There was plenty of anticipation surrounding the opening of Fuglen at ASHTA District 8—and for good reason. The 61-year-old specialty coffee chain from Oslo, Norway has long been a revered institution amongst enthusiasts, gaining international recognition in 2012 when it first introduced its coffee-and-cocktail bar concept in Tokyo, Japan.
Brought by multi-brand lifestyle retail firm The 707 Company, Fuglen—which is Norwegian for ‘bird’—has always been known for its neighbourhood-centric appeal, which means every location it has across Norway, Japan, South Korea and now Indonesia, has its own distinct approach that responds to its surroundings.
For its outpost at ASHTA in Senopati, this is translated through an interior dominated by warm wood tones, tastefully complementing the shopping centre’s dark stone palette, and accented by details that nod to the coffee bar’s Norwegian heritage. These range from mid-century-style Scandinavian furnishings like the genuine vintage leather sofas—imported straight from Norway—to straw-textured wallpapers, developed by Fuglen’s initiative, Norwegian Icons, highlighting the country’s distinctive use of natural materials in interior design.
Beyond aesthetics, Fuglen’s Nordic-style light roast of single-origin beans offers a deeper understanding of the Norwegian coffee culture, where flavours take precedence over strength. It’s also a bit more acidic than what the local palate is accustomed to; so when going for a filter brew, a tip is to start with the Karamo beans from Ethiopia, which boasts a balanced medley of blueberry, orange and floral notes with milk chocolate hints.
Of course, a trip to Fuglen wouldn’t be complete without trying out the signature Shakerato. Available both as espresso and latte, each cuppa is shaken over ice inside a cocktail shaker with a slight amount of brown sugar, adding a touch of sweetness without masking the coffee’s bright and fruity profile.
Here, cocktail hour starts as early as 4 PM. Try Damn Fine Coffee for something that is both fresh and creamy, where a blend of coffee-infused shochu, lemon juice and sweet vanilla syrup comes topped with thick egg white foam. Alternatively, the Reverse Manhattan would satisfy those with a more experimental palate with its combination of chilli-infused Cinzano Rosso vermouth and rye whisky.
Given the buzz surrounding its arrival, securing a seat at Fuglen could prove a challenge—you’ll find yourself vying with the neighbourhood’s high-mobility office workers and even the occasional family with children. Fortunately, there’s always the option of perching by the coffee-slash-cocktail bar and striking up a conversation with the baristas or bartenders, maybe with a cup of the signature homemade Ginger Ale when it’s too late for coffee but too early for cocktails.
It’s clear that Fuglen has already carved itself a distinct niche amidst the city’s increasingly saturated coffee scene—but this is only the beginning for the team. With plans to introduce Jakarta-specific menus and even the prospect of establishing a roastery in the city, it’s exciting to see how far Fuglen will spread its wings next.
