Bored of drinking a cup of coffee that only has a plain white surface on it? If you’re looking for a spark of life to be injected into your drink, Bookmark Coffee is probably the place for you!
The cafe is the first of its kind in Malaysia that allows customers to request beautiful, hand-drawn latte art on their beverage. In fact, it is so mesmerising that you’ll feel guilty to sip off a tiny bit of the foamy art piece.
From journalist to artist
The brains behind Bookmark Coffee is 34-year-old Wei Kai, an ex-journalist at Nanyang Siang Pau. Before establishing the cafe, he was tasked with reporting grisly crimes and accidents that occurred nationwide.
During his four-year stint, he built a powerful network with people from all walks of life and gained valuable experience honing his communication and social media marketing skills.
In 2014, Wei Kai left his journalist career behind to pursue his childhood dream in the form of Bookmark Coffee.
“The reason why I chose the name Bookmark was due to my deep love for books and my lifelong dream of owning a coffee shop with a little library in it.
“I like to think of life as a book, where there’s something worth remembering at every stage in life.”
“The reason why I chose the name Bookmark was due to my deep love for books and my lifelong dream of owning a coffee shop with a little library in it.
“I like to think of life as a book, where there’s something worth remembering at every stage in life.”
“If they could draw simple cartoon characters on it, why can’t I draw something more complicated like human portraits?”
Not long after Bookmark Coffee’s launch, Wei Kai got down to work and began to create stunning masterpieces for appreciative customers who were greatly impressed with his drawing skills.
But you will be surprised to know that the talented coffee artist has never attended drawing lessons as a child.
“When I was young, the Internet wasn’t as prevalent as it is today. Every time I flipped through newspapers and magazines and saw a cartoon strip or movie poster, I would draw it out on a sheet of white paper,” he said.
A story behind every masterpiece
While most would view latte art as Instagramable moments, Wei Kai instead sees it as a story waiting to be told and brought to life.
“Every guest who steps into the cafe is worth remembering, and every drawing has a story behind it.”
After more than six years of running the business, Wei Kai still finds joy in doing what he loves every day and says that his customers’ compliments are what gets him going the entire time.
“Every night after work, I would read the comments written by customers on social media, and I’m always touched to see them enjoy their experience at Bookmark Coffee.
“At the same time, I would also accept criticism or suggestions with an open heart as this is how the business can improve and deliver the best service consistently,” he said.
Surviving the pandemic
With the COVID-19 onslaught, Bookmark Coffee isn’t spared from the struggle of staying afloat as there are huge expenses to pay, such as wages and rent.
“Due to dine-in restrictions, we are unable to provide latte art services as only takeaways are allowed. But even that is a challenge in itself.
“Nevertheless, that hasn’t stopped me from exhibiting my drawing skills as Bookmark Coffee now delivers gift boxes and custom-made cards specially requested by customers to give to their loved ones during these difficult times,” said Wei Kai.
“Although it is hard, it is better to persist than to give up.”
You can support Bookmark Coffee by placing a takeaway order here.
Bookmark Coffee (Cheras Branch)
A-1-1, Centre Point Medan Connaught, No, 1, Jalan 3/144a, Cheras, 56000 Cheras
Bookmark Coffee PJ
G-22, PJ Midtown, Jalan Kemajuan, Seksyen 13, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Note: This is a non-halal eatery
Editor: Raymond Chen
Proofreader: Sarah Yeoh
