How One Family Is Keeping This Filipino Coffee Alive

Sipping on history—this is the story behind Kahawa Sūg, or Sulu Coffee, the rare robusta coffee from Sulu, Philippines. It s a single-origin coffee varietal grown by the Tausug people of the Sulu Archipelago in the Philippines. At Dennis Coffee Garden in Zamboanga, coffee isn’t just a drink—it’s a legacy, says founder Imelda Dagus. Brewed the traditional Tausug way, this coffee has been passed down for generations. Imelda says her grandmother build this cafe with no formal schooling and built a livelihood that now supports her children and grandchildren. Today, Imelda continues the mission: to preserve Sulu coffee culture. Kahawa means coffee. Sūg refers to the sea current—and to Sulu itself. Together, it represents resilience and cultural pride. But this heritage brew is endangered. The reason? The introduction of modern coffee varieties that offer higher yields has put pressure on traditional coffee farming, including this coffee bean. Though it’s been part of local life since the 1860s, new high-yield coffee varieties are pushing it toward extinction. According to the Slow Food International Ark of Taste, this variety, often grown in home courtyards, is now part of a preservation effort led by Tausug farmers and a cooperative in Panamao City. We brought this brew to our pop-up dinners in the U.S., inviting guests to start their meal the Tausug way: with something sweet, and a cup of history. — 🔗 Stay connected and explore more: → Past Istorya chapters: https://www.istoryalv.com/chapters → Join our newsletter: https://www.istoryalv.com/newsletter → Shop and support: https://www.istoryalv.com/store → Follow us on IG: @istoryaLV ( / istoryalv ) What is Istorya? We’re a Filipino pop-up restaurant based in Las Vegas, telling the story of Philippine history through immersive dinners and original media. Each experience is rooted in research, made possible by community, and designed to preserve the stories behind our food. Subscribe for more stories where food meets history. #Coffee #Philippines #Filipino — Thumbnail Image: Sany Nguyen Filmed By: Anthony de Guzman, Edmar Gardoce Edited by: Jovan Roscom Directed by: Walbert Castillo Produced by: Sunshine Dominguez, Monica Blanco