Latibule Coffee offers smooth espresso topped with retro charm

Free Malaysia Today

11 hours ago

The menu at Latibule Coffee is limited and that's a good thing. (Dinesh Kumar Maganathan @ FMT Lifestyle)
PETALING JAYA : Have you ever stepped into a space and, ever so subtly, felt like you've been transported to a different era? The mood shifts, the atmosphere draws you in, and even the aroma in the air seems to lift you up.
Walking into Latibule Coffee in Ara Damansara – a Japanese kissaten-inspired coffeehouse with retro-modern finishes and oriental jazz playing softly in the background – you might find yourself thinking: this is the closest you'll ever get to time travel.
The brainchild of Shum E Yern, Latibule Coffee takes its dark roast coffee brewing very seriously – promising a caffeinated experience unlike any other. The menu here is limited, and that's not necessarily a bad thing.
Shum E Yern (right) and Samuel Hau are coffee lovers who want to create a unique experience for their customers. (Dinesh Kumar Maganathan @ FMT Lifestyle)
Shum, together with his partner Samuel Hau, knows exactly what they're doing, offering customers – especially coffee and tea lovers – a curated experience that prioritises taste, comfort, and a touch of aromatic pizzazz.
At Latibule Coffee, the star is their dark roast – a deliberate nod to the traditional kissaten style. 'If you go to Japan, all the kissaten serve dark roast kaw kaw,' Shum enthused, adding the cafe's vibe was inspired by his travels to Japan, Taiwan, and Hong Kong.
Instead of a generic dark roast, Shum and his team worked closely with their roaster to create a unique profile: just dark enough to develop rich coffee oils without burning the beans.
It's this attention to detail that led to one of their most distinct offerings, the Slippery Espresso, an intense shot of special dark roast with a velvety layer of oil.
The Slippery Espresso is definitely a must-try for coffee lovers. (Dinesh Kumar Maganathan @ FMT Lifestyle)
'Most people don't like espresso because it's too intense or sour,' Shum explained. 'But if you try this, maybe you can accept it. When you drink, it's not sharp. It's smooth.'
Like the kissaten of post-war Japan – quiet retreats for writers and thinkers – Latibule Coffee offers a similar sense of calm. Fittingly, latibule means 'sanctuary' in Latin.
Tables for two, some tucked into cosy corners, invite guests to unwind. Small signs on each table gently ask patrons to lower their voices, so everyone can enjoy the music and the atmosphere.
Nothing goes to waste here, with tea made from coffee byproducts. (Dinesh Kumar Maganathan @ FMT Lifestyle)
Beyond the slippery espresso, Latibule Coffee's Sibeh Dirty Latte is a must-try for avid coffee drinkers. Unlike the conventional version, this uses freeze-distilled sweet milk, giving it a slightly yoghurty texture.
When poured into a shot of Slippery Espresso, you get a cold latte that's smooth, creamy, and almost dessert-like – perfect for the hot weather.
While the staple oolong and white teas are available, Latibule Coffee also offers something truly unique: three types of tea made from coffee plant by-products – coffee leaf, coffee blossom, and coffee cascara, which is the dried husk of the coffee cherry.
The Japanese drip coffee has a smoky profile and no bitter aftertaste. (Dinesh Kumar Maganathan @ FMT Lifestyle)
For those who enjoy earthy, slightly herbaceous flavours with floral notes and a hint of caramel, the Coffee Leaf Tea is worth a try – though it's definitely an acquired taste.
The Coffee Blossom Tea, on the other hand, is pale in colour and boasts a sweeter, lighter, and more floral profile that, strangely enough, evokes a sense of lighthearted happiness.
Feeling peckish? The Chocolate Terrine is a rich, velvety mix of fudge, cake, and mousse. It's pure indulgence in a tiny loaf. Chocolate lovers, you might want to keep this one all to yourself.
The Egg Puddings are also a treat, with a jiggly texture reminiscent of tau foo fah. The original flavour is already delicious, but you can take it up a notch with the rum and raisin version – an indulgent way to wind down after a long day at work.
Ultimately, if you're looking to enjoy a rich cuppa with Canto-pop and jazz playing in the background – perhaps while reading a book and soaking in a moment of solitude – Latibule Coffee is the place to be.
Latibule Coffee
21-1, Jalan PJU 1A/20,
Ara Damansara,
47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
For location, click here.
Business hours: 12pm-7pm (weekdays), 11am-7pm (weekends)
Follow Latibule Coffee on Instagram.