Rooted in tradition yet driven by modern ambition, two Sarawakian brothers have transformed a simple cup of coffee into a growing brand — one that bridges heritage, community and a bold, flavourful future.
From Kopitiam Roots to Modern Coffee Culture
Growing up, brothers Mike and Jim Siau often watched the men in their family savour a cup of coffee. To them, it symbolised a familiar family ritual and the quiet responsibility of those who anchored the household. Every cup reminded the brothers of the values and commitment that came with providing for the family.
Their connection with coffee deepened while growing up in their parents’ eatery.
“But they told us we were too young to drink coffee, even though we were already teenagers,” Mike recalled.
“They only allowed us to drink Milo,” Jim added with a laugh.
As they grew older, however, coffee became part of their own daily routine. It was through late-night school assignments and the demands of university life that they discovered how a cup of coffee could fuel their day.
“By then, we needed our daily dose of caffeine to get us through the day. At least one cup. Some days I would settle for our family kopitiam’s kopi O peng kao, while on others I would go for an Americano,” Mike said.
Jim, meanwhile, preferred something sweeter while still retaining coffee’s bold flavour.
“By my university days, I was already addicted to coffee. Watching café culture evolve also inspired me to dream of opening my own modern café and brewing my own coffee,” said the Bachelor of Marketing graduate.
The birth of Kopi Papa
After graduating with a degree in International Business, Mike focused on running his own business. Even so, coffee remained a passion project. Together, the brothers spent months on research and development before launching Kopi Papa in 2023.
“We wanted to offer quality, strong (‘kaw’) coffee at an affordable price. That’s the foundation of Kopi Papa. We want to satisfy people’s love for coffee by serving both traditional and modern styles,” Mike said.
Beyond affordability, the brothers are committed to sourcing coffee beans from local farmers, creating opportunities for them to earn a sustainable income while supporting the local coffee industry.
Today, their signature drink is the Double Soul, one of Kopi Papa’s bestsellers. Combining traditional local coffee with modern espresso, it brings together two coffee cultures in a single cup.
“The research and development was intense. By the end of each day, we’d had so much coffee that we were over-caffeinated. We kept experimenting until we finally got the recipe right,” Jim recalled.
Other customer favourites include the three-layer coffee made with Sarawak’s signature gula apong, alongside their kopi peng kaw and matcha series.
After opening their first outlet at TT3, the brothers expanded with a second store at CityOne Megamall Kuching. They have also introduced coffee trucks to reach a wider audience while preserving the charm and accessibility of the food truck experience.
Inspired by their own love of ordering coffee and food from food trucks while travelling, the brothers wanted to recreate that same relaxed atmosphere for their customers.
Brewing a bigger vision
Asked whether Sarawakians prefer traditional or modern coffee, the brothers believe the answer depends on personal preference and the occasion.
“There are days when we crave traditional kopitiam coffee, and others when we fancy a cup of espresso.
“With Kopi Papa, we’re offering the best of both worlds in a space that’s more contemporary and relaxed,” they said.
As they enjoy their daily cup of coffee, the brothers are now focused on a much bigger ambition — taking the Kopi Papa brand nationwide and, eventually, beyond Malaysia.
“We’ve already appointed our first licensee in Kapit, and that’s where we’ll begin expanding into other parts of Sarawak.”
They believe introducing the brand to new markets across the state will create fresh opportunities while nurturing a growing appreciation for locally brewed coffee.
As Kopi Papa continues its journey across Sarawak, the brothers remain firmly anchored in the vision that first inspired them: honouring the quiet rituals of the past while shaping a future where Sarawak’s coffee culture can stand proudly on a wider stage.
