Whether it’s used in the latest beauty innovations or an effort to boost your mood, we can all agree that fermented things are some of the best ingredients to maintain a healthy lifestyle. And in an effort to get more gut-friendly probiotics into our diet, Malaysians have looked towards sipping on some kombucha. That’s right, that effervescent, tangy, oftentimes fruity drink that can be distinguished by a slightly funky scent.
Kombucha is typically made out of tea flavoured with herbs, fruits, vegetables, or spices, and fermented with a symbiotic culture of yeast and bacteria called SCOBY. A touch of sugar is necessary to kickstart fermentation, and also giving that carbon dioxide-rich bubbly goodness that makes this drink so enjoyable – especially in hot and humid climates. Despite many food and drink trends that have come and gone over the past few years, kombucha is still going strong.
So if you’re looking for a good swap for your high-in-sugar sodas, why not try out some of these Malaysian-madee kombucha brands to help keep you cool – and your gut happy?
Wild Kombucha
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If you’re looking for a booch that’s the perfect balance of sweet, tang, and tart, you’ll find a perfect match with Wild Kombucha. Brewed in small batches using the traditional method, this brewery uses fruits and flowers to flavour the kombucha, resulting in drinks that are pleasantly fragrant, delicious, and incredibly revitalising thanks to its delicate fizz. The Apple Aid, Lavender Lemonade, and Sencha Pear are some of their best-selling flavours, while the White Tea and Black Tea options are perfect for those who prefer a milder taste. If you’re feeling adventurous, they also have Cultured Coffee for those looking for a fresher and healthier caffeine alternative. W wildkombucha.co
My WonderBrew
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Founded in 2018, WonderBrew Kombucha aims to support the local economy by mainly using ingredients sourced from local farmers. They also produce their drinks using sustainable practices, such as composting waste raw material, upcycling their used SCOBY to create vegan leather, and implementing a recycling programme for their customers. Their signature blend features oolong and premium black tea, but you can also find refreshing and exciting flavours such as the Markisa Breeze, which is flavoured with passionfruit and spearmint, and the Ipoh Mali which pays tribute to Tambun by flavouring the kombucha with fresh Tambun pomelo. W wonderbrew.co
Cha Cha
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Founded by plant-based chef Matthieu Morisset and fitness trainer Ishaq Vadillo, Cha Cha Kombucha is made of 100% natural ingredients for guilt-free drinking pleasure. Expect lots of vegetables, fruits, and even roots used to flavour the kombucha to help make healthy eating and living much easier and enjoyable. Customers can even customise their own 12 pack box, or opt for a 60-bottle family pack to share with their loved ones. W chacha.life
Slō Kombucha
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If you prefer your kombucha that’s mild on acidity, low in sugar, yet still packs an energising punch, Slō Kombucha gives you a perfect balance between sweetness and crisp tang that won’t leave your face puckering up. Unique flavours include the N1 (flavoured with apple, lavender, rose, thyme, and rosemary), and N3 (flavoured with roselle, blueberry, rose petals, and lavender). Tea enthusiasts can also find a more refreshing fix with the Fukamushi-cha and Houjicha-flavoured options. I @slo_kombucha
Alchemy Kombucha
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From the brewers of Wizards at Tribeca, Alchemy Kombucha is one of the younger brands in town, having launched in October 2020. Featuring flavours such as Yuzu, Coffee, Lychee & Oolong, and Chrysanthemum & Longan, each bottle uses high quality tea and fresh ingredients. Whether you’re just trying things out or a regular consumer of kombucha, Alchemy offers sizes in 180ml, 500ml, and 1 litre. I @alchemykombuchas
SHEAbrew
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This adorable home brewer first started out with two flavours: Apple & Elderflower and Original Oolong. Over time they have expanded their range of flavours to include seasonal brews by using fresh fruits and herbs. If you need a serious thirst quencher, their Pineapple Asam Boi booch is a great pick-me-up especially on more scorching days. I @shea.brew
My Kombucha Diary
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Also known as My Kombuchary, this micro-brewery co-founded by Jayne Lee includes cosy and fruity flavours such as Apple Pie, Lemongrass, Roselle, Orange, and Nenasita, as well as “Atas” flavours such as Blueberry Mint, Plum Ginger, and Pomegranate. They even document some of their flavour experiments on Instagram that may not necessarily make the cut – such as when they tried to make Pomelo kombucha. I @my.kombuchary
Boocha
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Made using fresh fruits and premium tea, Boocha boasts a wide range of refreshing fruity flavours to help keep you energised and your gut healthy. Tropical options include Pineapple, Passionfruit, Bentong Ginger and Lemon, and Mango, while the Any Berry Kombucha uses fresh blueberries and cranberries to give your drink a generous dose of antioxidants. I @my_boocha
Zenboocha
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For “kombucha that knows how to have a good time”, Zenboocha currently offers three exciting flavours: Ginger Honey, Passion Potion, and Lychee Rose. Aside from making delicious kombucha, they also ensure that their production is environmentally-friendly and sustainable, making efforts such as sending used organic materials to Ground Control, connecting with local sellers for produce, and using shipping and delivery materials that have been donated by their own #friendsofzenboocha. W zenboocha.com
