CAFE CULTURE- A LIFESTYLE

My cafe culture began in September 2003 when my friend Awang Goneng and I went to Paris for a short holiday trip. He brought me to Latin Quarters and we ended up in Les Deux Magots. That was where I learned to sip my espresso and watch beautiful people walking the streets of Paris. As they say, the rest is history in the making.

I am not qualified to articulate the cafe culture but I wish to share a few photos I took during my travels and living an ordinary life in Malaysia as a series of five photos per week. These photos were taken from all over the world(so to speak) over a period of more than twenty years. Here is the first one in the series.. In this posting, I am sharing photos taken in Paris, Kuala Lumpur, Kota Bharu, London and Utrecht in the Netherlands.

What is cafe culture to me? Here is a short repertoire:

Cafe culture as a lifestyle represents a way of living centered around social, creative, and contemplative activities in the relaxed and inviting environment of cafes. It’s about more than just enjoying coffee—it’s an ethos that blends leisure, creativity, and connection. Here’s what it encompasses:

1. A Hub for Social Connections

   •   Community Gathering: Cafes are often seen as modern-day town squares, fostering conversations and relationships.

   •   Networking: Professionals and creatives often meet in cafes to collaborate or exchange ideas.

2. A Creative and Intellectual Space

   •   Inspiration Spot: Writers, artists, and thinkers frequent cafes for the ambiance that sparks creativity.

   •   Reading and Learning: Many enjoy reading books, studying, or engaging in intellectual discussions in the calming environment.

3. A Focus on Personal Moments

   •   Self-Care: Time spent in a cafe with a favorite drink and a book feels restorative.

   •   Mindful Living: Sipping coffee slowly and savoring the moment aligns with mindfulness practices.

4. A Blend of Aesthetics and Comfort

   •   Atmosphere: From interior design to music, cafes create sensory experiences.

   •   Expression: The choice of a cafe often reflects personal taste and lifestyle preferences.

5. A Modern Workspace

   •   With the rise of remote work, many treat cafes as a “third space” between home and office, offering a productive yet relaxed environment.

6. A Connection to Urban Culture

   •   Street-side cafes in bustling cities contribute to the vibrancy of urban life, blending the energy of the city with a sense of intimacy.

Café culture often becomes a lifestyle for those who see these spaces as extensions of themselves—a place to connect, create, or simply escape for a while.  what are your favourite cafes in Malaysia?