They know their coffee, sourcing beans from Singapore, Colorado, and the Netherlands. If you enjoy the classics, the flat white is smooth, the hand-brewed coffee is well-balanced, and the iced Americano has just the right touch of acidity. There are hand-brewed options, and for those who like a sweet, local twist, the pandan gula melaka latte is a standout. If you’re more into tea, their matcha drinks are top-tier. They even make their own strawberry jam for the drinks.
There’s no big breakfast menu—just cakes and pastries—but they do them well. Their much-loved Matcha Pound Cake is a highlight, and the flavours are thoughtfully balanced, never too sweet, pairing beautifully with the drinks.
The space is small but cosy, with a clean, minimal, slightly trendy Korean café aesthetic. There’s a little takeaway window if you’re in a hurry. They even do coffee art on takeaway cups, which is proof that attention to detail isn’t just for sit-down customers. Service is warm. The kind of place where the baristas remember your order and feed a stray cat outside. The staff seem happy to be here,...
Read moreMizu Mizu and Independent Coffee Shop in Kota Kinabalu are absolute gems that perfectly capture the warmth and creativity of the local café scene. Both places stand out not only for their fresh, thoughtfully prepared offerings but also for their welcoming atmosphere that makes you feel instantly at ease.
What truly elevates the experience are the proprietor and proprietress — engaging, passionate, and genuinely invested in their craft. Their personal touch shines through in every detail, from the way they curate the menu to the conversations they share with guests. It’s rare to find cafés where the people behind the counter make the experience as memorable as the food and drinks, but that’s exactly what you get here.
With fresh, vibrant menus and a heartfelt sense of hospitality, Mizu Mizu and Independent Coffee Shop are must-visits in Kota Kinabalu. They’re not just cafés, but places where good food, good coffee, and good company come together...
Read moreI sat on the cute cozy two person patio bar that offers a chance to watch the Baristas do their magic. ✨🎇✨
While there I got the chance to chat with the lovely ladies working away. After ordering my brew and a slice of delicious matcha cake - which was fortunately recommended (yummy!) the staff were nice enough to talk about a myriad of things. They all seemed quite pleasant and happy, Joanne was the friendly gal that talked to me mostly.
From my questions about the city and what it's like to work in the cafe to her asking about how my trip is going - it was a delightful exchange and certainly brightened my day.
The coffee was from Honduras and as she suggested I could indeed taste a hint of chocolate. I like it black so that any sweetness can be had from the roast itself not added sugar.
Anytime I come back to Kota I'll be visiting Mizumizu coffee for a nice pick me...
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