinks at Arabica Estate is Traditional Baller Koffeez (RM17.00). The centerpiece of this drink is a ball of solid ice, one that is usually used for cocktails. Also included are two shots of espresso and a carafe of sweetened milk. Milk is kept chilled using ice cubes in a separate ice pocket.

To prepare the drink, simply pour espresso and milk over the ice ball, and then shake gently so that the components mix well. Considering the fact that coffee's strength is diminished when served cold, Arabica Estate uses a stronger blend of coffee beans for chilled drinks.

Besides espresso-based drinks, Arabica Estate also offers manual coffee brewing techniques like the siphon. There are several choices of single origin beans. Non-coffee drinks include tea, milkshakes, smoothies and more.

Although Arabica Estate focuses on coffee, the food menu is reasonably developed too. Dishes are geared towards Italian cuisine like pasta and pizza. One such example is Scallop Spaghetti (RM36.00). The pasta is sautéed with scallops, button mushrooms and olive oil. Basil leaf is added to provide aroma.

Besides drawing coffee lovers, Arabica Estate also uses this store to showcase franchising opportunities. Its corporate headquarters is located nearby along Jelutong Expressway (Lebuhraya Jelutong). With a customer base of several cafés and hotels, Arabica Estate also provides espresso machines and training services.

Name: Arabica Estate
Address: 29D-3-4, Automall Penang, Persiaran Karpal Singh, 11600 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 04-296-9165
Business hours: 8:00am-12:00am (Sunday-Thursday), 8:00am-1:00am (Friday-Saturday)
Website: http://www.arabicaestate.com
Coordinates: 5.39807 N, 100.32970 E
Directions: From Lebuhraya Tun Dr. Lim Chong Eu, take the Sungai Pinang exit and head east. Drive to the end of the road, then turn left. Automall is within a short distance on the left, while Arabica Estate is one of the shops on the upper floor. Street parking and indoor mall parking are available.