I had walked past Slow Koi Manual Kohi Brew Bar while wandering through Auckland’s CBD and decided to head back the following afternoon to try one of their softbrew coffees. The space is sleek and modern, with a minimalist black aesthetic. The setup is clearly focused on manual brewing—like V60 pour-overs and matcha though they also offer espresso. A small espresso machine sits on the bar, but the emphasis is definitely on softbrews.

I went with the “Thailand Chiang Mai COE #22”, one of the three bean options available that day. All three seemed quite similar—safe and balanced, nothing particularly bold or funky, which is more my preference. I was hoping for some guidance in choosing, but no one was at the counter when I arrived. The barista only appeared after I had placed my order through the self-serve payment system, which felt a bit impersonal.

To be clear, the coffee itself was well-brewed. The flavours were clean and enjoyable, and the brew was handled with care. However, I was a little surprised that it was served straight in the cup, rather than in a glass server—something I usually expect with manual brews, where you pour it yourself and enjoy the experience a bit more slowly.

Slow Koi is a visually striking and conceptually interesting spot, with a focus on manual brewing and matcha. Their custom-made ceramic cups were a nice touch, and it’s cool that they’re linked to the other businesses in the building. I loved the idea and the coffee was good—but the experience lacked a sense of customer connection or engagement. A bit more attention to the service side would’ve really elevated it.

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Address: Shop 4 233/237 Queen Street, New Zealand, Auckland 1010