Ri’s Cafe was born from a passion for community, solidarity, and a love for good coffee and baked goods.
Founded by Riyani Sidek, the cafe is a testament to her dedication to creating a welcoming space that serves delicious treats and a sense of togetherness.
Her dream of opening a coffee shop took root during her student days in London, where she spent countless hours studying and working in cafes.
These experiences left a lasting impression, inspiring her to bring a slice of that culture back home to Brunei.
Upon returning home, Riyani immersed herself in research while working with various Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) in the community.
Her work in research and advocacy strengthened her resolve to create a space that would give back to the community.
After completing her contract, she decided to turn her dream into reality and opened the first branch of Ri’s Cafe.
The 32-year-old saw potential in The Promenade in Sg Hanching for her first café. This emerging hotspot, with only one known cafe at the time, Kapra Coffee, seemed the perfect place to start her venture.
Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021, Riyani trusted her instincts and launched the cafe during Ramadhan, a month of blessings.
The timing was impeccable, drawing in large crowds and ensuring a successful launch.
Before settling on “Ri’s Cafe,” she explored various names but ultimately chose one that reflected her passion and dedication.
“I put my heart and soul into this place, and the first branch felt like an extension of my character. That’s when I decided on Ri’s Cafe,” she explained.
Embracing Community: Supporting Local Bakers and Young Baristas
Initially inexperienced in making coffee, the entrepreneur learned the craft from other baristas, inspiring her to offer opportunities to young talents.
The cafe currently has 20 full-time and part-time baristas making coffee, matcha and refreshing drinks for the customers.
This commitment to community and solidarity quickly became a hallmark of the cafe, attracting local bakers who partnered with her to sell their goods.
The café features treats from Nurqayyimah Enterprise, The Bake House, Cookies by SL, Azzahra Kitchen, Shaky Hands, The Kookie Lab, Uncut 8rownies, Leaves and Loaves, Baked by Lazzagina and L’amour Macarons, among others.
Beyond serving coffee and baked goods, the cafe hosts community events supporting local businesses and significant causes, such as raising funds for those affected by the ongoing situation in Palestine.
She shared that events are held every few months to ensure excitement and anticipation for customers.
Sustainable Charm: Riyani’s Unique Touch
Riyani’s cafes are a testament to her character, featuring recycled and upcycled furniture that nods to her fight against human trafficking and her passion for sustainability.
Decorated with rattan items from her parents’ and grandparents’ houses; the cafes have a personal and nostalgic touch.
With help from her sister and mother, she adorned the vintage furniture with plants, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere reminiscent of the cafes she loved in London.
Unforeseen Path: From Refugee Studies to Cafe Management
With a master’s degree in Refugee Studies and experience managing a restaurant in London, Riyani’s journey into the food and beverage industry was unexpected but fulfilling.
Then one day she found herself missing the dynamic pace of the food and beverage industry.
“Having previously served as a site manager, I recognised how my management experience seamlessly prepared me for this new venture.”
“It felt like all the pieces had fallen into place, guiding me towards this fulfilling journey once more,” she added.
Expanding Horizons: From Great Opportunities to Social Media Success
The growth of Ri’s Cafe continued with an opportunity to open a kiosk offered by DST at their headquarters.
Although delayed from October 2023 to February 2024 due to renovations, Riyani saw it as a valuable opportunity.
Since then, the kiosk has garnered positive feedback from DST employees, attracting a growing number of regular customers.
The newest and largest branch, which opened in One Riverside just before Ramadhan and Hari Raya, also received an unexpectedly warm reception.
She credits this success to the strategic use of social media, adding that it’s essential in the current landscape.
“These days, if you’re not social media, you don’t exist for your customers. To keep our presence strong, we hired a social media manager, which has helped boost our daily foot traffic,” she explained.
Looking ahead, Riyani emphasises prioritising quality over quantity; focusing on maintaining the cafe’s standards.
“I don’t adhere to a five-year plan. From my 32 years of experience, I’ve learned that things tend to fall into place naturally.”
“Even though there were challenges in the beginning such as unemployment, things eventually align with hard work and perseverance.”
Ri’s Cafe at One Riverside and The Promenade opens from 10am to 12am, while the kiosk at DST headquarters is open Monday to Friday from 7:30am to 5pm.
THE BRUNEIAN | BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
