If there’s one drink people can’t seem to live without, it’s definitely coffee. This rich, aromatic beverage is the epitome and highlight of many mornings, including mine.
Indonesia has long been known as a renowned coffee-producing country. Our beans boast signature tastes quite different from others, like our Arabica blend featuring [insert flavor profile here]. This reputation is further bolstered by the abundance of coffee shops we have. Not only in the capital city, but also throughout the country, you’ll find a growing number of independent coffee shops, some even boasting their own roasteries.
Amongst this abundance, one place has stood out and piqued my curiosity, despite its distance from my usual haunts. Omakafe, helmed by the 2024 World Barista Champion, Mikael Jasin, offers a coffee experience unlike any other.
Inspired by the mindful ethos of the omakase tradition, each visit offers an immersive journey into the world of coffee, guided by expert baristas. They meticulously blend flavors and share stories, crafting an experience that revolutionizes the way we enjoy coffee. After a successful debut in 2023, Omakafe presents a new season called “The Antidote.”
“Season 3: Antidote” is a refreshing exploration of how medicinal herbs and spices can complement and challenge coffee’s flavor profiles, imbuing each brew with a healing twist. By carefully selecting and sourcing each coffee, herb, and spice from trusted partners, Jasin and his team promise a parade of flavors that celebrate the biodiversity of different regions.
The Omakase Coffee Experience
If you’re looking for a coffee experience that breaks the mold, then Omakase is the place to be. Even with some prior knowledge of their concept, I was still thoroughly impressed. This approach is refreshingly uncommon, offering something you won’t find just anywhere.
The term “omakase” translates to “I leave it up to you,” reflecting the diner’s trust in the chef to curate a meal. Traditionally associated with sushi bars, it involves the chef crafting a selection based on the freshest, highest-quality ingredients available. Omakase translates this concept into the realm of coffee, with their baristas – recognized for their expertise – crafting a series of expertly concocted coffee beverages alongside non-coffee options like matcha, cacao, and even cocktails.
For the full Omakase experience, choose their set menu. This features three distinct coffee drinks prepared using different brewing methods, all showcasing the same beans. The result? Prepare to be surprised.
Omakase’s newest menu features an exciting range of beverages, including coffee-based concoctions, alcohol-infused drinks, and non-coffee options. Several highlights include the delightful “Bandrek-EX,” a coffee-inspired beverage drawing on the traditional West Javanese drink.
Served in an Irish coffee style, it blends Bandrek cordial, espresso, and warm water, topped with mixed cream and Omakase’s signature finishing powder. For those seeking a caffeine-free option, the “Tamarindo Tamerikku” offers a refreshing twist on the traditional “kunyit asam.” This drink combines turmeric, tamarind, chocolate husks, and Polewali lime, charged with carbon dioxide and served with cacao nibs for an enhanced chocolate flavor.
“Innovation in the world of coffee is about pushing boundaries while respecting tradition,” states Jasin. “Coffee is a culture that has been cherished in Indonesia for centuries. By infusing medicinal herbs and spices into our coffee, we’re integrating another time-tested practice and exploring new flavor profiles beyond the ordinary.”
He adds, “‘Antidote’ is a continuation of my journey following the 2024 World Barista Championship. It’s where I challenged myself and showcased Indonesian coffee culture’s immense potential for innovation. All credit also goes to my team, who have been with me throughout the long research and development process to launch this new season.”
Omakafé
3rd Floor, Jl. Lkr. Bumi Botanika Utara, Lengkong Kulon, Kec. Pagedangan, Kabupaten Tangerang, Banten 14425
The Stones – Legian, Bali">
