Lately, the Tunjungan area in Surabaya has become one of the favorite hangout spots for young people. There are plenty of cafés, food stalls, photo booths, and even flower shops scattered around the area. You'll also see lots of young people dressed in fabulous outfits, sporting styles you might not find elsewhere.

One coffee shop I've been wanting to try is Kickstart Brew. It's located at Jl. Tunjungan, Gang I No. 4, Genteng, Surabaya. The café isn't right on the main street; you'll have to venture into a small alley to find it. However, it's easy to spot because there's a sign and menu displayed right at the entrance.

I'd actually known about this café for a while because it had gone viral on social media. As usual, I decided to wait until the hype died down before visiting. Finally, I made my way there last weekend.

As I walked into the alley, I couldn't help but notice the murals on the walls. Technically, it's just an ordinary alley in a kampung, or traditional neighborhood. However, the murals give the place a more modern and aesthetic feel. Walking through it reminded me of Haji Lane in Singapore.

You won't miss the café, thanks to its eye-catching colors. Orange and blue are the main colors, making the place look as if it had popped straight out of a magazine. Stepping inside felt like entering someone's living room, complete with a collection of toys, cozy sofas, and an arcade machine.

As a millennial, seeing an arcade machine brought back memories. Before internet gaming became a thing, arcade games were one of our favorite ways to play. If it weren't for the bar, I might have felt like I was hanging out in a friend's room instead of visiting a café.

Since it was my first visit, I decided to play it safe and order my usual favorite: an iced latte. They use Arabica beans, which I personally love. I also ordered a berry matcha to try something different.

I absolutely loved both drinks! The latte was delicious, and the matcha was just as good. I especially liked its thick, rich texture, balanced by a hint of tartness from the berries. It was a delightful combination.

Overall, Kickstart Brew is a cozy little spot with a unique atmosphere. However, I can't help wondering how comfortable it would be when the café gets crowded. I feel like the space could use a little expansion. As it turns out, there's another room next door that's still under renovation. I'm curious to see what they'll do with it and how it will change the overall experience.

For now, Kickstart Brew is definitely worth a visit if you're exploring the Tunjungan area and looking for a café tucked away in a charming little alley.