Kōhī no deshi — Restaurant in Melbourne

About a month ago, I enjoyed an exquisite batch brew priced at $7.50, marked with a "roaster’s choice" sticker. It truly impressed me, leading me to believe they could craft a fantastic milk-based coffee as well.

Unfortunately, today’s latte experience was average at best. I still intend to give it a few more tries with different baristas.

After the milk base one, I returned to the next one, serving only the dark base with the hope of finding that same enchanting batch brew, but much to my disappointment, it was absent from today’s selection. Moreover, I noticed that customer service at the batch brew store needs significant enhancement. The barista I encountered seemed to have forgotten the essence of hospitality.

As I observed her busily preparing a pour-over, I graciously offered to let her finish before I placed my order, simply wishing to inquire about the availability of that delightful brew. Regrettably, she declined my offer, insisting on serving me immediately. When I started to ask about the roaster’s recommendation, she abruptly turned back to her pour-over station. Her closed body language and the way she brushed off my questions made it clear that she was not in the mood for conversation. I even caught her muttering, “I’m busy,” with an exasperated expression. It felt as if she wanted us to take our coffee and leave her be.

Overall, it was a rather disappointing experience, especially given the high customer service standards I anticipate from a specialty...

Congratulations to Marwin Shaw and the Disciple Coffee team on the opening on Kōhī No Deshi last month!

If disciple is the cellar door of coffee, then Kōhī is The cocktail bar- With a capital T! Yes, Marwin Shaw (Melbourne coffee trailblazer, and downright decent human) has done it again, opening yet another exceptional space with a coffee menu that will blow. your. mind.

Located next door to Disciple's 10 seater space in the backstreets of Brunswick (just off Sydney Road), Marwin has opened the 'Yin' to his black coffee only 'Yang'. It's milk (or mylk) coffee only, with a selection of blends that can be paired with 11 different milks, including an incredible affogato option made with Sundae School ice-cream. There are 6 grinders loaded with beans, allowing the choice between blends that taste like cookies and cream, toffee apple, strawberry and white chocolate and more.

Marwin has cleverly created the space to allow for balance with his 'cellar door'. The Slayer coffee machine is black (counter to Disciples white Synesso) the music is digital (Disciple's plays vinyls), and all furniture and ceramics are...

The standard for milk-and-espresso coffees in Melbourne is extremely high. That said, most cafe-roasters focus on a single blend for crafting milk drinks, which ensures quality at the sake of variety.

Kōhī no deshi gets an easy 5 stars for taking Disciple's stunning approach to black coffee and extending it to the realm of the flat white. The milk was perfectly textured and the selection of blends on offer is truly great and carefully matched. There are plenty of non-dairy options available, too.

I think the Black St blend is a must-try. Lychee is a rare note and the fruitiness is balanced by a rich, sweet profile. If you love coffee - just not without milk - this is one of the few places where you can have a truly remarkable cup, made with the same care as straight espresso drinkers have...