Bento Kopi: A Student-Friendly Café to Get Your Work Done

During my fourth semester, I found myself struggling to keep up with my college assignments, which came from different subjects and had tight deadlines. I had to manage my time well and stay focused if I wanted to finish everything and get good scores. However, staying focused was not always easy, especially when I did my work in my bedroom. I often felt isolated and stuck, which made it difficult for ideas to come up. Instead of being productive, I sometimes ended up feeling frustrated and neglecting my tasks. Consequently, I did not finish a single task because I ended up scrolling through my social media instead.

This kind of situation negatively affected my productivity. If I wanted to get my work done, I needed to find a way out of it. “Maybe it would be a great idea to work on them at the library,” I thought to myself. However, I then remembered that exam week was coming up, so the library would probably be crowded. Besides, I would not be able to work comfortably since I wouldn’t be able to eat or drink there. After thinking for quite a while, a lightbulb suddenly appeared above my head. What I needed was a place where I could stay productive while still feeling comfortable. That was when I remembered a café called Bento Kopi that is located on Jalan Pasantren, Cimahi, West Java, Indonesia, which is only a short walking distance from my house, which I decided to visit.

When I entered Bento Kopi, I could see people working on their assignments. There were people with their laptops open, eyes fixed on their screens without budging. Others were chatting, while a soft background buzz lingered in the air. I could even hear the satisfying sound of a white billiard ball striking the eight ball, crowning a player as the well-deserved champion. “There are so many students here,” I thought to myself. I noticed this by looking at their colorful college blazers and students’ association jackets. This was the kind of atmosphere that instantly pushed me to find the perfect spot. I finally settled in a seat at the semi-outdoor area, right beside some refreshing green plants.

After putting my stuff on my seat and organizing everything to my liking, I immediately made my way to the cashier. I was genuinely surprised by how affordable all the menu items were, making it the best bang for the buck. So, I ordered Nasi Ayam Penyet, a traditional Indonesian dish of smashed fried chicken served with chili paste and rice (IDR 20,000), along with French Fries (IDR 15,000) and for a total of IDR 35,000 ($2), which is a solid deal for the portion and quality.

The ayam penyet was juicy with a slight crisp on the outside, and the sambal or chili paste complemented it perfectly. Topped with fried shallots, they added both a satisfying texture and a rich umami flavor. The French fries were also nice with its crispy texture without being overly oily, making them a great side dish.

With my stomach finally full, I felt ready to start working on my assignment. As I opened my laptop and connected it to Bento Kopi’s Wi-Fi, I began working on my tasks more seriously. The supportive environment, combined with a full stomach, helped me focus better. Looking around and seeing other students fully engaged in their own assignments made me feel even more motivated. Everything felt smoother as I worked, and I could go through my tasks without the usual distractions, as if the place itself was helping me stay on track.

I was halfway through my assignment, and I could feel my eyes became a little bit heavy. Working on the assignment really absorbed my energy, but the deadline was tight, so I could not afford to procrastinate any further. “Maybe I could use a cup of coffee,” I thought to myself. I then walked to the cashier and ordered a cup of coffee milk for IDR 16,000 ($1). After it arrrived, I took a sip of it and realized that the coffee leaned more on the sweeter side, with a mild coffee taste. It would be more suitable for those who are not too fond of strong coffee. I enjoyed the coffee while continuing my work.

After finishing my first assignment, I still had one more to go. I leaned back for a moment, trying to ease the tiredness from working on it. Even though the coffee had helped recharge my energy, I could feel my focus slowly slipping away again. Instead of forcing myself, I decided to take a short break. Since the place was spacious, I did not feel stuck at my seat, so I walked around and made my way to the billiard area. I stood there for a while, watching a few people play. The sound of the balls clashing and the cheers coming from the players when someone made a good shot created a lively yet relaxing atmosphere. It really helped me clear my mind and take a breather from my assignments.

After that, I made my way back to my seat. I noticed different tables filled with students having small group discussions and were brainstorming together. I even spotted a few familiar faces and ended up stopping for a quick chat, sharing stories about assignments and college life. Seeing so many people going through the same academic struggles somehow made me feel less alone, and it motivated me to get back on track.