Bryant Toh’s Coffee Story in Singapore: The April Brewer and a Patrik Rolf Encounter

This is the fourth story in Hands that Brew, a series that explores the journeys of home brewers from around the world.

Bryant Toh Jing Bin—known to many as @kawf.fee on Instagram—is a familiar name in Singapore’s coffee scene. Since 2022, he has been sharing his passion for coffee, from brewing techniques to café recommendations. 

HUDES | Worldwide Digital Magazine for Manual Coffee Brewers

When it comes to coffee spots in Singapore, Bryant doesn’t hesitate to name his favorite: 20grams Coffee Roastery. Nestled near MacPherson MRT station, this roastery stands out for its dedication to the Nordic roasting style—akin to Tim Wendelboe, April Coffee, and Muttley & Jack Coffee Roasters.

Bryant Toh Jing Bin | Singapore coffee influencer, home brewer

“I love light-roasted coffee, and they do it so well. The quality and commitment to every cup keep me coming back,” he shares.

Bryant’s love for manual brewing was sparked during the COVID-19 lockdowns in 2021. While searching for ways to make a good latte at home, he stumbled upon the world of hand grinders and V60 drippers. 

What started as an experiment quickly became a daily ritual—one that was both therapeutic and deeply satisfying.

But the real turning point? A filter brew at 20grams Coffee Roastery.

He don’t remember the exact beans, but the taste blew him away. Fruity, sweet—nothing like the traditional kopi we have in Singapore. That moment pushed him to learn how to replicate it at home.

From there, his curiosity led him down a rabbit hole of brewing equipment, grinders, drippers, and even water minerals—each discovery bringing him closer to perfecting his craft.

Brewing More Than Just Coffee

One of Bryant’s most memorable experiences with coffee wasn’t about the perfect extraction or the best beans—it was about people.

As a youth worker, he created a program called Coffee and Conversations, where young participants would spend an hour talking about life’s ups and downs over a cup of coffee.

“It was such a wholesome experience. Beyond the coffee, it was about connection. Seeing how coffee could bring people together, regardless of their backgrounds, was incredibly fulfilling,” Bryant reflects.

This sense of community extended to his workplace as well, where he regularly brewed coffee for his colleagues—small moments that left a lasting warmth.

While Ethiopian coffees initially captivated him with their floral and fruity aromatics, his perspective shifted in 2023 when preparing for the Singapore Origami Throwdown.

While searching for the perfect competition beans, he was introduced to a Washed Kenyan, Kiangothe AA, roasted by 20grams Coffee Roastery.

“I fell in love instantly. The juicy acidity, the depth, the simplicity—it was beautiful. Since then, I’ve been obsessed with Kenyan coffee.”

Though he didn’t win the competition, the experience was transformative. It made him realize how much more there was to learn, pushing him to refine his brewing skills even further.

Ask Bryant about his favorite dripper, and he’ll struggle to pick just one.

The Orea Brewer holds a special place in his heart. He initially struggled to brew a good cup with it, but everything changed when he decided to use it for the 2024 Coexist Brew Down in Singapore. 

Through countless experiments, he unlocked the brewer’s potential, particularly its ability to highlight sweetness and body.

His passion for Orea brewers even led him to co-plan an Orea Throwdown with 20grams Coffee Roastery, solidifying his love for the dripper.

Then there’s his Orange April Brewer, signed by none other than Patrik Rolf.

With Patrik Rolf | photo by Bryant doc.

“I started my journey watching April Coffee’s videos, so Patrik was an idol to me. When I finally attended one of his sharing sessions in Singapore, I was a nervous wreck! But it was an amazing experience, and leaving with a signed dripper made it even more special.”

A Sentimental Coffee Pairing

When asked about the best food pairing for coffee, Bryant’s answer isn’t based on flavor—but on emotion.

“To me, coffee is about serenity and peace. And the food that complements it best? A homemade egg and mayonnaise sandwich.”

It’s not the most conventional pairing, but for him, it brings back childhood memories of comfort and warmth—just like a good cup of coffee.

If Coffee Had a Soundtrack…

For Bryant, the perfect coffee soundtrack would be acoustic covers—piano, keyboard, cajón, and soft vocals. The kind of music that fills a cozy café, setting the perfect mood for slow sips and deep conversations.

Bryant’s brewing journey it’s about the experiences, the connections, and the continuous pursuit of learning. Whether it’s through sharing coffee with friends, experimenting with new techniques, or organizing throwdowns, he embodies the essence of what makes specialty coffee special. (hudes)