From its humble beginnings as a small independent cafe in Berakas, Erti Kafe has blossomed into something much more than just a coffee shop.
Erti co-founder Immanuel pointed toward a framed collection of their colourful coffee sleeves displayed on the wall inside the shop — a testament to the café’s hard work and journey.
Established by brothers Eleazar and Immanuel Relex, Erti Kafe opened its doors on 11 May 2023, with a vision to create a space where people could connect over high-quality coffee in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
The brothers always shared a deep passion for coffee and a vision to bring something fresh to the local scene, which ultimately led them to open a coffee shop born out of a genuine love for great coffee, creative reflection and simple community.
Eleazar and Immanuel came up with the inspiration of Erti Kafe after being impressed by the local growing coffee scene and culture.
The coffee lovers turned business partners have explored and tried out different coffee shops and sampled coffee bean varieties during their traveling days before opening their own.
“Before opening Erti Kafe, we spent time learning about the coffee industry, researching trends, and experimenting with different blends and flavours,” said the duo.
In 2023, the cafe was transformed from vision into reality by the brothers over the course of more than a year.
Located alongside other local cafes and shops at Hj Munchit & Dyg Rafiah Complex in Berakas, it is easy to spot Erti Kafe by its signature blue outdoor dining chairs.
The brothers shared that Berakas is a prime location which is a popular place for budding businesses, making it an ideal site for the cafe.
“Initially, we hadn’t considered the location as a top priority, as we envisioned a smaller, more intimate cafe. However, we are blessed to have found a strategic spot that not only offers ample parking but also provides a private, cosy hangout space for customers to enjoy,” they said.
From the cool colour scheme to the choice of furniture, Erti Kafe is all about creating a contemporary and relaxing feel of a cafe with its minimalist black, white and blue theme and monotone furniture.
Inside, the coffee shop can only accommodate a maximum of 15 customers, but its modest size adds to the appeal of the place being an intimate and cosy space.
The outdoor patio, however, offers ample seating for over 70 people, allowing guests to choose between the indoor setting or the expansive, relaxed outdoor area for their dining experience.
The welcoming feeling is even enhanced by the homely decor elements. Each piece at the cafe holds a meaning to both owners; from the ukelele to the Seni Kanji artwork.
Erti Kafe offers a diverse and carefully crafted menu that caters to a wide range of tastes, with a strong focus on high-quality, ground coffee
The cafe features everything from classic espresso-based drinks like lattes, cappuccinos, and flat whites to unique signature blends that highlight the best of specialty coffee
The menu also features refreshing non-coffee options such as smooth matcha lattes and a selection of iced teas perfect for a cool, relaxing experience.
“Our bestselling drinks would be the Spanish latte & Strawberry Matcha. Also to highlight our signature drinks the Erti Kopi and Earthy Matcha,” the brothers shared.
Since the opening, the cafe has been getting positive responses and amazing support, the brothers said. “Business has been largely positive since our establishment. Our cafe managed to catch the heart of the locals and gain their love from our crafted beverages.”
More than just a coffee shop
Today, Erti Kafe is more than just a coffee shop — it’s a venue where community, culture, and celebration come together.
As the name indicates, Erti comes from the Malay word meaning “Meaning”.
According to the brothers the inspiration behind the name stems from the idea of finding meaning in everything.
“It’s not just about opening a cafe—it’s about infusing everything we do with intention and purpose. Hence, we strive to “tetap mengerti” in all that we do,” they shared.
The drive to build something meaningful kept them focused on their goal, and every day since has been about delivering exceptional service and a passion for coffee.
Initially, the founders focused on curating a thoughtfully crafted menu, over time, however, they noticed an increasing demand for private events, pop-ups, and social gatherings at their space.
Recognising the potential to grow, the brothers expanded their offerings beyond coffee, introducing event management services.
Erti Kafe has expanded its reach beyond its café walls, organising pop-up and catering events for notable clients like NBT Brunei, Guardian, and more, further establishing itself as a key player in the local events scene.
Grinding through challenges
Although new to the coffee industry, the brothers have grown with the business over the years, learning and trying out new things along the way.
From managing startup costs to building a brand identity and recruiting the right team, the path to opening the cafe was full of lessons that ultimately shaped the business.
“Since opening, we’ve gained invaluable insights into understanding customer preferences, managing operations, and adapting to evolving demands,” the brothers shared.
“One of our biggest takeaways is the importance of consistently delivering high-quality coffee while fostering a warm, inviting atmosphere that keeps customers coming back. We’ve also learned to stay flexible and responsive to feedback, allowing us to refine our offerings and enhance the overall experience,” they added.
The budding business duo is always thinking of what to do next. When asked about the business’ future plans, the founders are eyeing to expand their offerings and potentially opening new locations to reach more customers.
“In the next few years, we hope to see the business grow into a well-known local brand, with a strong presence in Brunei’s coffee culture, while continuing to innovate and deliver exceptional experiences to our community,” the brothers shared.
When opening a business, the brothers advise budding entrepreneurs to to begin with a clear vision and a solid plan, but to stay flexible and open to adapting as they learn along the way.
“Focus on understanding your customers’ needs, build strong relationships, and never underestimate the power of quality and consistency. Don’t be afraid of challenges—they’re part of the journey,” they shared.
“Stay persistent, embrace failure as a learning experience, and surround yourself with a supportive network. Lastly, passion is key—if you love what you do, it will keep you motivated through the tough times,” the concluded.
THE BRUNEIAN | BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
