11/11/2024
On World Coffee Day in 2024, I had the honor of meeting Mr. Kondo Masayoshi at Calanthe Coffee. That day, our café was closed for renovations, as we were installing a new air conditioning system. However, a group of guests from Portugal had gathered at the door. They had traveled a long way to experience this special coffee, and I could see the disappointment in their eyes as they read the closed sign. Not wanting them to leave unsatisfied, I decided to make them coffee and prepare a simple traditional breakfast. On that day, the café was open exclusively for them.
Just then, Mr. Kondo quietly entered through a partially open door.
“Sir, my apologies, but we’re actually closed today for renovations. Is there a particular type of breakfast you’re looking for? Perhaps I could suggest a nearby place,” I explained politely.
He smiled and replied, “It’s alright; I’ll just take a walk around.” With that, he left with a gentle smile.
A short while later, he returned. Seeing the slight disappointment in his expression, I couldn’t help but offer, “Sir, if you don’t mind, I could prepare a coffee and some toast for you. It’s just a simple treat, but would you be open to it?”
He gladly accepted, sitting at Table B4, waiting for his first cup of Malaysian coffee on this special World Coffee Day.
As I served the Portuguese guests, I began sharing the story behind the classic Malaysian breakfast—toast with sweet Kaya spread. I explained Kaya’s origins, describing its rich coconut and farm-fresh duck egg flavor, and how it’s been cherished in Malaysia for generations. Noticing Mr. Kondo was quietly listening to our conversation, I sensed his interest.
I walked over to him and started a conversation. When I found out he was also a coffee enthusiast, I couldn’t resist sharing more about Malaysia’s coffee culture—from the aromatic Liberica beans to our traditional brewing techniques. Every detail seemed to bring a smile to his face.
In that little café, with our shared passion for coffee and culture, we went from strangers to friends.
https://note.com/heballka/n/n0cab19ad0f56?sub_rt=share_pb&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR0qfJPHYkCSO7t8QcgiamybT-O1aDoZi5PPReokPqt1BYXukbWZcsoF3F4_aem_xs5ejfazZ7o9I4sg4HxQnQ
本日のどこでもドアは、北上してマラッカに向かいます。 Today's "Door to anywhere" is going north to Melaka. 基本的に私は、旅の醍醐味は「何かに出会うこと」だと思っているのですが、マラッカはそれを一番具現した街といえ...