people and coffee, that’s what it’s called
a little café I always find my way back to
Book’s Kitchen and My Real Life Version of It
I’ve read a book titled “Book’s Kitchen”, written by a South-Korean author, Kim Jee Hye. The story was light, all about slice of life stories. I love reading that book because I feel the warmth that the author tried to express through her writing. Okay, let me summarize it for you. Soyang-ri Book’s Kitchen is a book café and guesthouse located in Soyang-ri, South Korea. It precisely located between mountains and a lake, it’s the kind of place where you can read, write, share stories, and just let your heart breathe. The café is owned by an ex-startup founder named Yu Jin.
People who feel lost in life, whether on purpose or by accident, end up at Book’s Kitchen. They arrive with heavy thoughts, but somehow, by the time they leave, they’ve found a bit more clarity, a lighter heart, and maybe even a little peace.
And I guess I’ve found my own version of Book’s Kitchen here in my hometown, Bogor. The café does not really offer books for customers to read, but the ambience, food & drinks, and even the picture-coloring activity help me release negative vibes and find a bit of peace. Just like Book’s Kitchen.
How I Found Popolo (and Why I Kept Coming Back)
Let me introduce you to Popolo, a café located in the heart of Bogor, Indonesia.
Popolo is established in 2015 and I was still in high school back then. Post-pandemic brought me to this cozy café more often in 2023. Long story short, I was working from home for almost four years and it led me to burn-out. That’s when I realized I needed to work from cafés to release the hidden stress I had been carrying. A list of cafés came up to my mind as I looked up through the Google Maps. And that’s how I found Popolo.
At first I came there to get my work done. As the time flew by, I started to meeting my friends there to work-from-café together or to hanging out, reading my novel while sipping coffee, coloring on the printed-drawing, writing a journal. Every little things I truly enjoyed, I did at Popolo.
It actually aligns with their tagline: People and Coffee. It’s not just a typical café, it’s a comfort space for anyone dropping by for a cup, creating connections between people. And I love that this place allows customers to slow down, feel at ease, and enjoy more than just coffee.
I sometimes notice people around me while I’m doing my own thing. Some come with their families to spend the weekend together, some are on their first date (yes, I once sat near them and accidentally eavesdropped lol), and others just drop by to read or work, just like me. And some bring their cute dogs to the café because guess what? Popolo is a pet-friendly café too :)
Ambience, Flavors, and My Favorite Picks
The café has three areas: an indoor space, an outdoor area for non-smokers, and another outdoor section for smokers. Personally, I usually go for either the indoor area or the non-smoking outdoor space. Each section really suits different kinds of activities, just pick whatever feels right for you!
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Talking about their food and drinks, I can say they are delicious. Everyone has different preferences, of course, but I believe every food and drink has its own charm. Here are some of my personal favorites at Popolo:
- Pao de Queijo → A popular Brazilian cheese ball snack, usually eaten for breakfast or just as a light bite. I love the texture, chewy but soft and the taste is just fun. And it’s gluten-free at Popolo!
- Brownies Cheesecake → Whenever I’m craving for a sweet dish, this one is on top of my choice at Popolo. The cheesecake melts perfectly in your mouth and blends so well with the brownies. Perfect companion for your coffee.
- Croque Monsieur → I’m not exactly sure what kind of bread they use, but it’s good. It’s filled with cheese and ham, topped with melted cheese that adds a rich, savory texture. I had it for breakfast and felt full afterward. Oh, and it comes with potato chips. As an Asian, of course I ate it with hot sauce, haha.
As for drinks, my favorites are:
- Coconut Iced Coffee → This one’s served in a really unique way, coffee in ice cube form, with coconut milk on the side in a tiny jar. I feel happy when I pour the milk onto the coffee ice cubes lol. If you want to try one of their signature drinks but prefer something not too sweet, this could be your choice.
- Iced Bailey’s Latte →My go-to non-coffee drink. I pick this whenever I’m not in the mood for caffeine. And no, it’s not alcoholic, they use Bailey’s syrup, but the taste is surprisingly close to the real one!
I’ve also tried their Banana Bread, Brownies, French Fries & Chicken Nuggets, Iced Matcha Latte, Artisan Teas, and Tiramisu (and their other menus I don’t mention here). But the ones I mentioned above are the ones that really left an unforgettable taste.
If you’re visiting Popolo for the first time, I’d totally recommend trying them out.
The Place that Just Works for Everything
Popolo has become one of those places that just works for almost anything, whether I’m deep into a work session, read a book, journaling my thoughts, or simply relaxing with a cup of something good. It’s the kind of café that fits whatever mood you bring with you.
That said, the vibe can shift. Personally, I love it most when it’s calm, when the background noise is just soft music, quiet conversations, and the gentle clink of cups. But on days when I’m out with friends, I find that the lively chatter around us adds to the energy. It’s all part of the café rhythm, something you learn to flow with, not control.
I’ve realized Popolo isn’t just a place I go to. It’s kind of my comfort spot. My go-to café for work, for pause, for those little moments that make an ordinary day feel just a bit more special.
