Rizki Nugraha brought back the vibes in coffee for me
I lied. Coffee has a vibe and it was by following The Rizki Way and his writing in: Is Indonesian Coffee Actually Good?
While on the road, the back of my mind was the piece I wrote of coffee having no vibe. It bothered me after I unleashed it into the wild and had friends message me saying “I know you better now.” I didn’t want to sound bitter and ungrateful for how the coffee scene and what the coffee culture has done for me. There are many factors that play into why I said coffee has no vibe but I lied after reading friend and guest of Wear Many Hats, The Rizki Way by Rizki Nugraha on Is Indonesian Coffee Actually Good?
To answer Rizki’s question, the answer is yes*
On the Wear Many Hats World Tour: Bali edition, we decided that on the first leg of tour to visit Rizki’s top 4 coffee roasters. We did it in the span of a day. It was easy to do so because along the west side of the coast, you are able to visit these locations throughout Seminyak and Canggu.
Rizki begins by giving us his coffee story of how it all started for him. How Indonesia has produced some of the most talented baristas he knows and how in 2012, it’s where he got his start in coffee, service, and the creative energy that surrounds him. Rizki brings up that he credits Australia as a major influence in style and service standards. Which makes me want to still give Australians a chance. It’s been rough to see how Australia is infiltrating Bali with their way of things and manners but I know they mean well if you find the right people.
Coffee is a huge part of life where he’s from. I agree. When I was in Bali and I needed downtime, I was popping into cafe’s left and right for a quick bite or refuel. The Balinese are so warm and welcoming, that they make sure you’re being taken care of. Except when it’s time for the bill, they kind of leave you hanging by thinking you’re going to stay there for the day.
To the tech side of things. Rizki’s setup at home is top notch and me and him have had conversations about it for his solopreneur venture, Catered by Luka. Rizki uses the Synesso ES.1 espresso machine, which I have never used before but it’s sleek design where it’s features make me want to pull shots for guests dressed up for an occasion. It’s a nice machine that looks great for weddings and high quality events. Pop ups and markets will do too but to be honest, I would have a La Marzocco for the rise and grind events because the Synesso would be taken out for other days. I’m talking like these two are cars which is bizarre. The Mazzer Philos single-dose grinder looks good and does the job. The Split-shot technique that Rizki then talks about intrigues me because for espresso it’s chef’s kiss and I love that he pours it for 8oz Lattes. That’s the way it should be.
Now to the Indonesian roasters:
1. Hungry Bird Coffee Roaster – Canggu
The staff at the cafe were young and hungry to learn but the the cafe needs a whole new makeover.
2. Tanamera Coffee
Great espressos for an iced latte. Cafe is a bit sterile with bar seating and interesting art.
3. Revolver Espresso – Bali
There are quite a few Revolvers everywhere and more they are building. Revolver has mini Revolver’s called Baby Rev’s that serve food which I’m wondering where the kitchen is. Revolver is also in the Bali airport with multiple locations in there as well.
The name makes me turn the other way though. Not a fan of guns, America and their guns, people and their obsession for guns. Also the blackout vibe is not really that fun. The staff is wonderful. I went to all the Revolvers and Baby Rev’s. It’s ok but you kind of want to leave sooner than later.
4. Blacklist Coffee Roaster
Sweet staff also a blackout vibe inside.
I added an asterisk
Is Indonesian Coffee Actually Good?
To answer Rizki’s question, the answer is yes*
I went to all the roasters he mentions above but when I ordered my preferred drink, which is an Americano or Long Black, the results are in from all 4 places and sadly, they did not deliver for me.
It was not long enough until our second leg of the Bali trip, we went to the east side and explored Ubud, and that is where I found my favorite coffee place that hit all the boxes. How did I find it? Thank you Reddit.
Across the street they run Tektonik Records and Gallery as well. I bought a bunch of merch from them including a t-shirt that said “Anyone can be a DJ in Bali.”
Their storefront says their motto “Everything Happens to Everyone.”
Their Americanos were delicious. The staff was bright and helpful. Their takeaway iced drinks are in bottles that are sealed up for freshness. Everything was up to par. Seating, location, etc. They are due for an update on their bathroom situation and their own merch but their coffee selection and design is great quality. The guests coming in are sweet and the bakery down below is somewhat interconnected. Seniman Coffee is a coffee shop where I would want to meet the owner, see what they’re up to, and tell them what a great job they are doing.
Thank you so much to Rizki for putting out an amazing write up on Indonesian coffee while we were in Bali. It was perfect timing.
Give Rizki a follow at
on Substack and @therizkiway on IG. Tell him I sent you. Rizki if you’re reading this, thanks for the write up and keep crushing it with your projects including Catered By Luka.