Perfect places for pick-me-ups<\/p>\n
Coffee culture in Jakarta has taken on its own meaning, distinct
\nfrom the original function of its counterparts Europe where
\nregulars stop in for a taste of the bitter black stuff.<\/p>\n
While the friends from Friends had Central Perk, here the
\ncoffee shop can be a place to hash out deals, a stop during an
\nafternoon of shopping, the choice spot to watch the world go by
\nor people watch at the end of the day.<\/p>\n
And, for penny-pinching calorie counters, it's also a perfect
\nvenue to load up (free load, more like it) on free Equal sachets.
\nHeaven.<\/p>\n
Oh, and there is coffee to be had, too.<\/p>\n
We asked some city dwellers what places make them perk up and
\ntake notice.<\/p>\n
Lia, 30: I'm not that fond of coffee. But I love the aroma,
\nit's so good! ... My favorite is Bali Dancer. Or else, I pick
\ncaramel ice coffee at Bakoel Koffie, it has the best caramel
\ntaste in town. However, I don't really like the atmosphere there,
\ntoo much cigarette smoke and barely any ventilation.<\/p>\n
The coffee at the franchised cafes is really overpriced, while
\nthe taste is like that you could make at home. I think people go
\nthere for the fancy atmosphere. A friend goes to Starbucks all
\nthe time, not for the coffee, but she likes the feeling of being
\nlike the cast of Friends.<\/p>\n
She actually prefers the coffee at Gloria Jean's, but since it
\nhas no huge mug, she missed the feeling of being Monica or
\nRachel.<\/p>\n
Glenn, 31: My favorite brand is Tek Sun Hoo, Warung Tinggi,
\nwhich can only be bought in Kota, Central Jakarta. Actually,
\nBakoel Koffie has it, too, but I don't like the atmosphere.<\/p>\n
I'm bored with all the franchised coffee shops, all the coffee
\ntastes like syrup.<\/p>\n
But I like to go to Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf at Plaza Senayan,
\nCentral Jakarta, around 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Because there is
\nnobody there, sunshine comes through the windows -- it's lovely.
\nI just read or bring my laptop to work on or browse the Net.<\/p>\n
When people start to come, I usually move to Starbucks in
\nfront of Kinokuniya bookshop at the same plaza, and go when it
\ngets crowded.<\/p>\n
Dian Noeh, 31: I love Starbucks! I have the mugs to be used at
\nhome and at the office. Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf actually has
\nstronger coffee, but I love the atmosphere at Starbucks.<\/p>\n
I like to hang out there by myself, working on my laptop on
\nthe couch. The couch is very comfy, and it's green! I don't mind
\nthe price, because the experience is lovely.<\/p>\n
Plus, the marketing manager is a good friend, so I love to go
\nthere. Basically, I love everything at Starbucks. It also has
\nsandwiches and candies for my son.<\/p>\n
-- JP<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/perfect-places-for-pick-me-ups-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }