Anooh Coffee Featured in FAVSTYLE Magazine | Essentials By Writer On-The-Go Lorena Binisol

The idea for Anooh Coffee was born during the quiet, uncertain days of Covid-19. For Azizul Julirin, a 38-year-old entrepreneur from Kundasang, the question he asked himself was simple: What would be the best thing to do now? His answer became a café, but not just any café.

Azizul, known for his community-driven ventures, believes business should go beyond profit. For him, entrepreneurship is about creating opportunities, nurturing talent, and uplifting the community. Anooh Coffee became an extension of that vision, where every cup carries a story from the highlands.

With pride, Azizul embraces the tagline “Anooh Coffee, Love from the Mountain.” More than a slogan, it reflects the warmth of the people, the richness of the land, and the authenticity of flavours born from the hills of Sabah.

Set against the majestic backdrop of Mount Kinabalu, Anooh Coffee carries a welcoming story through its very name. Derived from the local Kadazan and Dusun Liwan expression meaning “Come,” Anooh is an invitation to gather, share coffee, and connect with one another.

One of Azizul’s goals was to introduce locally brewed Arabica coffee served fresh from the beans while visitors enjoy the breathtaking scenery of Kundasang, often described for its Switzerland-like charm. He noticed that many young locals were unfamiliar with freshly brewed coffee culture and wanted to change that perception.

Inspired by the lack of proper roadside R&R facilities in Sabah, Azizul envisioned Anooh Coffee as more than a café. Strategically located with spacious parking, clean rest areas, and quality refreshments, it serves as a welcoming stop for travelers journeying toward Sandakan, Lahad Datu, and Sabah’s East Coast.

Today, Anooh Coffee has become a favourite stop among both locals and international visitors. Guests sip coffee while enjoying panoramic views of Mount Kinabalu, accompanied by live music performances that began in 2023 and quickly became part of the café’s identity.

The café’s menu blends local and international flavours, featuring pastries, croissants, and Malaysian favourites such as Nasi Lemak. Beyond dining, Anooh Coffee also supports 37 local vendors by showcasing their artisan products, helping entrepreneurs market their creations without needing their own storefronts.

With 27 staff members, mostly Generation Z, Azizul takes pride in creating employment and skill-building opportunities for young people. Through his “learn and earn” concept, students and aspiring entrepreneurs gain experience in barista skills, baking, customer service, and soft-skill development while earning income during their studies.

More than just a café, Anooh Coffee has evolved into a platform for positivity, empowerment, and community transformation. In Azizul’s eyes, it is a movement that blends tradition with modern entrepreneurship, ensuring that the “love from the mountain” reaches far beyond Kundasang itself.