Kenangan Coffee, a prominent Indonesian coffee chain colloquially known as “Kopi Kenangan” in its homeland, has recently launched in Singapore.
With its inaugural store making its mark in Raffles City basement, the brand is also reaching out to travellers with its outpost at Changi Airport T2 Departure Hall North Lot #02-12.
This opening appears to be part of a larger wave of Indonesian coffee brands, like Tanamera Coffee and the impending Fore Coffee, making their debut here.
A brainchild of Edward Tirtanata and James Prananto, Kenangan Coffee’s inception in 2017 has led it to sprout into an expansive chain with approximately 900 outlets sprinkled across 67 cities in Indonesia, with a notable presence in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
As the fastest growing grab-and-go coffee chain from Indonesia, one cannot discuss Kenangan Coffee without highlighting its close ties with producers in Java and Sumatra.
This strategic alliance ensures that they source high-quality Arabica beans, which forms the backbone of their offering.
One aspect I liked of this mall outlet is its early opening time from 8am (let’s hope they keep it this way, or even earlier for the early risers).
Among the myriad of beverages on their menu, the signature Kenangan Latte (from $4.90) is recommended for a concoction of espresso and Black Aren which exudes fruity, caramel-like, and subtly smoky notes.
Other than the usual Americano ($3.90), Latte ($4.50), or Cappuccino ($4.50), Kenangan Coffee has other options like the Salted Caramel Macchiato ($5.50), Hazelnut Latte ($4.90), Vanilla Latte ($4.90), and Creamy Latte ($4.90).
Note prices quoted above are for hot cups in small sizes. There are also regular and large sizes.
I did think the Singaporeans may prefer a stronger brew and body, and this may resonate more with those who have a palate for milder brews.
There is also the choice to elevate their coffee experience with the Bumi Flores Beans. Harvested from Bumi Flores in East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia, these beans resonate with notes of brown sugar, warming spice, and dried orange.
On the food front, the offerings seem to play it safe.
From Tuna Puff ($3.70), Curry Puff ($3.70), Creamy Chicken Pie ($6.20) to Salted Caramel Cruffin ($4.20) to the slightly more indulgent Black Pepper Chicken Pie ($6.20), at $6.20, the menu provides reliable yet standard choices.
My personal experience with the Black Pepper Chicken Pie was fairly decent, but overall, the food menu does not necessarily venture into the extraordinary.
Seems to lack that strong ‘hip’ factor as well.
While Kenangan Coffee brings a slice of Indonesia’s thriving coffee culture to Singapore, the establishment’s success might hinge on its adaptability to cater to the local café preference while retaining its Indonesian essence.
Kenangan Coffee
Raffles City B1-K10, 252 North Bridge Road, Singapore 179103
Opening Hours: 8am – 9pm (Mon – Sun)
Changi Airport T2, Departure Hall North Lot, 02-12
Other Related Entries
%Arabica Singapore (Arab Street)
Alchemist (Robinson Road)
Kurasu Singapore “The Stand” (Somerset)
Luckin Coffee (Ngee Ann City)
Generation Coffee (Bedok)
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