% Arabica Seoul Starfield Library — Restaurant in Seoul

% Arabica is a name you should know if you're into coffee. This international chain originated in Kyoto, Japan. Known for sourcing high-quality Arabica beans from coffee-growing regions worldwide, they've garnered a global following for a reason. (I also visited them while I was in Kyoto).

Their coffee speaks volumes about why they're popular. We ordered a Kyoto Latte, Oatmilk Latte, and an Americano. While all 3 were solid choices, the Americano stood out for me. It was nutty, roasty, and maintained a clean flavor profile throughout. If you're someone who appreciates the nuances of coffee, you'll understand what makes their beans special.

The place was bustling when we were there. The staff operated like an assembly line, each focusing on a specific task—be it grinding, pouring, etc. The speed and specialization were noteworthy but might have influenced my first cup, which tasted a tad rushed and bitter. However, subsequent visits proved much better, and the coffee tasted amazing.

Seating was a bit of a challenge, given how busy they were, but the coffee experience more than made up for it. Over the course of three days, I found myself coming back three times. That alone should tell you something. % Arabica is now securely on my list of top coffee shops, and it should be on yours too. (Be sure to check out their beans around...

% Arabica is a specialty coffee shop originally from Kyoto, Japan, known for offering unique and carefully selected coffee beans. The brand has several branches in different countries, including Korea, the United States, Canada, and Indonesia, among others.

The branch located in the Starfield Library stands out for its exceptional location, although it can feel a bit overwhelming due to the number of visitors. Despite this, the coffee is of excellent quality. Additionally, customers have the opportunity to learn specific details about the origin of the beans they are enjoying, such as the altitude, variety, and other characteristics related to their place of origin.

At % Arabica, the service is exclusively designed for takeaway, as they only use disposable cups. However, it is possible to sit inside the shop, although finding an available spot can be challenging due to high demand.

I’m very happy to hear that % Arabica will be opening a branch in Spain, although I would love it even more if they chose my city, Madrid. It would be amazing to enjoy their coffee without having to travel far. Hopefully, they will expand here soon too!

This coffee shop has become one of my favorite and most trusted places. No matter where I am in the world, if there’s a % Arabica nearby, I know I’ll be able to enjoy a great cup...

Nice place within the Starfield library. Even as you enter the cafe, the aroma of the coffee is compelling and I decided to stay despite the unpleasant crowd.

There is nothing zen within the minimalist white Vs walnut flooring setting. Instead loud chatter and whirring sound of the coffee machines working to fulfill orders saturated the cafe space.

There is a severe lack of sitting space;the original intention of having window facing counter seats so that patrons can enjoy a cup of aromatic gourmet coffee while enjoying the scenery of the garden has been completely bastardised by the immense crowd.

Speaking of crowds, a lot of stone faced customers occupied the seats intended for in-store patrons prevented most people from enjoying the awesome interiors. I guess they are better off opening a McDonald's McCafe corner, and sell coffee just like how McDonald's sells $1.00 ice-cream cones.

Either that or you get your coffee to-go.

With a burgeoning number of notable good coffee spots, I personally won't bother coming again to this severely unpleasant coffee house no matter how aromatic their coffee may smell.

The pricing however is reasonable compared to Singapore. At least it's gourmet coffee at low price Vs the appalling coffee in Singapore at stupidly...