South East Asia’s Cafe Culture

The rich heritage of coffee and coffeehouses can be traced back to the 4th century, originating in Turkey and the Middle East. Coffee shops or cafés served as social gathering places and hubs of creativity and intellectual exchange throughout history. Vietnam and Indonesia, two Southeast Asian nations, hold prominent positions as two of the world's top five largest coffee producers. The roots of this coffee culture stretch back to the 19th century when French colonists introduced Arabica and Robusta coffee plants to Laos.

Over time, coffee consumption has evolved from a longstanding tradition into a symbol of a new lifestyle, particularly among the middle class in coffee-producing countries. The allure of coffee culture lies in its ability to provide a social, relaxing, and sensory experience that is both enjoyable and accessible.

In this article, OvN delves into the café culture across six Southeast Asian locations that seamlessly blend historical, global, and local influences. The cafes in Southeast Asia evoke a strong sense of nostalgia, acting as bridges between the past and the present. Today's café culture is steeped in nostalgia while also introducing new elements. Within café culture, an anti-capitalist sentiment thrives, emphasizing a unique, locally-rooted experience over the big global coffee chains.

Local coffee shops in Southeast Asia are characterized by their small, specialized nature, accentuating the distinctive regional qualities. Communities are enthusiastic about evolving local traditions and seamlessly integrating them into contemporary global lifestyles. There is a deliberate effort to preserve and rejuvenate traditional and historical facets of Southeast Asian culture. These cafes serve as a response to globalization, when woven into local history and collective memories, this fusion of local and global influences results in something uniquely positive, novel, nostalgic, and distinctly regional.

The 1960s was a golden age for cinema and music in many Southeast Asian countries. Iconic films, music acts, and fashion trends emerged during this time, creating a rich cultural heritage. The period of decolonization and postcolonial development in the 1960s was a time of immense change. This era often represents a time of hope, optimism, and a search for identity, making it an appealing period to look back on nostalgically.

Understanding coffee culture entails grasping the essence of the coffee scene and spending quality time together. The principles rooted in today’s coffee culture can be extended to various domains such as hotels and retail. Today’s café culture embodies an anti-capitalist ethos and champions the value of authentic, local experiences.

 Intro photo, MKO Culture Café, Indonesia

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Bakingdays, Thailand

Vietnam

French & Global Influence

In the last thirty years, Vietnam has become the world's second-largest coffee producer, and they have built an entire coffee culture around its home-grown coffee. Vietnam's coffee culture has blended traditional Vietnamese coffee with French-inspired brewing techniques and café aesthetics. Every aspect of society carries centuries of history, culture and pride, yet it's constantly changing. Sixty per cent of Vietnam's people are under thirty years old, and with increased access to media in an ever-globalizing world, the youth of Vietnam are changing many things, how to enjoy coffee included.

Left to right, Loading T Café Hanoi, Cheo Veo Coffee, Cộng Cà Phê Hanoi, MAY Kitchenware and Coffee shop Hanoi

Indonesia

Nongkrong Lifestyle

For the last five years, Indonesian coffee shops have doubled in number, and the speciality coffee scene is growing strong. Nongkrong is an Indonesian term meaning, essentially, “hanging out”. If you are feeling alone, you can always nongkrong with friends to lift your spirits; no better place to do this is in coffee shops. These coffee shops serve good-quality coffee in a calm, relaxed atmosphere surrounded by green and peaceful environments are inviting to a slow pace of life.

Hong Kong

Left to right, Coffee/plant shop Pelantnursery -Alam Sutera, Kinokimi Coffee -Bandung, Riri - Chiang Rai, Tanatap Ring Garden Coffee Shop-Jakarta

Classic Hong Kong

In Hong Kong, cafes embrace a nostalgic atmosphere with mosaic tiles, neon signs, terrazzo floors, and metal shutters that recall the city's classic era. These elements pay tribute to a time when Cantopop ruled the music scene and iconic films by directors like John Woo and Wong Kar-wai left a lasting mark. It's not just nostalgia; it's a search for meaning in a city known for its relentless change, recognizing what represents local culture in Hong Kong.

Left to right, Tai Wo Tang- 90 year old medicinal ginseng store transformed into a cafe, Halfway Coffee, Sicklyland Cafe, Fullcup Planet

Singapore

Hidden escapes

Hole in the wall cafes are small and often unassuming coffee shops tucked away in inconspicuous locations,. Although the cafes are present on social media, you may just walk past and miss the cafe in real life. They offer a respite from the bustling city life, providing a quiet escape. The experience has to be authentic; the quest is to be different and offer customers a boutique experience.

Left to right, Kohi Roastery, Dawn Coffeehouse, Pinhole Coffee Bar, Dawn Coffeehouse

South Korea

LP Cafe

For many music lovers, ‘real’ means vinyl. LP cafes in Korea are tiny listening cafes where a vinyl playlist is curated by the owner and played for customers to enjoy. The stacks of vinyl fill the entire wall, and the interior is vintage and rustic; most of the furniture is made of wood. A phenomenon that first sprung up in Japan back in the 1950s. Today in Korea, the music ranges from what was hot in the ‘60s to current Korean indie music. The atmosphere tends to be quiet and tranquil, making it the perfect rest stop for people alone or for meetings requiring little to no conversation.

Left to right, Seum -Yeonsinnae, Quarter - Mangwon-dong, Hertz Cafe, Quiet Light Jazz Cafe

Japan

Quiet time

Tokyo’s café culture embraces the growing awareness of the need for balance in life in modern society. From the slow process of hand-dripped coffee to flower arranging and reading, these cafes offer a period of time to intentionally disconnect from digital devices to enjoy a peaceful, quiet time.

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Left to right, Tutiru Chrysanthuem Café, EZU House and Café, R-za Dokushokan Reading Cafe, Koffee Mameya Omotesando