Everyone’s Secret Cafe
There’re only two things you can do with a secret; you either keep it to yourself or you spill it for the world to know. Well, Rahsia is definitely worth the latter – for a very good reason too.
Nestled in an old shop lot of a lively residential area of Kinta, Ipoh, Rahsia is the physical definition of a ‘sanctuary’. A quiet nest providing patrons with comfort and a safe space to enjoy the slow slip of time with a good cuppa and maybe a few enjoyable strikes of conversation with the floor manager, Nani and barista, Yeh.
The cafe itself was founded on June 6th 2021 – bull’s-eye right in the midst of the pandemic. The owner, Adam, who also happens to own a clothing shop under the name of Peace Be Upon You (PBUY), wants to provide guests with a space of ‘escape’. Be it for work, study or even play, he intends Rahsia to be exactly what the word stands for – a secret space.
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A Familiar Stranger
The space is reminiscent of your old grandparent’s shop lot house. The feel of the cold, smooth off-white walls is calming and the light texture underneath shows off its age. A building that has matured well over time, welcoming the young while reserving its own identity.
Upon climbing up the narrow stairs, you will instantly get the waft of coffee beans being grounded for service. As you reach the very top landing, the warm smile and hello from Nani, manning the small window cum ordering counter will greet you with a friendly familiarity.
Fifty Shades of Warmth
“Would you like to try our signature, Debu or Madu?” Was the automatic response I got as I asked for their recommendation.
Don’t get me wrong, I was there for coffee but the issue was, there weren’t any on the menu. Instead, you are presented with a list of drinks with names in every degree of the shades of neutrals. I had no idea what I was reading, so I had no choice but to ask.
This was not done purposely to confuse guests, but it was definitely done with a purpose – a conversation starter. Brilliant! With drinks such as Debu, Jingga, Legam and Semesta in the menu list, customers will naturally ask the staff for either the recommendation or for the meaning behind the names. Hence, producing organic social interactions – a rare find in this day and age.
A Smooth Surprise
I went with Debu which is charcoal latte made with a mix of activated charcoal powder, espresso, sugar, milk and a very interesting secret ingredient – salt. I did ask for a less sugar option as I usually don’t take sugar with my coffee. And Yeh the barista, was very particular with his brews. Beans were ground by very small batches to ensure freshness and each tamp is pulled manually by the seconds despite the machine having the ability to simply do automatic timed extractions.
Peeking into the coffee bar counter itself, I could see the tools of his trade. There, stood a majestic looking double group head Vebiemme Lollo and a tall, white Mazzer Luigi Spa – the King and his icy Queen. The machines appeared so grand that it almost looked like they ruled that counter. But then again, it might just be the ambient lighting giving me visions.
Going back to the cup, the end product was surprisingly smooth. You will not be able to taste the charcoal but you can definitely feel it. The powder leaves a slight grainy texture in the mouth but was in no way unpleasant. However, I personally feel that the star of the cup here was the salt. It cuts down the sweetness of the sugar and according to Nani, it was meant to neutralise the taste of the charcoal. Well, I couldn’t taste the powder so I guess it’s done its job!
Keeping in the The Fam
The surprise doesn’t stop there. Upon further enquiry I was yet again surprised with another pleasant knowledge – the trust Rahsia has for local support. Almost everything in the cup that you enjoy is locally sourced. From the beans to the little charming additions each recipe is concocted from.
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The beans itself was locally roasted by an Ipoh company called Moffee Coffee. Rahsia in particular, chooses the espresso blend; Two Strokes which is a medium dark roast harmonising the sweet, earthy notes of nuts as well as milk chocolate in Brazil Cerrado and Columbia Supremo. A common standard in espresso blends, yes but hey, there’s no sin in that.
On top of using local beans, the owner has also sourced out local honey for one of their signature drinks. Rather than using the common honey one finds in the supermarkets, Rahsia opts for the local Tualang honey. Unlike the familiar sweet aftertaste of the common golden honey, Tualang is distinct in both flavour notes and colour, creating an almost caramel-like after-taste which helps to enhance the notes from the beans itself.
A Cup of Conversation
Thus far in the conversation with both Nani and Yeh, I definitely had one very strong impression in mind – community. It feels as if Rahsia lays on the backbones of how a community comes together in a hidden space and time. It was less about the rings from the cash register but more of the laughs and giggles of the gatherings on the floor of the house.
As such, Rahsia does not offer pour-over cups in the menu but they are more than happy to have a session with patrons when invited. A pour-over cuppa is prepared for the purpose of socialising with the customers, not for the income of the corporation.
Endless Exploration
Other options in the menu were no less tempting. Take Semesta for example. It is a cocktail of bunga telang (bluepea flower) and lemon tea. A traditional yet modern take of a herbal vitamin concoction that is appealing to the young and nostalgic to the old. And what about Jingga, Legam and Madu?
I guess I’ll leave that for you to explore. Remember, it’s our little Rahsia.
Name : Rahsia
Location : 5A, Lorong Cecil Rae, Taman Canning, 31400 Ipoh. Perak
Instagram : @rahsia.ip
Machine : Vebiemme Lollo
Grinder : Mazzer Luigi Spa
Beans : Two Strokes by Mofee Coffee Roaster
(Brazil Cerrado & Columbia Supremo, medium dark roast)
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