Why I Love Specialty Coffee Shops
It's a place where people from anywhere can come and enjoy coffee together. The atmosphere can encourage interaction, leading to collaborations and fostering the well-being of the community.
I love to find good coffee shops, especially small specialty coffee shops.
For a variety of reasons, sometimes to read, many times to work, to meet friends, for business, or of course, most of the time just to relax and enjoy a cup of coffee.
The quest started when I discovered smaller local brands at gift shops around Indonesia during my travels back then. I found that every region has its own distinct taste and aroma. Which then led me to buy local coffee grounds from every city I visited.
Also, thanks to Josh Estey, a humanitarian photographer who loves coffee and was the founder of Bear & Co. Back then, he would occasionally announce a pre-order of cold brew coffee, which he would deliver by bicycle himself. I ordered a couple of bottles. On the designated day, he rode his bicycle to Jl. Bangka in Kemang, Jakarta (where my office was located at the time), to deliver bottles of Cold Brew with milk. We talked so much, and he shared a bottle of coffee that had a very flowery scent and tasted like wine. He then shared stories about varied tasting notes and more interesting details about coffee.
Which i think it’s very intriguing how we can actually traced every cup of coffee to their farmer. Which then making every sip is special.
I think it was the time I started the journey for specialty coffee.
But, what is specialty coffee?
Specialty coffee can consistently exist through the dedication of the people who have made it their life's work to continually make quality their highest priority. - SCA (https://sca.coffee/research/what-is-specialty-coffee)
But in my own simple words; A specialty coffee shop is where the staff understand how their beans are processed, where the beans come from, and at a minimum, understand how to brew them to serve the best experience.
One of the reasons why I still go out for coffee even if I can brew a nice cup myself is mainly because of the experience. In my opinion, Specialty Coffee should be about social interaction. It's a place where people from anywhere can come and enjoy coffee together. The atmosphere can encourage interaction, leading to collaborations and fostering the well-being of the community.
That's why I love to come to coffee shops with welcoming regulars and allow interactions with the barista. Although I am an introvert, I deeply appreciate every meaningful connection with people.
These interactions have helped me build my networks for the past ten years. Most of my clients can be traced back to the coffee shops and bakmi places that I regularly visit.
Most owners and workers at Specialty Coffee Shops usually don’t mind recommending other Specialty Coffee Shops because they love coffee and also love to explore and experience different coffee offerings while enjoying interactions. They also understand that as their friends grow, they will also grow, fostering community growth.
This, in turn, benefits the neighborhood as a whole, as there will be more ideas and collaborations happening there.
In short, I love the interactions and the benefit will be beyond the profit.
As a bonus, I will share a list of Specialty Coffee Shops along the LRT line from Velodrome to Mal Kelapa Gading:
1. Homebound Coffee, Kelapa Kopyor Raya
Stop at Boulevard Selatan and walk about 3 minutes.
This might be one of the best examples of neighborhood coffee shops that encourage collaborations. Many of the regulars are small business owners and creative workers, and Syarief, the owner and head barista, will not hesitate to promote and introduce his customers to each other.
2. KOCIL, Pulo Nangka
Stop at Pulomas and walk less than a minute. Because it’s right next to the exit stairs
It's a small place but the coffee is really good. Although I'm not a regular here, some friends are. They have met new people and had some collaborations.
3. JOM, Kayu Putih
Between Velodrome and Equestrian Stop,Walk about 4 minutes.
Their baristas offer interactions and understand your regular orders. Sometimes I have conversations with the team or owner at their place or at the neighboring coffee shop. It's a nice place to work and has strong Wi-Fi.
4. Fligen, Pulo Asem
From Velodrome stop, walk about 6 minutes.
It's a very small coffee shop and roastery. I come here to have a quick cup of coffee while sometimes talking about many things with the barista. It's a nice place for everyone who wants to get the local update of the coffee business.
5. Psswrd Coffee Roaster, Pulo Asem
Two minutes' walk from Fligen. A bit hidden from the street. You should check your Google Map.
They open after lunchtime until Sandy gets tired. This place offers competition-quality beans and interactions. They have a variety of glasses that can be used to experience your coffee differently. It's a very nice place to experience coffee and have meaningful conversations about coffee. But would be better if you check today’s schedule from their social media or send a DM to know exactly the opening time for today.
Looking forward to more works with a coffee theme in the future.