Located in Cikajang, Kopi Kalyan maintains a strong facade from the outside, but in the inside? It is humble in all aspects. The moniker “kalyan” – a twist of the word kalian, which translates to “you” (in plural) in Bahasa Indonesia – reflects the coffee shop’s spirit that is open to people of all generations and backgrounds.

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The menu is thought out to accommodate each clientele for various occasions. Younger visitors might lean towards Banana Cream Pie, while an arisan (a social gathering) group of housewives might prefer heavier food to share like their Breakfast Pasta or Nasi Goreng Kebuli. The flexibility of their menu goes as far to include humble Indonesian snacks as well, like the all-time favourites, fried cassava and banana fritters.

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On your first visit, it’s normal to be struck by its spacious floor plan. Done in a “half-finished” style – part of the walls are left unpainted with exposed bricks – the establishment still comes off as pleasant rather than intimidating. Coming with a group of family? There’s a communal table in the middle of the room. Wish to curl up all by yourself with an unfinished book? Why, there’s a sofa in the corner. And for coffee paired with a breeze of fresh air (and cigs), look no further than their al fresco “front yard” that replicates a typical Japanese yard.

Maybe it’s due to their flexibility and openness that the place often brims with chatter and laughter. In here, don’t be surprised to spot guests dropping by in tees, short pants and sandals as if visiting a nearby warung, sitting side by side with a group of stylish youth.

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(Palilingan P, Manual Jakarta, Nov 2016)

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