I used to hate coffee. I never imagined I’d reach a point where I’d actually enjoy drinking it, let alone have a list of café favourites.
My coffee journey started with Nescafé sachets, which I’d drink to stay awake during long working hours. Back then, coffee was more of a necessity than something I genuinely enjoyed.
Things changed when a good friend handed me a cup of mocha one day and said, “You’ll love this.” She was right! The chocolate made the coffee taste less intimidating, and I finally found a coffee I enjoyed.
Not long after that, I met my partner, who’s a coffee lover. He introduced me to other flavours, and salted caramel soon became another favourite alongside mocha.
Over time, I became more open to different coffee flavours and started visiting cafés to find drinks that suited my taste. That’s how I came across Luckin Coffee, which has since become one of my favourite coffee chains. I love how rich its coffee tastes without being too strong or bitter, with just the right touch of sweetness.
After trying several drinks from its menu, I thought I’d share my experience with Luckin Coffee.
✅ About Luckin Coffee
Founded in China in 2017, Luckin Coffee has grown into one of the country’s biggest coffee chains, with a business model built around quality, affordability, and convenience. Rather than following the traditional café concept, Luckin Coffee focuses heavily on digital ordering and quick collection, making it convenient for people who want to grab a drink on their way to work, during a shopping trip, or between errands.
Many of its outlets are designed as grab-and-go cafés, with limited seating. You can place your order through the Luckin Coffee app or a self-service kiosk, make your payment digitally, and collect your drink once it’s ready.
The brand also puts an emphasis on its coffee quality. They use Arabica beans sourced from coffee-producing regions, and their blends are developed by a team that includes World Barista Championship winners. Its coffee is freshly roasted and ground, with the aim of delivering a consistent taste across its outlets.
Today, Luckin Coffee has expanded beyond China into international markets, including Malaysia. Its menu offers much more than the usual latte or cappuccino, with options ranging from signature lattes and coconut coffee to fruit-infused Americanos, frappes, teas, and other non-coffee drinks. This variety makes it easier for people with different tastes to find something that suits them, even if they aren’t regular coffee drinkers.
With its focus on affordable drinks, a wide-ranging menu, and a convenient ordering experience, Luckin Coffee has carved out its own place in the coffee scene. Of course, the best way to know if it lives up to the hype is to try a few drinks yourself.
✅ My First Visit to Luckin Coffee
My first visit was to the Tamarind Square outlet. Unlike some cafés, there wasn’t anyone standing behind the counter waiting to take orders.
Instead, everything is done digitally. You can either place your order through the Luckin Coffee app or use one of the self-service kiosks at the entrance. At first, I wasn’t quite sure what to do, but the process turned out to be surprisingly simple.
- Browse the menu.
- Customise your drink if you’d like,
- Make your payment, and
- Wait for your order number to appear on the screen or receive a notification through the app when your drink is ready.
The wait wasn’t long, even with a steady stream of customers. Staff worked seamlessly behind the counter, keeping everything moving quickly and efficiently without the café ever feeling chaotic.
Since it was my first visit, I decided to play it safe and order something I knew I’d probably enjoy. Anything with sea salt or butter usually catches my attention, so after spending a few minutes looking through the menu, I settled on the Little Butter Latte.
✅ What’s on the Menu at Luckin Coffee?
One thing I immediately noticed was just how extensive the menu is. Here’s a quick look at what you can expect.
- Signature Lattes
Feature some of Luckin Coffee’s best-selling drinks, including favourites like the Little Butter Latte and Coconut Latte. - Barista Coffee
Classic coffee drinks for those who enjoy a traditional café experience. - Luckin Black Coffee & Americanos
Perfect if you prefer your coffee bold, less sweet, and with a stronger coffee flavour. - Fruity Americanos
Americanos infused with fruity flavours for a lighter, more refreshing twist on classic black coffee. - Luckin Frappes
Blended iced drinks that are creamy, refreshing, and perfect if you’re craving something sweet. - Coconut Series
Coffee paired with creamy coconut for a smooth and refreshing flavour. - Tea Series
A selection of teas for those who aren’t in the mood for coffee. - Oat Series
Coffee drinks made with oat milk, offering a creamier texture and a dairy-free alternative. - Non-Coffee Drinks
For non-coffee drinkers, including chocolate-based beverages and other refreshing options.
Besides its drinks, Luckin Coffee also offers a small selection of cakes and pastries if you’re looking for something to enjoy alongside your coffee. They’re perfect for a quick breakfast, an afternoon snack, or simply satisfying a sweet craving.
✅ The Drinks I Tried
Since my first visit, I’ve been back a few times to work my way through the menu. While there are still plenty of drinks I want to try, these are the ones I’ve had so far.
- Little Butter Latte (Hot and Cold)
Little Butter Latte was the drink that got me hooked on Luckin Coffee, and it remains one of my favourites. I usually order it hot, although the iced version is just as enjoyable.
What I like about this drink is its buttery taste. It gives the coffee a creamy, slightly rich flavour without overpowering the coffee itself. It’s mildly sweet, smooth to drink, and doesn’t have that strong, bitter coffee taste that some people might find too much.
Luckin occasionally introduces limited-edition flavours using its Little Butter Latte as a base. I tried the Popcorn Little Butter Latte once, thinking it would be an interesting variation. Unfortunately, I didn’t enjoy it as much as I expected. The flavour was much lighter than the original, and I found myself missing that buttery taste I liked so much. I ended up not finishing my drink.
- Cloud Latte (Cold)
The first time I tried Cloud Latte, I wasn’t quite sure what to make of it. The thick foam on top had a noticeable cheese flavour, which caught me off guard. I wasn’t particularly fond of it on its own.
After stirring everything together, though, the taste became much better. The foam blended into the coffee, making the drink smoother and creamier. I found it easier to enjoy once everything was mixed together.
It’s not a drink I’d rush to order again, especially since I’m not a big fan of cheese flavours in my drinks. Still, I’m glad I tried it. At least now I know what to expect if I ever feel like giving it another go.
- Coconut Velvet Latte (Hot)
I was curious about how coconut would taste in a latte, so I decided to give this one a try.
The coconut flavour is noticeable, although it doesn’t overpower the coffee. It adds a mild sweetness with a creamy, slightly tropical taste. I like how it softens the bitterness of the coffee without completely masking it. The texture is smooth, too, making it a pleasant drink to sip while it’s still warm.
If you enjoy coconut, this is worth considering. The flavour is noticeable without taking over the coffee, making it a good option if you want something a little different from a regular latte.
- Coconut Mocha (Hot)
I’m a mocha lover, so I was quite excited to try this one. I usually enjoy the combination of coffee and chocolate, and I was curious to see how the coconut would work with both flavours.
Unfortunately, I didn’t enjoy this as much as I’d hoped. Compared to the Coconut Velvet Latte, the coconut taste was much stronger. I prefer my mocha to have that rich, chocolatey character, but the coconut seemed to take over here. Instead of complementing the chocolate and coffee, it became the dominant taste.
It’s not a bad drink, just not one I’d order again. I’d much rather stick to a classic mocha when I’m craving chocolate and coffee.
- Oat Chocolate (Hot and Cold)
I don’t usually order chocolate drinks at cafés, but my best friend introduced me to this one, and it instantly became one of my favourites!
The chocolate flavour is rich and intense, which you can tell from its dark colour. Made with oat milk, it has a subtle oat flavour with a hint of hazelnut that makes it even more enjoyable. I didn’t expect to love it this much!
If you’re not a coffee drinker, I’d definitely recommend giving Luckin Coffee’s Oat Chocolate a try. You might end up loving it as much as I do!
- Velvet Latte (Hot)
When I first started drinking Luckin Coffee, Little Butter was my go-to order. That changed when I tried the Velvet Latte. I think I might have found a new favourite!
What I like about this latte is its balance of coffee and milk. The coffee taste is noticeable without being too bitter, while the milk gives it a richer taste. It’s a good choice when I want a hot coffee that’s easy to enjoy without an overpowering coffee flavour.
✅ Luckin Coffee Prices and Promotions
One thing I like about Luckin Coffee is how affordable it is compared to other popular coffee chains in Malaysia.
The prices get even better when you order through the Luckin Coffee app. It regularly offers buy-one-free-one deals, along with other promotions that bring the price down quite a bit from the usual menu price. You can sometimes get a cup for as little as RM4.99, which is pretty good for café coffee!
The promotions change from time to time, so the deals may vary depending on when you order.
I’d recommend downloading the Luckin Coffee app before your next visit to check what’s available. You might be lucky enough to grab a good deal, too.
✅ Would I Recommend Luckin Coffee?
Absolutely!
I went from someone who barely enjoyed coffee to someone who now looks forward to trying different drinks at cafés. Exploring Luckin Coffee’s menu has been a fun part of that journey, especially since some of its flavour combinations are quite different from what I’d normally order.
Not every drink has been a hit, of course. Some surprised me in the best way, while others weren’t quite to my taste. That’s the fun of trying something new, and I still have plenty of drinks on the menu left to explore.
The affordable prices are another plus, especially with the promotions available through the app. If you’re curious about Luckin Coffee, I’d say give it a try. You might find something you really enjoy, even if you’re not usually a coffee person.
💡 Tips for Your First Visit to Luckin Coffee
- Download the app first. Check the available promotions before ordering. Buy-one-free-one deals and discounted drinks can help you save quite a bit.
- Not a big coffee drinker? Try a latte or a chocolate-based drink if you prefer something sweeter.
- Check the flavours before ordering. Some drinks have distinctive flavours, such as cheese foam or coconut, which might not suit everyone’s taste.
- Manage your seating expectations. Some outlets have limited seating, so check the space available if you’re planning to stay for a while.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment. My favourites might not be yours, so have fun finding out which drinks suit your taste.
Until next time!
Love, Auri 🌻
That sounds like my kind of place 🙂
They serve good coffee, and if you were here, I’d treat you to one. 😄