Picks of a (Coffee) Prince
Global
A coffee lover myself, I have contributed in revitalizing Jakarta’s java scene by bringing in Common Man Coffee Roasters, Sensory Lab, and ST. Ali into the city. While I always enjoy a good cup of joe at home, my work has brought me to different countries—and, by extension, to some of the world's best coffee shops. Here's a list of roasters and cafes that I recommend!
philipchenUpdated 4 years ago
2
The Cupping Room is a small batch coffee roastery in Hong Kong. They are the first independent Asian cafe to serve beans from Counter Culture Coffee, a sustainable coffee roaster based in North Carolina, USA. Try a cup of joe prepared by one of their award-winning baristas; and pair it with an item from their Australian cafe-inspired menu!
- +852 2799 3398
299 Queen's Road Central, Central, Hong Kong, China
- http://thecuppingroomhk.com/
A local favorite hidden in Ekkamai Road, Kaizen Coffee Co. brings a taste of Melbourne coffee to Bangkok. The minimalist white cafe cups the classics alongside a range of inventive concoctions such as their nitrogen-brewed drinks and ice cream-infused shakes. The Nitro Coffee House is a must-try—even just to see it be drawn from a tap like a cold beer!
- +66 98 831 6009
582/5 Tai Ping Tower, Ekkamai Road, Klongtun Neau, Wattana, Bangkok, Thailand
- https://www.kaizencoffee.com/
Western cuisine dominates at Common Man Coffee Roasters. Enjoy an all-day brunch menu of eggs benedict, brioche toasts, and the like; and coffee sourced from farmers around the world! Built on a partnership between Harry Grover of Forty Hands (Singapore’s third-wave coffee pioneer), Australian coffee roaster Five Senses, and the Spa Esprit Group, Common Man Coffee Roasters transcends your typical coffee shop. It’s also a roastery, academy, and wholesale coffee bean shop.
- +65 6836 4695
22 Martin Road #01-00, Singapore
- https://commonmancoffeeroasters.com/
Tucked in the suburban area of Tiong Bahru in Singapore, Forty Hands fuels locals with a delectable selection of white coffee. Their macchiato, latte, and flat white are crowd-favorites! For more full-bodied and robust options, just ask the barista. Forty Hands’ food menu is largely influenced by Australia’s third-wave coffee scene, so expect large savory meals to satisfy your appetite.
- +65 6225 8545
78 Yong Siak Street #01-12, Singapore
- https://www.40handscoffee.com/
Located in one of Everton Park’s old housing buildings, Nylon Coffee Roasters invites the Singaporean community for quiet downtimes with stellar cups of joe. The bright, laid-back interiors welcome guests to a friendly environment, one that encourages interaction with your neighbors. To guarantee that each conversation is powered by great brews, owners Dennis Tang and Lee Jia Min conduct yearly trips to Central America to source only the best beans.
- +65 6220 2330
4 Everton Park #01-40, Singapore
- https://www.nyloncoffee.sg/
More than just a cafe, Sensory Lab is a tasting space where Melbourne’s coffee connoisseurs converge to appreciate a curated range of espressos and single-origin drinks. For those who are yet to be versed in the third-wave coffee movement, the people behind the counter are happy to explain the intricacies of the craft—ending with a drink made just for you! The cafe is also stocked with delightful cakes and pastries from ST Ali (Sensory Lab’s mother brand) and local-favorite bakery Rustica.
- +61 3 9645 0065
Level 1 David Jones, 310 Bourke Street, Melbourne, Australia
- https://www.sensorylab.com.au/
Headquartered in Portland, Oregon (USA), Stumptown Coffee Roasters has been passionately cupping joes since 1999. Operated by a team of coffee lovers, the company dedicates itself to extracting the best flavors in each mug. Take your pick from their extensive assortment of sustainably sourced beans. When you can’t get enough, peruse through their collection of brewing gears so you may make a delicious cuppa at home yourself!
- +1 503 230 7702
4525 South East Division Street, Portland, Oregon, USA
- https://www.stumptowncoffee.com/
Direct trade is the name of the game at Intelligentsia Coffee. Led by founders Doug Zell and Emily Mange, the roaster advocates maintaining relationships with coffee growers—they even claim to have started this movement! The people behind Intelligentsia Coffee believe that the act of preparing and enjoying a cup of coffee should be an experience in itself. Drop by their flagship store for exceptional brews!
- +1 773 348 8058
3123 North Broadway, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- https://www.intelligentsiacoffee.com/
Now a globally known brand, Blue Bottle Coffee has grown a mighty network of cafes stretching all the way from the USA to Japan! The artisan roaster takes a hands-on approach to crafting their java. They only do small-batch roastings; and they never pre-blend their coffee, thus retaining the unique taste of each brew.
- +1 510 653 3394
#7 Ferry Building Marketplace, 1 Ferry Building, San Francisco, California, USA
- https://www.bluebottlecoffee.com/cafes/ferry-building
