Perfect places for pick-me-ups
Coffee culture in Jakarta has taken on its own meaning, distinct from the original function of its counterparts Europe where regulars stop in for a taste of the bitter black stuff.
While the friends from Friends had Central Perk, here the coffee shop can be a place to hash out deals, a stop during an afternoon of shopping, the choice spot to watch the world go by or people watch at the end of the day.
And, for penny-pinching calorie counters, it's also a perfect venue to load up (free load, more like it) on free Equal sachets. Heaven.
Oh, and there is coffee to be had, too.
We asked some city dwellers what places make them perk up and take notice.
Lia, 30: I'm not that fond of coffee. But I love the aroma, it's so good! ... My favorite is Bali Dancer. Or else, I pick caramel ice coffee at Bakoel Koffie, it has the best caramel taste in town. However, I don't really like the atmosphere there, too much cigarette smoke and barely any ventilation.
The coffee at the franchised cafes is really overpriced, while the taste is like that you could make at home. I think people go there for the fancy atmosphere. A friend goes to Starbucks all the time, not for the coffee, but she likes the feeling of being like the cast of Friends.
She actually prefers the coffee at Gloria Jean's, but since it has no huge mug, she missed the feeling of being Monica or Rachel.
Glenn, 31: My favorite brand is Tek Sun Hoo, Warung Tinggi, which can only be bought in Kota, Central Jakarta. Actually, Bakoel Koffie has it, too, but I don't like the atmosphere.
I'm bored with all the franchised coffee shops, all the coffee tastes like syrup.
But I like to go to Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf at Plaza Senayan, Central Jakarta, around 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Because there is nobody there, sunshine comes through the windows -- it's lovely. I just read or bring my laptop to work on or browse the Net.
When people start to come, I usually move to Starbucks in front of Kinokuniya bookshop at the same plaza, and go when it gets crowded.
Dian Noeh, 31: I love Starbucks! I have the mugs to be used at home and at the office. Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf actually has stronger coffee, but I love the atmosphere at Starbucks.
I like to hang out there by myself, working on my laptop on the couch. The couch is very comfy, and it's green! I don't mind the price, because the experience is lovely.
Plus, the marketing manager is a good friend, so I love to go there. Basically, I love everything at Starbucks. It also has sandwiches and candies for my son.
-- JP