Seniman Coffee Studio

Seniman – “artist” in Indonesian – treats coffee as a creative craft. Describing itself as a fourth-wave coffee shop, the studio on Jalan Sriwedari has been one of the driving forces behind Ubud’s specialty coffee culture, championing Indonesian beans at a time when most cafés relied on imports.

The business is led by Rodney Glick, its Director of Coffee and a licensed Q Grader, and works closely with sister company Karana, a coffee processor in Ubud run with Kadek Edi. That connection gives Seniman unusual control over the whole chain, from processing and roasting through to the cup, and it supplies wholesale beans to hotels, restaurants and cafés in Indonesia and abroad.

The coffee

The focus is single-origin Indonesian coffee, roasted in the on-site boutique roastery. Baristas use a variety of brewing methods, from espresso to hand-poured filter, and are happy to explain the differences between beans from Sumatra, Java, Bali, Flores and beyond. It’s the place to taste how origin and processing change flavour.

What to order

• Single-origin filter coffee – ask for the current Indonesian line-up
• Espresso drinks made with house roasts
• Cold brew and iced coffee
• Breakfast and light café plates
• Retail beans roasted on site

The space

The studio has a creative, workshop-like feel, with brewing equipment on show and a roastery that reminds you coffee is made here, not just served. It attracts coffee professionals, digital nomads and curious travellers alike. The adjoining Seniman Bakery and the Seniman Spirits bar are temporarily closed, so check before planning a visit around them.

Tips for your visit

• It closes at 17:00 – plan for morning or early-afternoon coffee.
• Ask the baristas for a recommendation; they love talking beans.
• Buy a bag of single-origin beans to take home.
• Walkable from Ubud Palace and the Jalan Sriwedari restaurants.
• Parking is limited; walk or arrive by scooter.

Why it matters

Indonesia is one of the world’s largest coffee producers, yet for many years its best beans were exported rather than celebrated at home. Seniman was part of a movement that changed that, showcasing regional differences and working directly on processing through its sister company Karana. For visitors, it is an easy way to learn about Indonesian coffee in one sitting: ask about the origins on offer, compare an espresso with a filter brew, and taste how processing methods shape the cup.

It is a relaxed place for remote work in the morning, and the central location means you can drop in between visits to Ubud Palace, the art market and the galleries along Jalan Raya Ubud. Come with questions – the team is known for sharing its knowledge generously.

For anyone curious about Indonesian coffee, Seniman is an essential Ubud stop and a showcase for what the archipelago’s beans can do.