Saturday, 6 December 2025

Richiamo Coffee: Peninsula flavours, Kuching soul

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Richiamo Coffee Metrocity isn’t just another café — it’s a bold blend of Peninsular flavours, Kuching warmth, and community spirit. With buttery croissants, fiery ayam gepuk, and customisable lattes, this inviting space is quickly becoming a favourite among locals and visitors alike.

Coffee, Comfort, Community

On a regular weekday, Metrocity in Jalan Matang Baru bustles with activity — cars pulling into convenience stores, students looking for a quick bite, and families strolling under shaded walkways.

But tucked among the rows of shops lies a café that’s fast becoming more than just another caffeine stop.

Part of a fast-growing franchise with over 100 outlets nationwide, Richiamo Coffee is known for offering premium coffee and gourmet bites in a welcoming, family-friendly setting.

Now, with its Metrocity Kuching branch, which opened on September 11, 2023, Richiamo Coffee adds a fresh dimension to the local café scene — not by reinventing the wheel, but by thoughtfully bridging flavours across coasts, cultures, and expectations.

“We wanted to bring a homegrown Peninsula coffee brand to Borneo — not just the premium brews, but also the Western pastries and bold, hearty flavours that define Peninsular Malaysian cuisine, especially for Kuching locals,” said Ahmad Faris Abdul Rahman, the manager of Richiamo Metrocity Kuching.

Richiamo Metrocity Kuching manager Ahmad Faris Abdul Rahman.

What’s in a name?

The name Richiamo itself sets the tone.

“Richiamo came from Italy, meaning ‘attraction’. We want to attract people with the welcoming taste of a high-premium coffee that can be accepted by the locals, which can be on par with other famous international brands out there,” he explained.

This idea of attraction isn’t just about flavour — it’s about creating a space that makes people want to return.

From families and solo diners to the occasional tourists from Vietnam or Europe, the café has quickly found its niche as a space where comfort, culture, and quality converge.

Naturally, coffee sits at the heart of that experience. Richiamo’s wide selection of brews can be tailored to suit any palate — bold, creamy, or anything in between.

“That customisability means you’re not just ordering a standard cup; your brew can be adjusted to your liking, from intensity to milk ratio to sweetness.

“And yet, our café’s reach doesn’t end with caffeine.

“Our top drink now is the Salted Caramel Cappuccino,” Faris said.

“For pastries, it’s the Salted Egg Yolk Croissant, with its rich sweet and salty filling. And for main dishes — Nasi Ikan Patin Masak Tempoyak, Nasi Daging Salai Masak Lemak Cili Padi, and now our latest hit: Nasi Ayam Gepuk,” he added.

With bold dishes inspired by Peninsular warungs, Richiamo Coffee brings a familiar flavour to Sarawak — and it’s this menu, paired with an inviting ambiance, that keeps customers coming back.

“It’s simple — people come back for the flavour, both in the drinks and the food. But just as much, it’s the ambiance we’ve created,” he continued.

Where coffee meets community

Step inside Richiamo Coffee at Metrocity, and it’s easy to see why people linger.

The café’s air-conditioned interior offers comfort from the tropical heat, and a soft aroma of roasted beans fills the air.

Whether it’s a catch-up over coffee or a birthday bash with Salted Egg Yolk Croissants, Richiamo has become a versatile space for the community.

“The café is quite convenient for social gatherings like reunions and birthday parties. We even have a reading corner and toys — not just for children, but adults too!” explained the 29-year-old manager.

This focus on community and inclusivity is intentional. Despite being a Peninsula-rooted brand, the team embraces the diversity of Kuching’s café culture.

“Each café in Kuching has its own attraction. So having affordable yet tasty food and drink is something to cherish — with its own unique identity,” Faris reflected.

Behind the scenes, Richiamo Metrocity Kuching operates with a core team of 15 staff members, many of whom were trained to align with the brand’s values.

“The most important core value would be sincerity with integrity in delivering their task throughout the operation,” he said.

Of course, running an F&B outlet comes with its challenges — especially one with such a wide-ranging menu.

“It’s common to face challenges in terms of serving our best to customers. With so many dishes and drinks, there are limitations to what a café can offer,” he shared.

But for Faris, the true reward comes when guests leave satisfied.

The proudest moment, he said, is the joy and best experience of the customers with everything they offer right now.

Still in the making

While Richiamo’s current menu draws heavily from Peninsular flavours, there’s potential on the horizon for a more East Malaysian touch.

“Since the brand started in the Peninsula, we are yet to have any Sarawakian flavours or ingredients in our menu.

“But that might be considered in the near future, InsyaAllah,” he said.

The long-term vision? To grow from Metrocity to the rest of Sarawak — and beyond.

“We hope Richiamo can expand across Sarawak as well as Borneo.

“In five years from now, I would like not just Sarawakians, but people across the country to cherish and enjoy the richness of taste that Richiamo Coffee offers — and have no one miss out on the experience,” Faris added.

For those planning a visit, Richiamo Metrocity Kuching operates throughout the week — with two daily time slots: 9.30am to 10pm (Sunday to Thursday) and 9.30am to 11pm (Friday and Saturday).

During Ramadan, the café opens from 4.30pm to 11pm, and accepts early reservations for iftar gatherings.

The café is located opposite Anjung Tris Family Food Court (formerly known as Fauziah Food Court) and in the same row as Mokti’s Signature, making it easy to spot.

Whether you’re stopping in for a quick pick-me-up or staying for a full meal, Richiamo Coffee has something to satisfy every craving.

From buttery croissants and bold cappuccinos to Ayam Gepuk that’s creamy, spicy, and seriously satisfying, the menu bridges familiar comfort with adventurous flavour. Non-coffee drinkers aren’t left out either — with matcha, chocolate, and customisable drinks rounding out the options.

Still, what sets it apart isn’t just the menu — it’s the warmth behind it.

In a city well-versed in cafés, Richiamo offers more than coffee. It’s a place for conversations, quiet moments, and a sense of belonging.

“We want people to feel truly welcome — with the soothing aroma of premium coffee, a warm ambiance, and flavours from across Malaysia, and maybe even beyond,” Faris said, wrapping up our conversation with a smile.

As Metrocity grows, so does its coffee culture — and Richiamo Coffee is quietly, confidently carving out a space of its own.

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