“I don’t know… I expected the coffee to be better.”

The problem isn’t that Ubud has bad coffee.
The problem is that good coffee is easy to miss if you don’t know what you’re looking for.

This isn’t a “Top 10 cafés” list.
It’s a simple, honest guide to help you find real specialty coffee in Ubud
— without wasting time or money.

Why Finding the “Best Coffee in Ubud” Is Tricky

Ubud’s café scene grew very quickly.
Tourism, lifestyle trends, and social media all played a big role.

Coffee quality, however, didn’t always grow at the same pace.

Today, you’ll see plenty of cafés that are:

• Designed mainly for photos
• Focused on brunch and all-day menus
• Built to handle large crowds

And then there’s a smaller group of cafés that actually care deeply about coffee.

Words like artisan, premium, and specialty are used everywhere,
but they don’t always mean:
freshly roasted beans, clear origins, or careful brewing.

What Really Makes a Coffee Shop Good in Ubud

A nice view is great — but it doesn’t make good coffee.
Here’s what actually matters.

Knowing Where the Coffee Comes From

Good cafés know their beans.
At the very least, they can tell you the region.
Often, they can tell you much more.

If no one can explain where the coffee comes from,
coffee probably isn’t the main focus.

Fresh Roasting

Freshly roasted coffee tastes alive.
Old coffee tastes flat, bitter, or just “strong” without much character.

Some cafés roast locally, some import roasted beans.
You can usually taste the difference.

Care in Brewing

Even great beans can be ruined by bad grinders or rushed brewing.
The best cafés in Ubud care more about consistency than speed.

Baristas Who Actually Like Coffee

A good sign?
Baristas who can talk about coffee naturally,
without sounding like they memorized a script.

The Local Coffee You’ll See in the Best Ubud Cafés

If you end up drinking a really good cup in Ubud,
there’s a good chance the beans come from Kintamani.

Why Kintamani Coffee Is Special

Kintamani is a highland area in Bali with volcanic soil and cooler temperatures.
When handled well, its coffee is known for being clean and bright.

You might notice:

• Citrus-like notes
• A fresh, clean finish
• Less bitterness than expected

This surprises many visitors,
especially those expecting very dark, heavy “Bali coffee.”

Different Types of Coffee Shops in Ubud

Not all cafés are trying to do the same thing.
Understanding the type helps set expectations.

Roastery Cafés

These places roast their own beans or work closely with roasters.
They usually offer the most interesting coffee,
even if the space is simple.

Specialty Cafés (Without Roasting)

Some are excellent, some are inconsistent.
It depends on sourcing and training.

Brunch & Lifestyle Cafés

Fun places to relax, but coffee isn’t always the priority.

Hotel Cafés

Comfortable and convenient,
but rarely the most exciting for coffee lovers.

How Locals Choose Where to Drink Coffee

Locals don’t chase trends or queues.
They look for places that are consistent,
even on quiet mornings.

Some of the best coffee moments in Ubud happen:

• In small cafés
• Early in the day
• Without music or crowds

Price doesn’t always tell you much.
Care and attention matter more.

Where Gangga Coffee Fits In

Gangga Coffee focuses on clarity — in sourcing, roasting, and flavor.
The goal isn’t to impress with noise or trends,
but to serve coffee that makes sense in the cup.

It’s a good place for people who are curious,
enjoy clean flavors,
and want to understand Bali coffee a little better.

Common Mistakes Tourists Make When Choosing Coffee

• Asking only for “very strong” coffee
• Choosing cafés purely by photos
• Assuming all Bali coffee tastes the same
• Thinking expensive always means better

Simple Tips to Enjoy Coffee More in Ubud

• Go in the morning
• Ask what beans are being used
• Try filter coffee at least once
• Slow down and enjoy the cup
• Take beans home if you like what you drink

Final Thoughts

Ubud has great coffee.
You just need to know how to find it.

The best coffee in Ubud isn’t always the most photographed or the busiest.
Sometimes, it’s the quiet cup done properly.