Hi all, as usual hope you already had your coffee today ! If previously, I often talk about fascinating cafes in my hometown, Yogyakarta. Now, it's time to give a shot for another town ! The town I chose to is Jakarta which is capital of my country, Indonesia. As a capital with its fast pace and busy lifestyle, it is a bit affecting the cafe characteristics in here. Unlike in Yogyakarta which is more laid back and student city, finding highly artistic, traditional and natural concept is a bit harder. Most cafes offering modern, trendy, fancy or co working focus.
But, surely it doesn't mean that this capital city doesn't have any unique cafe at all. I'm lucky enough to get information about this cafe called Maru Baisen Cafe & Roaster in Central Jakarta. The name Maru Baisen came from Japanese words meanings "round roasting" or "circle roasting". In the coffee making context, this can be referring to specific, detail and careful roasting process. I bet the owner might be a fan of Japanese culture.
From the name, you get an impression that this cafe must be quite committed and offering great quality of coffee in their place. Well..to satisfy my curiosity and prove its name I'll head in and try. From the front look, you can tell that this cafe apply unusual concept as instead of having proper or fancy well decorated entrance, they build it as a crack hole in the wall. At first glance, it looks like a ruined building, but leeks take a look inside.
Once I went inside, I was so mesmerised with what I saw. Cemented building and green moss that grows in some parts of the building are the main elements. Cracks in the floor and hole in the wall are becoming the decoration. I can say that the place apply the concept of abandoned unfinished ruined building but in artistic way. Or perhaps, it used to be a real abandoned ruined building but they redecorated it into cafe ? I have no idea but surely this idea is just brilliant !
I look at the menu and look through the drink options. Apart of general coffee, the cafe has their signature drinks which consist of several coffee and non coffee mocktails with catchy names like Bon Bon, Spiced Cold Brew and Espresso Tonic. As I am in the mood for a black coffee, I ordered their Iced Americano but would love to try their signature drinks one day.
The Iced Americano came in such a beautiful presentation with a mint leave on top. I tried it and the bold punchy taste of the coffee quickly freshened my body and it turned out that the mint leave is not only a decoration but also contribute to add the minty flavor to the drink. A perfect combination! So, yes the drink proven their "Maru Baisen" meaning that they roast and brew their coffee carefully to produce delightful taste ! Cant wait to come back and try the other menu.
Note : All of the pictures are from my own personal documentation
Business information :
Maru Baisen Cafe & Roastery
Jl. Kartini 5 No.7B,,
Kartini, Kecamatan Sawah Besar, Jakarta, Indonesia
Opening hours :
Monday - Friday : 10.00 am - 11.00 pm
Saturday - Sunday : 08.00 am - 11.00 pm
