The coffee at this Banjarmasin spot is god-tier, but the main course almost made me walk out…
qponx
2026-03-05
Discover Kawai Kofie, a Banjarmasin cafe praised for its "god-tier" coffee and spacious, industrial-chic vibe perfect for photos. While signature drinks like the Hanami Latte are a must-try, the main courses can be a gamble—ranging from delicious omelettes to overly oily rice bowls. This spot is ideal for coffee lovers looking to chill in a cool setting, but it's best to be cautious when ordering food. It also offers family-friendly amenities and a prayer room.
Honestly, before I came, I heard people hyping up Kawai Kofie, saying it's the best coffee in all of Banjarmasin[1]. I was thinking, how good could it be? Turns out... Anjay, it's true! The coffee alone is worth a post.
The Coffee is 10/10, but Don't Expect Too Much from the Main Courses
I was instantly won over by the spacious, industrial-style space the moment I walked in. Concrete walls and metal frames paired with lots of greenery—any photo you take looks like a professional shot. It's perfect for Nongkrong with friends. The outdoor area is also pretty chill, but there are quite a few mosquitoes in the evening, so remember to be prepared.
Without further ado, I went straight for their signature Hanami Latte[2]. The first sip has the richness of a latte, but the aftertaste has a refreshing berry aroma—a godsend for people who don't like a heavy milky taste! The friend I was with ordered the Spanish Latte[3]. I took a sip, and the texture was super smooth and creamy, and the coffee flavor was also top-notch. Mantap! I'd say, when it comes to coffee, you really can't fault this place.
But! And this is important! The main courses are a bit like opening a blind box.
The Omelette[4] we ordered deserves a huge thumbs-up. It was super delicious, rich and creamy, and the side salad was very fresh. But my friend's Rice Bowl Chicken Chili Salt was... hard to describe. The taste was okay, but the oil, oh my, there was so much I felt like I could drink two spoonfuls of it, like an "oil field" on a plate[5]. So my advice is, stick to the coffee and desserts here, and be cautious when ordering main courses.
Some Honest Thoughts and Random Musings
To be honest, the prices here are on the mid-to-high end for Banjarmasin, so it might not be very student-friendly. But considering the portions are quite generous[6], it's still okay to come and chill once in a while.
Another minor downside is that, maybe because the space is so large, the indoor air conditioning isn't always strong enough, so it can get a bit stuffy and hot[7]. If you can't stand the heat like me, you might want to consider sitting in the outdoor area in the evening.
Tips for Your Visit (Save this!)
Finally, I've put together a few useful tips for all the girls planning to check this place out:
- 💻 For the WFH crowd: If you plan to bring your laptop to work, make sure to get there early to grab a seat! There really aren't many power outlets indoors[8].
- 👩👧 Mom-friendly: Moms with kids can definitely come. The place is super thoughtful; they have high chairs and will even provide special plastic utensils for the little ones[9]. This deserves a big thumbs-up!
- 🙏 Muslim-friendly: The cafe has a very clean and well-equipped prayer room (Mushola)[10], so you don't have to worry about missing prayer times.
- ⏰ Be patient: During the midday prayer time, the cashier might be temporarily unattended, so you'll need to wait patiently for a bit[11].
- 🚗 Hassle-free parking: There are tons of parking spots right out front, so you won't have any trouble if you're driving[12].
- Hanami Latte: A rich latte with a fresh berry twist. Great for those who find most lattes too milky [1].
- Their Omelette is rich and creamy, paired with a fresh salad—a surprisingly stellar main for a coffee shop [2].
- Super kid-friendly! They provide baby chairs and special plastic utensils for the little ones [3].
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