Jakarta, ThedailyID — Aceh’s Gayo Arabica coffee has been named the best coffee bean type in Asia by Taste Atlas in its 2026 ranking.
The coffee, which grows in the Gayo highlands, took the top spot in the Best Asian Coffee Beans Types 2026 category. It ranked ahead of coffee varieties from several other Asian countries.
Thailand’s Kafae Doi Chaang and Kafae Doi Tung followed in second and third place. Yemeni Mocha from Yemen came next.
Gayo Arabica also appeared among the world’s top coffee beans. It ranked fifth in the Best Coffee Beans in the World category.
Taste Atlas described Gayo coffee as having a clean taste, medium to full body, and low acidity. Its flavor profile also features herbal, earthy, and spicy notes.
The coffee’s growing environment helps shape its distinctive character. Gayo Arabica grows at elevations of around 1,200 to 1,700 meters above sea level.
The region also has volcanic soil and a relatively cool climate. These conditions make the Gayo highlands suitable for growing Arabica coffee.
Taste Atlas also noted that Gayo coffee is commonly processed using the wet-hulling method. The technique is widely used for coffee from Sumatra.
In this process, coffee beans are partially dried before the parchment layer is removed. The beans are then dried again until they reach the desired moisture level.
Taste Atlas said the process contributes to Gayo coffee’s rich mouthfeel and deep earthy character. When brewed, the coffee is known for its balance and distinctive flavor.
Gayo coffee is also consumed beyond Indonesia. The coffee from Aceh’s highlands is marketed in several international markets, including Europe, North America, and Asia.
