#CoffeeFail! Why can't I make a decent cup of coffee at home?

[Howard LeGato]

The engineer in me says - get someone to bring back all the ingredients of your Canadian cup to HK. Water (if at all possible), beans etc ... and see if you can replicate the awesomeness from back home.

Replace the canadian process and ingredients one by one and you may find the missing ingredient.

Great idea Shri!! But I think my coffee brewing days at home in Kennedy Town are over for the next little while. I think I am just going to have to put up with the closest cafe location that is open for my morning cup of coffee.

[King Wally]

It's probably the milk.

[huja]

With Pour-Over, the Coffee Machine Is Just a Human - The Atlantic

[R.O.]

So, I should state that I don't think I have a very refined or mature taste in coffee…I think I am very average that way.

Me, too. Just the same.

I bought a French Press recently, and with some doubt followed the advice in seriouseats (the link in post 23) to let it brew for 6-8 minutes. I settled for 5 as my grind is fine, and it seems to be good.

The makers of the press advised that the grounds should be stirred after brewing, just before the coffee is poured out. seriouseats advised that the grounds should be stirred before brewing, just after the water has been poured over them. A good example of the contradictory advice one is given. And every adviser sounds like an oracle. The press added the sensible advice that a plastic or wooden spoon should be used.

About water, I think I have something to say.

I send water through a filter made by Panasonic, then boil it, then simmer it for 17 minutes. I use a large, 3- litre, kettle, so more than a day's supply at a time. I started doing this years ago for health reasons and continue for taste reasons. The water is pleasant to drink, and tea, which I usually drink, is distinctly better. Almost anyone can notice the difference. It must be much cheaper than buying water.

[boblam07]

The makers of the press advised that the grounds should be stirred after brewing, just before the coffee is poured out. seriouseats advised that the grounds should be stirred before brewing, just after the water has been poured over them. A good example of the contradictory advice one is given. And every adviser sounds like an oracle. The press added the sensible advice that a plastic or wooden spoon should be used.

I can't vouch for each and every "oracle" out there but, put it this way, there are more than one way to go to Central from, say, North Point ie you can take a bus, MTR, taxi, ferry, etc. I think Nick Cho will give you a reason why he does what he does from what I have read his writings so far.

Willing to try new things/ways is good but at the end of the day as long as you come to the result that you like, it's good enough for you. This also includes the way you boil water which seems to contradict to most that usually say freshly boiled water is the way to go. But as long as it works and you like it, it's good.

[vcb003104]

Try to use a moka pot instead of a frenchpress. All of my french press coffee ends up sour with a 'grassy' taste.

Have never had a problem with a moka pot. Go for the small ones (2-3 cups) if it's only for yourself and pre boil the water to limit the ground's exposure to the heat (which cause a burnt/ bitter taste).

Always use the lowest heat possible on the stove and use it with the lid open so you know when to stop the stove.

While the coffee is brewing, you can heat and froth up a jug of milk at the same time.