10 Must-Visit Coffee Shops in Banda Aceh: From Hipster Roasteries to Legendary Warungs

No other city in Indonesia boasts a coffee-drinking culture as strong and intimate as Banda Aceh. Known affectionately as Veranda of Mecca due to its deep Islamic heritage, the city is not only the gateway to the world-famous Gayo coffee beans but also a major hub for the local coffee-sipping culture, offering a wealth of choices.

Image credit: Riza Azhari | Canva Pro

For Muslim travellers, Banda Aceh is a perfect destination that combines rich culture with guaranteed Halal practices. In this city of coffee, the café serves as a vital communal space where stories, connections, and brotherhood are strongly forged from dawn till late at night.

Also read: 12 Must-Visit Destinations in Sabang, Indonesia For Muslim Travelers

Banda Aceh masterfully preserves its traditional coffee rituals while embracing modern trends. Here, you can find legendary stalls that uphold the ancient saring coffee (filtered coffee) technique, alongside contemporary roasteries that offer single-origin beans from across Aceh. If you plan to explore the rich coffee culture of Banda Aceh, prepare to be captivated by these essential coffee spots.

1. Kuta Alam Roastery: Spacious Venue with Varied Menu Options

Image credit: @kutaalamroastery

If you consider yourself a serious coffee connoisseur, this roastery must be on your list. Kuta Alam Roastery serves up menus made from high-quality beans, ranging from lattes and the distinctive Acehnese Sanger Coffee (milk coffee) to potent Americanos. Since it operates as a roastery, you can also purchase their select green or roasted beans. Its expansive layout and diverse food menu make Kuta Alam Roastery not only perfect for hanging out but also an ideal spot for productive work from cafe sessions.

Address: H83M+HJ8Jl. Teuku Iskandar Beurawe, Kuta Alam, Kota Banda Aceh
Operating hours: Daily, 8:00 AM–11:00 PM

2. Toko Kopi Kuta Alam: Relaxed Vibe for Afternoon Hang Out

Image credit: @tokokopikutaalam

Despite the similar name, Toko Kopi Kuta Alam is a distinct venue from the previous recommendation. This coffee shop offers a relaxed atmosphere with both indoor and outdoor seating. A charming feature is its backyard, where beautiful bougainvillea flowers often bloom, enhancing the ambiance in the afternoon. Here, you'll find dozens of coffee choices, from Americano and Cortado to Latte and Frappe, making it suitable for those who want to sample various coffee styles.

Address: Jl. Tgk. Moh. Daud Beureueh No.31, Laksana, Alam, Kota Banda Aceh
Operating hours: 7:10 AM–11:00 PM (Mon–Sat), 7:10 AM–6:00 PM (Sun)

3. Villavi Cafe: Aesthetic Ambiance with a Backyard Pool

Image credit: @villavi.cafe

Opened just last year, Villavi Cafe has quickly become a favorite hangout spot among Banda Aceh's youth. The cafe offers a modern, contemporary atmosphere, complete with a refreshing swimming pool in the backyard. Its aesthetic interiors provide maximum comfort for socializing while enjoying their signature coffee menu, along with various heavy meals and desserts.

Address: Jl. Mujair No.4, Bandar Baru, Kec. Kuta Alam, Kota Banda Aceh
Operating hours: Daily, 8:30 AM–10:00 PM

4. Solong Coffee Ulee Kareng: The Legendary Spot That Sells BMW

Image credit: @solong.kopi.aceh

This is an Aceh coffee legend. Solong Coffee Ulee Kareng is a must-visit for any serious coffee lover. Solong Coffee has been operating since 1974 and maintains its popularity to this day. What you must try here, besides their signature filtered coffee and Kopi Sanger, is Boh Manok Weng (BMW)—a distinctive Acehnese coffee mixed with egg and young betel nut.

Address: 0708, Lamglumpang, Kec. Ulee Kareng, Kota Banda Aceh
Operating hours: Daily, 6:00 AM–11:00 PM

5. Dhapu Kupi: The Coffee Stall That Never Closes

Dhapu, which means 'kitchen,' implies a warm and intimate atmosphere. Dhapu Kupi offers an authentic and unpretentious coffee experience, often crowded with locals due to its strategic central location. Even more uniquely, Dhapu Kupi is open 24 hours a day! Inside, you'll find several small stalls selling diverse meals, ranging from Mie Aceh and Martabak to Soto and Dimsum, ensuring all meals are Halal and readily available for Muslim visitors.

Address: H82J+758, Sukadamai, Lueng Bata, Kota Banda Aceh
Operating hours: Daily, 24 hours

6. Zakir Kupi: Sip Coffee While You Feast

Image credit: Zakir Kupi | Google Review

Offering a simple but constantly bustling atmosphere, Zakir Kupi is a classic representation of an Acehnese coffee stall. This is the perfect choice for those seeking a strong, distinctive coffee flavor in the morning. Like Dhapu Kupi, Zakir Kupi also hosts several small food stalls, such as a sate matang stall and a pempek (fish cake) stall. This means you can enjoy your coffee while having a full meal.

Address: Jl. Teuku Nyak Arief, Beurawe, Kec. Kuta Alam, Kota Banda Aceh
Operating hours: Daily, 6:00 AM–10:00 PM

7. Kedai Kopi Cut Zein: Legendary and Always Packed

If we’re talking about legendary coffee shops in Banda Aceh, this one must be mentioned. Kedai Kopi Cut Zein has been around since 1947 and serves dark, strong-flavored coffees that keep it constantly filled with patrons. Their Kopi Sanger and unique coffee beer (it’s halal!) are popular choices. If you want something refreshing, you must try their coffee mocktails mixed with tamarind or apple. To accompany your coffee, you can order fried snacks, Roti Canai, or their Acehnese Martabak.

Address: H83J+PP9, Beurawe, Kuta Alam, Kota Banda Aceh
Operating hours: 5:30 AM–6:00 PM (Mon–Sat), 5:30 AM–1:00 PM (Sun)

8. Moorden Coffee: Featuring a Truly Unique Coffee Menu

Image credit: Moorden Coffee | Google Review (left), @moordencoffee (right)

With a spacious and comfortable layout, visitors to Moorden Coffee come from all age groups. Young and old mingle comfortably, sharing tables over their coffee cups. But Moorden Coffee's specialty doesn't end there. The cafe boasts a unique menu item called Niraspresso, which blends Arabica coffee with palm sap (nira) and palm fruit. Interested in trying something completely new?

Address: Moorden, Beurawe, Kec. Kuta Alam, Kota Banda Aceh
Operating hours: Daily, 8:00 AM–12:00 AM

9. Breaktime: The Perfect Place to Relax with Modern Ambiance

Image credit: @breaktimecc

As the name suggests, Breaktime is an ideal place to momentarily escape fatigue. This cafe offers a casual atmosphere and is equipped with comfortable facilities. Beyond coffee selections, Breaktime also features a diverse menu of artisan teas. Paired with light snacks or a heavy meal, it is the perfect companion for your break time!

Address: Dr H Teuku Mohammad Hasan Desa No.10A, Sukadamai, Lueng Bata, Kota Banda Aceh
Operating hours: 7:30 AM–11:00 PM (Sun–Thu), 7:30 AM–12:00 AM (Fri & Sat)

10. Djaya Abadi: Banda Aceh’s First Kopitiam

Image credit: @djayaabadi.idn

Unlike the previous recommendations, Djaya Abadi adopts the kopitiam concept, pioneering it in Banda Aceh. Breakfast menus like kaya toast bread pair perfectly with a glass of black coffee. Craving a heavy meal? Djaya Abadi also offers Oriental culinary options such as Mi Tiaw, Ifumie, Mi Laksa, and Hainanese Rice, all prepared according to Halal standards.

Address: G8G3+X5R, Geuceu Iniem, Banda Raya, Kota Banda Aceh
Operating hours: Daily, 6:30 AM–11:00 PM

Also read: 20 Years After The Tsunami: What to See, Do, and Taste in Aceh, Indonesia That You Don’t Wanna Miss

Banda Aceh's strength lies not only in its high-quality coffee beans but also in its inclusive and warm coffee culture. For Muslim travellers, this city offers a seamlessly comforting experience with readily available mosques and guaranteed Halal dining. From legendary stalls serving historically rich filtered coffee to roasteries that follow global trends, every spot offers a distinct experience. Ready to taste the authentic flavors of Acehnese coffee?