Step into Coffee Smith and the first thing you’ll notice is a hefty coffee-roasting machine that will greet you — stationed beside the entrance in a glass-partitioned room — and not the coffee bar. It should effectively assures coffee enthusiasts that they are in good hands, for just like the name itself suggests, Coffee Smith is taking coffee matters seriously like a self-respected guild.
And if anyone needs anymore convincing argument, then one of its founders, Muhammad Aga (who came in second in the 2014 Indonesia Barista Championship), would easily put the matter to rest. Located in Mampang, this modest two-storey establishment easily attracts white-collar workers in the area like a bee to a flower.
But those who aren’t accustomed to coffee shouldn’t feel alienated. There is something for everyone here, from the novices to aficionados, without resorting to the novelty.
The latte here comes in three different sizes. The larger it is, the more milk ratio it has. It’s definitely suitable for those who are looking for an entry point into the world of coffee. Fancy a stronger kick with a light touch? Try Magic, which is basically a double-shot Flat White.
And since the café roasts its own coffee beans (a mix of local and international, such as Flores, Papua to Colombia), it also provides coffee beans for sale, though in limited number, for patrons to continue the whole Coffee Smith’s experience in the comfort of their own home.
Mampang may not be an obvious choice or a stylish neighbourhood for a specialty coffee establishment like Coffee Smith. But the latter clearly shows that no matter where you are, all it takes is just good coffee to make a mark. And that’s already half the battle won.