Inside the Strand Arcade off Queen Street in central Auckland, Slow Koi is worth seeking out for its changing single-origin hand-brew list. Recent selections have included Colombian Chiroso and Ecuadorian Sidra, with origins, varieties and processes listed so you can choose a particular coffee. The small black room has a koi aquarium behind the bar and wide ceramic cups made by Leach Studio; take a seat to watch the brewing and spend time with your coffee.
Coffee
Hand brewing is the main draw. The selection changes, but a recent weekly list offered washed Colombian Wush Wush alongside naturally processed Sudan Rume and Panamanian Geisha. Ask which coffees are available and how their processing differs. Eternal Coffee lists Slow Koi as a stockist, while Society Coffee has supplied named lots for seasonal drinks.
Those seasonal drinks deserve a look if you prefer something sweeter. Winter’s White Valentine paired a Brazilian Arara coffee with white chocolate; Rangipō used Colombian El Indio cold brew topped with cream. Treat these as examples of the changing menu, rather than permanent orders.
Matcha & the room
Matcha gets a substantial menu of its own, including a Midnight Blend made from teas from three farms. Cheesecake is another option when available; the shop’s signature plate adds olive oil, toasted black pepper and sea salt.
Tables in the dark room are limited: come alone or with one companion, and allow for premium drink prices. Choose a hand brew or matcha, watch the preparation at the bar and spend time with the drink beside the aquarium.