For 10 years, this homegrown coffeehouse has been mastering the art of the perfect pour.
Success for 103 COFFEE wasn’t brewed overnight. A decade ago, the coffeeshop planted its young roots in the humble township of Sri Petaling, shrouded by unassuming mom-and-pop shops and fading local franchises. It was around this time that a 16-year-old Irvine Quek joined the team. Fueled by a passion for latte art, the budding barista grew alongside the business, perfecting his craft before triumphing in both local and international competitions, and eventually rising to co-founder.
Through Quek and his counterparts’ perseverance, this unassuming cafe – affectionately named after the lot number of its first outlet – began its expansion from simple a neighbourhood joint for aficionados to get a caffeine fix, to the bona fide heartbeat of the neighbourhood. And as Malaysia’s coffee culture flourished, so did they.
Venturing beyond the confines of latte art, the team traipsed into the realm of custom blends and, in 2017, took a bold step by opening their own roastery to further refine their offerings and serve an ever-growing community of coffee lovers.
Today, 103 COFFEE anchors life within Kuala Lumpur’s most vibrant addresses, nurturing the local scene by bridging the gap between coffee and community. While much has evolved, it’s clear their unwavering dedication to serving great coffee remains at the heart of it all.
Image credit: 103 COFFEE & @peiwan9
Their commitment to service shines through in every thoughtful detail, from the informative cards that accompany each artisanal espresso, to the careful selection of quality beans and perfectly tailored roasting profiles. Behind the counter, head trainer Nicky Voon guides baristas in honing their craft, ensuring a consistently exceptional experience. As you observe their precise pulls and pours, it’s clear that some of Malaysia’s finest future baristas are being shaped here.
It’s awe-inspiring to witness how Quek and his team’s feverish devotion has kept them at the forefront of Malaysia’s coffee scene. All this and more has contributed to their lasting success of 10 years – no easy feat, given the ever-growing number of players vying for a spot at the coffee-table, with many bowing out from the game in under a year. But the team’s meticulous attention to perfecting every detail from bean to barista has served them well, turning curious customers into loyal community members.
Image credit: 103 COFFEE
The brains behind the brews have also honed their signature specialty – latte art – to a razor sharp point. At present, the team have bagged 2 World Latte Art Championships, 6 National Latte Art Championships consecutively, and 3 world finalist positions. In these competitive environments, they’ve embraced a mindset of mutual learning, connecting with baristas worldwide to continually enhance their knowledge. For every artist worth their salt, having the humility to see your magnum opus as an ongoing project is an essential ingredient in ensuring your work evolves and remains dynamic over time.
“I think latte art is something very important for us, because when we drink coffee, our eyes will consume the [visuals] first,” said Quek. “Latte art is something that can add value to our craft, so the customer will have [added] feelings towards our coffee.”
103 COFFEE goes the extra mile to make coffee accessible to everyone with their Creative Coffee Series, offering unique combinations for non-coffee drinkers. A standout is “Molly,” a cold brew infused with floral notes of osmanthus, white peach, and jasmine tea. For a tropical twist, “Jewel” blends refreshing earl grey with a hint of pineapple.
Image credit: 103 COFFEE
Of course, their focus on customer experience isn’t limited to their service and beverages. Their in-store décor is a sensory journey in and of itself. You’ll find shelves of brand-exclusive roasts, totes, and tees, turning the space into a dynamic all-in-one coffeehouse, community hub, and lifestyle store.
As the brand celebrates its 10-year anniversary, regulars and curious coffee fans alike are invited to visit any of their outlets to sample limited-edition favourites from past menus, such as their salted egg-yolk pasta and coffee jelly float. They’re also offering a limited-time-only anniversary roast that features tasting notes of prune, jasmine, and dark chocolate – each surprising element a reflection of the twists and turns they’ve encountered over the years.
Image credit: 103 COFFEE
In a coffee landscape where cafés are a dime-a-dozen, 103 COFFEE’s decade-long presence is a testament to their dedication to the craft. Now, with a renewed focus on their ever-growing community, they offer the perfect blend of caffeine and connection that’ll reliably perk up your mornings for years to come.
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