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| Warung Kopi ASIANG | Jalan Merapi, Benua Melayu Darat, Kec. Pontianak Sel., Kota Pontianak, Kalimantan Barat 78243, Indonesia ☏ Tel: +62 813 1718 1918 ⏰ 4am - 6pm |
When Min our local guide told us about a topless kopitiam, it got some of us excited (better not say all 🤭 ). I kept reminding Min to take us there in case he forgot 😅🤣
But seriously, everywhere I go, I look out for Nanyang style coffee shops (which are often founded by Hainanese Chinese).
So, here we are, the most famous traditional Nanyang / Hainanese kopitiam in Pontianak, if not the whole of Kalimantan.
Asiang Kopitiam occupied three shop units and it was bursting at the seams, with customers filling the front foyer and almost spilling into the street.
Everybody was here, Malay, Dayak, Chinese - a good kopitiam binds people together.
This is the most atmospheric kopitiam that I have come across anywhere in Southeast Asia, so far. (Note that it is not air conditioned and people smoke indoors.)
Fans of Asiang United 🤭
The people of Pontianak are so warm and friendly 😁
Kopi Boss Tio Thiam Siang, whom everybody calls Asiang - his brewing station was right out in front (not hidden behind in the back kitchen).
The action was frenetic as orders were flying in non-stop.
But, Asiang was cool as cucumber - I mean he looked suave and his actions were swift, unhurried, economic and precise - the marks of a master. Being shirtless also kept him cool from the steamy pots and the heat from Pontianak's 0° North equatorial climate.
Asiang didn't have time to entertain don't-know-who is this white hair uncle asking intelligible questions and making strange requests 🤣
But, Asiang did tell me that he is Hainanese. Coffee shop was founded in 1952 by his father and Asiang had been working topless since 1982. This unique style has become Asiang's trademark. He worked this way even when the President visited.
Our orders are here with big smiles 😁
When was the last time we get kopi anywhere with such warm, happy smiles?
Kopi O and kopi (has condensed milk).
I asked for my usual kopi C kosong but Asiang doesn't serve such a drink. So, I opted for kopi kurang manis (less milk).
To my surprise delight, the kopi came with condensed milk in a separate cup. That's service par excellence.
So nice. I can adjust my milk exactly the way I want it. Excellent service despite a crushing crowd 👏👏👏
The robust jolting brew was made with Robusta beans from Lampung province, in south Sumatra.
Kopi Es (ice coffee).
Kaya (coconut jam) bun. Kaya is known as srikaya in Indonesia.
My kopi cost Rp9000 or SGD$0.70.
How many Asiang can you see in this photo?
What's the verdict?
If you don't mind me saying, Asiang is slightly chubby 🤭
But, ah ko Asiang has created one of the happiest places on the Equator. Friends with coffee, kaya toast, and eggs almost everyone can afford.
The kopi tasted and smelled good too, but the best was Asiang the legend, and the cheery vibes at his unique coffee shop.
Asiang is the hero we all need.
Restautant name: Warung Kopi ASIANG
Address: Jalan Merapi, Benua Melayu Darat, Kec. Pontianak Sel., Kota Pontianak, Kalimantan Barat 78243, Indonesia
Tel: +62 813 1718 1918
Hours: 4am - 6pm
Written by Tony Boey on 21 Aug 2025
Who is Tony Johor Kaki?
Indonesian Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka had breakfast at Asiang on 23 Aug 2015
asiang was very cool !
ReplyDelete😲。。。Black society kopi .... “黑色会”咖啡。。。😜🙏
ReplyDelete咖啡☕味道香浓，冲泡的人是关键😜
ReplyDeleteLadies with a penchant for greasy pot bellies ! 🤣
ReplyDeleteYou ji koh pek 🤣
ReplyDeletejoking 😜