Indonesia‘s steady rise as an economic powerhouse is arguably best reflected in the country’s rapidly changing retail and hospitality infrastructure, and it’s no longer Jakarta where alluring new places manifest first. Bandung, the country’s third biggest city, which as of late is only a 45-minute high-speed train ride away from the capital, has also seen an increasing number of design-led establishments. The newly opened BYASA café, in the city’s downtown Citarum area, boasts modern welcoming spaces and beautifully landscaped grounds, and is an exemplary hangout where savvy young Indonesians converge for quality downtime. Designed by STUDIO asa, a local architecture, interior design, and landscape design practice, BYASA has been designed as a tranquil getaway from downtown Bandung‘s increasing hustle and bustle.

A boardwalk-like pathway across a narrow corridor planted with lush greens is flanked on both sides by large mirrors that optically enlarge this transitional space. Encased by floor-to-ceiling glass, the café setting is light and airy, but at the same time intimate and cozy. The lush greens, which are abundantly visible all around, add to the sense of seclusion. Furnishing and fixtures are in light timber, including part of the flooring, ceiling and pillars. Two communal tables in black somewhat break the visual monotony. On one side, the café looks out onto a tiered terrace and a garden covered in terracotta gravel and planted with trees in a grid configuration where additional seating can be found. The menu at BYASA lists a signature breakfast for early risers, a variety of savoury dishes with beef and chicken, pastries, desserts, including Indonesian rice-based options, and of course, a wide range of coffee concoctions, teas and other beverages.