‘Akokpresso’ gives traditional akok a bold coffee kick

2026-03-07 - 04:43

Akokpresso is made by mixing traditional batter with espresso, resulting in a sweet, subtly bitter treat. (Bernama pic) KOTA BHARU: The scent of freshly brewed coffee drifts through KB Brewster on Jalan Abdul Kadir Adabi here with a tantalising companion – the sweet, caramelised aroma of traditional akok. This is Akokpresso, a bold twist on the beloved Kelantan delicacy that has steadily been winning fans. The idea was born seven years ago when café owner Ruzzahairieirkwan Mohammed, 40, wanted to refresh his coffee menu ahead of Ramadan. He began experimenting with combining espresso and akok – the classic treat made from flour, eggs, coconut milk and sugar. “The first trial was very well received,” he recalled. “Customers loved how the sweetness and richness of the akok blended with a subtle coffee aroma.” Akokpresso is created by mixing traditional akok batter with espresso – a formula perfected after multiple rounds of testing. “The ratio we use is one litre of batter to 50ml of espresso,” he shared. “That way, the coffee isn’t overpowering and the original character of the akok remains.” For purists, the café also offers “akok nisey”, sweetened with palm sugar for a more traditional flavour profile. KB Brewster founder Ruzzahairieirkwan Mohammed whipping up a batch of Akokpresso. (Bernama pic) Priced at just RM1 each, Akokpresso has become a regular favourite. The café produces about 200 pieces daily, using two trays of eggs to keep up with demand. Customers can walk in to purchase them or place orders in advance. To ensure consistency, Ruzzahairieirkwan carefully selects coffee beans from Brazil, Indonesia and Colombia. “Each bean has a different profile – some are more bitter, some more aromatic. We choose beans that complement the sweet, rich akok instead of overshadowing it.” The result, Ruzzahairieirkwan noted, is a balanced bite of bitter and sweet, while akok nisey is richer and more indulgent. For him, Akokpresso proves that tradition and innovation do not have to compete. “Traditional pastries can evolve without losing their identity,” he said, hinting that more coffee-inspired creations may be on the horizon. Learn more about KB Brewster Coffee here and on Instagram. KB Brewster Coffee Jalan Abdul Kadir Adabi, 15200 Kota Bharu, Kelantan