For those familiar with Jakarta’s coffee scene, Kurasu has long secured its place, building a following around Kyoto-sourced beans and a precise approach to brewing. At PIM 5, its fifth Jakarta outpost carries that foundation forward, this time shaped by a space that feels notably lighter and more open.
The room is defined by how easily it breathes. Light moves across pale wood surfaces, slipping between the indoor seating and the front outdoor section, where the boundary is intentionally loose. Designed by Rama and Romy Dwiwahyu, the space reflects their restrained sensibility, one that favours clarity over statement, allowing the layout to shift depending on how it is used. At its centre, the bar holds things together. Staff move between ceramic origami drippers and rows of coffee jars, guiding customers through their preferences with quiet efficiency. Around it, the seating disperses into different zones: larger tables that gather groups, low sofas that encourage longer stays, and smaller corners that suit those working alone with a laptop and a cup within reach.
As the day progresses, the space takes on a different pace. What begins as a quick stop often extends into a longer stay. The offerings follow the same approach. Drinks remain straightforward, from a Black to a Dirty Latte, while branch-specific options like the Imo Latte bring a slightly fuller profile, with house-made ube and oat milk sharpened by a shot of espresso. A selection of omusubi, including wagyu with cured yolk and tuna with ikura, adds just enough substance without shifting the focus away from the room itself.
What the menu offers in variety, the setting reinforces through convenience. Being located within PIM 5 adds another layer to its appeal. It works easily as part of a longer route through the mall, whether as a pause between errands or a place to return to. The steady movement of people in and out gives the space a certain energy, without overwhelming it.
In the end, what stands out is not any single element, but how naturally the space accommodates different uses. Open yet structured, it allows for both brief visits and longer stays without needing to declare either. In that sense, this fifth Kurasu feels less like a new chapter and more like a continuation, adjusted to its surroundings with quiet confidence.
