Hey 👋
In the spirit of getting more adventures and making a great time of my day, I decided to venture out of the ordinary from where I used to go. This time, I am back writing one of those coffee reviews that I haven’t really done in a while.
This Sunday, my family and I were attending a housewarming party for my cousin. We stayed there from early in the AM to midday. Since I haven’t had any coffee, it was normal of me to crave for it. So, without any more hesitation, we tried Toko Kopi Barokah, a newly built small cafe that looks cozy and inviting.
# A subculture coffee shop with a cozy atmosphere
There’s a reason why I rarely visit this type of “subculture” themed coffee shop.
I am too basic for them and my outfit isn’t punk rock enough to fit in. I would stand out like a sore thumb having coffee in a place where everyone dressed either like punk rock or some guy listening to RnB all day long.
The “subculture” scene or what Indonesian youngsters call it “Skena” is a type of coffee shop filled with people ready for runways. It can be quite intimidating because some of the people there tend to eye you down from head to toe and look like they were making some silent judgement.
So, you see, rather than being uncomfortable, I often skip it altogether. However, this time since I wasn’t alone and wasn’t going to be alone when silently judged,I gave it a try.
While the coffee shop is relatively small, it was so cozy and idyllic. It was set as if we’re not even in our city but was properly built and decorated. What makes and breaks the coffee shop is definitely its place and the atmosphere. Then, the next one is their coffee.
## A coffee shop is an experience
Perhaps unlike in many cities where coffee is just a go-to beverage while we’re catching up on the next meeting or work, in smaller cities and tourist places, coffee and coffee shops are an experience. This small city is also like that where coffee shops are the hub of experience. You don’t go there just for the coffee but also for the grams and to socialize.
Look at the front area of this place, it’s almost like you’re in your coolest cousin’s place to get a coffee.
This neighborhood isn’t exactly the type of neighborhood that would be popular for a coffee shop but with the right kind of architecture and interior, it is one of the most artistic and definitely scenic places to visit in the city.
### The coffee was solid.
Since it’s a coffee shop, it’s something I need to talk about. Their coffee was solid. It was just enough to satisfy my craving for caffeine without committing too much on it. I meant that as a compliment since their coffee machine isn’t that expensive compared to bigger coffee shops. It’s kept simple and humble and produces just solid coffee for both coffee lovers or people wanting to dive into the world of coffee.
My mom ordered their Taro & didn’t have that much complaint. She liked it just enough and it wasn’t too sweet. What she liked about the place was the place it was cool enough for her to cool off and shade from the unforgiving sun. As for the drink itself, to her it was a similar and familiar taste without anything too extraordinary.
Once I had the coffee, I decided to look around the place and their backyard area. I saw some girls were taking pictures for instagram under the scorching sun. While the place was properly shaded, it was still hot enough to be outside the non-AC area.
My visit this time though was short but very refreshing. I got to spend some quality time with my mother, something that I recommend everyone doing too. I am sure she feels refreshed too to be out and about.
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#### A good combination of subculture scene with solid coffee
I went to a few places before and like, this one is one of those must visit subculture coffee shops. It has a good combination of atmosphere that we want to stay there all day especially on hotter days.
See you in my next coffee adventure 😊