Arabica Coffee – The Coffee With The % Logo
‘There, the coffee with the percentage logo!’ that’s how my friend introduced this particular chain of atas coffeehouse. It’s a simple logo but yet has spoken volumes especially in the coffee industry.
I decided to try this highly raved coffee on the first day of Chinese New Year since there was nothing much to do in covid times. The queue wasn’t very long but the fact that there’s still a queue 3 years after opening testifies to the the superiority of the coffee served here.
I went to the outlet at 56 Arab Street which is their first outlet in Singapore but they have outlets at Jewel Airport, 313 Somerset and Holland Village as well.
Contrary to what its name suggests,Arabica Coffee did not originate from Arabica but originates from Kyoto, Japan. I’m super intrigued as to how the name of this coffeehouse was conceptualised – what the % represents or why the country Arabica is chosen.
The entire cafe is decked in white which I really like as it gives off a very clean and clear vibe. It’s an open concept where you can see how the very coffee you just ordered at the cashier is made – from the crushing of coffee beans all the way till the capping of the plastic cups with the iconic percentage logo emblazoned on them.
Staff are friendly and exude good vibes. When I asked for recommendations on what coffee to order, without hesitation the cashier staff told me that their bestseller is the Spanish Latte. Unfortunately they were out of the Spanish Latte and I had to order the Dark Latte instead. Jeremy went for the Matcha Latte.
The Dark Latte was latte with chocolate and is probably a fancy name for mocha. It tasted a tad too sweet when What stood out however, was the freshness and smoothness of the milk mixed together with the coffee. The chocolate was also thick and tasted nutty. I tried to see what milk they used but could only see the word ‘Meiji’ on the milk carton. I’ve used Meiji milk for my own Nespresso coffee before but didn’t seem to be able to craft out such a taste. Anyhow so, I’ll definitely want to come back again for the Dark Latte.
The Matcha Latte was a bit disappointing for me. I couldn’t really taste the green tea as the overwhelming taste of the milk covered it.
While sipping our lattes, Jeremy and I managed to make a new Brazilian friend who’s in Singapore for work. The whole ambience of the cafe makes it very suitable for friends to hang out at. Personally, I really enjoy making new friends from all around the world as there’s always something new to takeaway.
A few days after, I ordered takeaway just to try the Spanish Latte. The Spanish Latte tasted smooth and creamy, with a sweet aftertaste. I later learnt that condensed milk is used for this particular kind of coffee that originated from Spain. I googled and learnt also that Spanish Latte unlike normal lattes are made from scalded milk instead of steam milk.. now you know! The Spanish Latte also tasted sweeter than normal lattes I’ve drank.
The drinks served here are about the same price point offered at Starbucks and The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf. So I get it that it’s definitely pricier compared to coffees served at hawker centres but for a cafe, I would think the price is alright.. especially when the coffee really does taste fresh and yummy!! Would I come back? Yes I would especially when their pretty toilet is a plus point for me.. OKAYZ KIDDING. But yes, they have a really pretty toilet!
Food ♥♥♥♥♡
Service ♥♥♥♥♡
Ambience ♥♥♥♥♡
Value for money ♥♥♥♡♡
Till then,
Harmony Tee