Coffee culture in Asia has been evolving rapidly, blending age-old traditions with modern innovations. From the thick robusta brews served at Singapore’s humble kopi stalls to the refreshing iced coffee of Vietnam, each country in Asia has its own flavor identity.
But it’s not just about the taste anymore. Across the region, coffee has grown into a lifestyle, with cafés becoming cultural hubs where design, community, and innovation all meet in a cup. This was especially highlighted earlier this year when CoffeeFest Madrid released its prestigious list of the World’s 100 Best Coffee Shops 2025, celebrating cafés that excel in quality, barista skills, atmosphere, and creativity.
Among the winners, six Asian coffee shops stood out—and yes, Indonesia proudly made the cut! Let’s dive into the list.
1. Apartment Coffee – Singapore
If you love minimalist design and perfectly brewed pour-over, Apartment Coffee is a must-visit. Founded in 2018 by Yeo Qing He, a national champion barista, this café has quickly become a household name in Singapore’s specialty coffee scene.
The café is known for its Scandinavian-inspired interior, friendly staff, and focus on single-origin beans from places like Costa Rica, Rwanda, and Kenya. Its seasonal menu keeps things fresh, and every cup feels thoughtfully crafted.
No surprise, Apartment Coffee ranked #6 in the world and officially claimed the title of Asia’s Best Coffee Shop in 2025.
2. Story of Ono – Malaysia
Malaysia’s coffee scene is booming, and Story of Ono is leading the way. Ranked #9 worldwide and second-best in Asia, this café is a collaboration between Curate Coffee Roasters and Niko Neko Matcha.
Their concept is “two worlds collide,” bringing together specialty coffee and premium matcha. Co-founders include Shaun Liew, a two-time Malaysia Brewers Cup Champion, and Syun Hattori from Niko Neko.
The café is a minimalist Japanese-inspired space offering unique drinks like Collide—a mix of coffee and matcha. It’s not just a coffee shop, it’s an experience of fusion and creativity that’s winning hearts globally.
3. Yardstick Coffee – Philippines
Founded in 2013, Yardstick Coffee in Manila has become a pioneer in the Philippines’ specialty coffee movement. Ranked #18 globally and third-best in Asia, Yardstick is famous for its on-demand roasting and commitment to education through tasting sessions and cuppings.
The café’s Flavor Bar is a customer favorite, letting people explore different beans and brewing methods. With its cozy yet professional vibe, Yardstick is the kind of place where you can both work with your laptop or unwind with friends.
Pro tip: Don’t miss their oat milk soft serve—it’s a local legend.
4. Koffee Mameya Kakeru – Japan
Located in Tokyo, Koffee Mameya Kakeru isn’t your average café. Ranked #24 in the world and fourth in Asia, this spot feels more like fine dining for coffee lovers.
Here, you don’t just grab a latte and go. Instead, you book a reservation for a one-hour coffee-tasting course, guided by a personal barista. Each session covers everything from bean origins and flavor profiles to various brewing methods like hand drip and milk brew.
Pair your coffee with their artisanal sweets called koffee kashi, and you’ll understand why coffee in Japan can feel like art.
5. Strut Coffee – South Korea
In Busan’s Jeonpo district, Strut Coffee is quietly making waves. Ranked #38 in the world and fifth in Asia, this café is all about simplicity, balance, and sustainability.
Housed in a renovated 1960s home, Strut Coffee is designed to be a calm, minimalist escape where the spotlight is entirely on the coffee. They roast only high-quality green beans, keeping the flavors clean and natural.
Eco-conscious coffee lovers will love that Strut uses sugarcane cups and eco-friendly packaging. It’s the perfect mix of flavor, mindfulness, and modern design.
6. Anomali Coffee – Indonesia
And here’s the proud moment: Indonesia’s very own Anomali Coffee has made it to the global stage, ranking #78 worldwide and entering Asia’s top 10.
Founded in 2007, Anomali is one of the pioneers of specialty coffee in Indonesia. Their mission? To bring the rich diversity of Indonesian single-origin beans—from Sumatra to Bali, Flores to Papua—straight to the cup.
Anomali follows a farm-to-cup philosophy, ensuring authenticity in every brew. They also established the Indonesia Coffee Academy (ICA) to train baristas and coffee enthusiasts, cementing their role not only as a café but also as a hub of coffee education.
Walk into an Anomali outlet, and you’ll feel the warmth. It’s the kind of place where quality never slips, and the soul of Indonesian coffee culture truly comes alive.
Final Sip
From Singapore’s precision-driven pour-overs to Indonesia’s farm-to-cup authenticity, Asia is showing the world that it can rival any global coffee destination. These cafés aren’t just about caffeine—they represent culture, design, sustainability, and community.
So whether you’re a coffee traveler or a casual sipper, make sure to put these six best coffee shops in Asia on your bucket list. Who knows—your next favorite cup might be waiting just around the corner.
