Starbucks beans are actually on the expensive side.

You can try out some beans from your local supermarket. Another alternative if practical is IKEA.

Starbucks beans are pricy and not as fresh IMHO.
You can try to buy online from the popularly recommended BeanShipper

try here, super fast delivery ....
mistercoffee.com.my/

care to share some info about your taobao's espresso machine?

20-bar?!?... That's pretty hardcore liao.. lol
For RMB 899, it's a bit expensive, but since it's a dual use machine, it looks good on the table ba..

By the way, what coffee grinder are you using then?

Actually, I wouldn't be surprised if it generates 20 bar. It's more difficult to build a machine that controls the pressure to the correct level (only about 9 bar) and balance with the correct flow rate as well. To compensate, lower end machines tend to crank up the pressure.

from your replies, i gathered that you're very new to this espresso machine/roasted beans.. the machine you purchased via taobao isn't cheap, there're of course, better alternatives for the RM555(+s/h), but since you've bought it, my as well make good use of it then..
the reason i asked you about your grinder is.. it will make logical sense to decide on the type of roasted beans you're planning to buy.
thus, if you're using a "blade" grinder.. forget about those expensive beans(e.g starbucks, or gourmet grade beans)

SheepGeeks; we are all still continuing to learn. The coffee journey is long .... and fun!

The general consensus is that burr grinders are the way to go. That being said, there are a lot of choices.

If your volume is not high (maybe no more than 3 cups a session?), the best value for money is probably a hand/manual grinder. A Hario Skerton which you can easily get from many department stores here is just over RM 150. Excellent "professional" models are in the RM1K range, while virtually similar quality China brands cost half as much.

Motorised models start from close to RM 1k (for a Breville for example) then rapidly escalate to RM 2k and above for espresso-targetted models. Or you can set aside RM 12k for an EK43. You can also look out for secondhand deals which can go for 20% to 50% off.

Main issue is lack of consistency. Some particles will be large, while others will be very fine. This means the extraction will be over-extracting for the fines, and under-extracting for the boulders. For espresso an additional issue would be the inability to reliably control the back-pressure; some shots will be way too fast; others may choke. Lastly, I understand blades heat up the grounds, reducing the quality of the coffee.

Gurus; please add/correct.

Uneven size of grinds which lead to poor or uneven extraction.

What’s your budget?

There are such hand grinder but not cheap
http://www.oehandgrinders.com/OE-Manual-Co...inders_c_1.html

I was in your shoe 2 months ago, with Lebenstill blade grinder. I only makes 2 cups of coffee a day, no need to buy electric burr grinder (unless got the $).

Bought a Hario Skerton Plus.... BEST DECISION EVER MADE!

My coffee turns from some-times-good/some-times-ok/some-times-great into OUTSTANDING, and the more important keyword is "CONSISTENLY".

Even enjoyed the process of manually grinding coffee beans, feeling the level of strength required to crush the beans and the feedback, aroma of the grinded coffee filing my nostrils, and thinking about the absolutely best coffee i'm getting soon. It is very therapeutic... almost a sort of meditation, knowing each morning i'm delivering the best of my ability with what i have, the "Appreciation".

So if someone ask me what is the best purchase I made in the last one year that is less than RM200?

Hario Skerton Plus.

I would highly recommend the Anonymous MK2 grinder.

Normal version https://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=a1z10....id=525828224421

Italmill burr(more suited for Espresso) version

https://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=a1z10....&id=45236342301
It does not take much effort and time to grind at all.

I had Breville Smart Grinder and Porlex grinder at home.

and also 1zpresso Zpro.

Don't see much use for the Breville smart grinder.
Porlex hand grinder is now my salt/pepper grinder...

Skerton/Porlex does not even come close in terms of built quality/grind quality.

which net have you been searching? 
here's the link gobarequip
its out of stock at the moment.
call him to ask if you are really interested.
at sub 170, you can hardly get a better grinder.
remember, it has to be "plus".

Are you using the grinder mainly for espresso?

Very curious on the bolded part.. share pls

The focus on latte art in certain cases overshadows the importance of properly steamed milk. Milk is such an important part of a good latte and obviously BnB has done it right 
So if you're just starting, I do advice you to not be too worried about how your art looks like but rather how your latte is tasting 

It's true that a well steamed milk is crucial for a good and smooth pour, but more importantly:
1. Milk steamed to the right temps will get you it's peak sweetness, while further steaming/heating will separate the fat and causes a watery latte
2. Well incorporated microfoam to elevate the texture and mouthfeel of the coffee
3. Well mixed (initial pour before the art) will ensure good marriage between crema (bitter) + milk foam (sweet). If your first sip is bitter, you know this was not done well

A latte art is merely a simple indication that the milk has probably been steamed well but your tongue is the final judge

Practice your steaming and also learn to calibrate your coffee differently for milk (maybe a higher dose or higher extraction to make sure flavors are not drowned by the milk)

Good luck!

From lazada, 200ml
https://www.lazada.com.my/products/200ml-68...4RJluB&search=1

You may want to get a 350ML to for comparison. 200Ml may be too small and constricted when swirling the milk.

350ML for me is the sweet spot for milk frothing for around 100ML each time. Bearing in mind that you will have to tilt the jug slightly, the milk volume will approximately double, you will need space to swirl the milk and "bang" the milk.