A seafront jungle cafe in Penang, K(an)opi Coffee is quite the picturesque spot for a cup of joe.
It was founded by Jonathan, a Penangite who pursued journalism and international studies. When he’s not manning the coffee shop, he’s a photojournalist who also independently runs a creative studio that offers storytelling for businesses, communities, and projects he cares about.
So, why’s a man like him running his own cafe in a jungle?
Creating a little oasis
Like many tales we’ve featured, the COVID-19 pandemic has something to do with it.
The seed of K(an)opi was planted in the thick of the chaos around late-2020. Amidst this, Jonathan wanted to create a little oasis of peace and quiet.
“Coffee, under nature’s canopy: in a space that heals, refreshes the mind and brings about a deeper sense of calm and clarity.” This was the vision that he had in mind.
Plus, Jonathan had long been interested in F&B as well, especially as a number of his close friends (some of whom are also his cycling buddies) were all working in the F&B industry.
He added, “But it should also be said that I do love my coffee too! I can live without it, but I wouldn’t if given a choice.”
The business’ first iteration kicked off some years ago, managed by Jonathan and his two friends Daeng and Ming, who were cyclists that were also in the coffee industry.
They were also joined by Kenny, the co-owner of the Tropical Spice Garden and Jonathan’s cycling sifu.
A second coming
At the start, everyone had a day job, so K(an)opi remained a weekend project that would open early and close by midday.
But in early February of 2022, the cafe actually went on a hiatus for two years until 2024.
Now, Jonathan is joined by his business partner and barista Vishnu, who he describes as an extraordinaire who has been in the industry for close to two decades.
On the food front, K(an)opi keeps things collaborative and dynamic. Up until Feb, they were sourcing baked goods from friends whose food they love. In March, though, they launched a kitchen collaboration with their close friends from Chef Off Duty.
Now in April, they offer an all-day breakfast menu in addition to items from the oven such as pies, cinnamon rolls, and scones from other friends.
“We’re also really proud of our gelato selection—made by our friends from Utu-Utu, a lovely couple from mainland Penang,” he added. “One flavour you can’t get anywhere else is the Masala Chai gelato, made using the Garden’s Masala Chai spice blend.”
Speaking of which, the Masala Chai is a signature of the spot, created from scratch by Vishnu.
Jonathan shared. “It’s a layered, warming experience—with a depth that’s not often found in the conventional chai.”
A unique location
Beyond its offerings, K(an)opi’s location is quite the unique one.
Tucked away in Tropical Spice Garden, it looks out into the sea while being surrounded by lush trees.
As to how he found that location, Jonathan explained, “I would say it came down to my relationship with Kenny and the Tropical Spice Garden, with whom I’ve worked closely with since late-2017.”
“The Tropical Spice Garden is located along a well-loved cycling route on the island’s northern coast so the location was strategic.”
The idea came about one day while they were out riding—to set up a cafe and gathering space in nature for the cycling community, especially since there was unused space.
Their current location used to be the garden’s “back door.” Essentially, it was just the driveway entrance, comprising a giant compost mound and a two-storey living quarters for the gardeners.
“We’re definitely located some distance away from town and the general population, but we see this as more of a selling point,” Jonathan described. “When you step through our gates, you’re stepping into tranquility, a slower state of mind.”
For those thinking of making a visit, the cafe is about 30 to 40 minutes from George Town. Jonathan describes the drive as a lovely one.
“We’re a little family, pet, and cyclist-friendly cafe hidden in a lush rainforest garden, overlooking the ocean. It’s wild, down-to-earth, peaceful, beautiful and an escape from the city—without being too far out.”
A labour of love
At K(an)opi, it’s not about being a commercial success. Offering yummy food, scenic views, and a playlist curated daily, it’s about something bigger, something more.
“We take deep pride in our service and care for everyone who comes through. Everything we serve is made with love, intention and care,” he said.
Given this vision, though, it’s no surprise that manpower—and the right one at that—has been a big challenge.
“Shared values, vision, and love for the work matters in what we do,” Jonathan explains. “Because that translates to the service, into what we serve, and the overall experience.”
He and Vishnu have had to dig deep in the past year through some trying moments, but Jonathan believes that through maintaining a clear and open line of communication, mutual respect, and shared values, they are able to pull through.
“If there’s one major takeaway for us, it’s that change is a constant. We’re incredibly blessed to be where we are now and every day is a gift that we don’t take for granted,” Jonathan mused.
“Our philosophy? If it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing well. So do it with all your heart.”
Featured Image Credit: K(an)opi