What is a meaningful coffee experience?
If you can’t remember the last time you had one, let Samuel Weekiat, Chua of Borderless Coffee Co. in Singapore refresh your memory
What counts as a meaningful coffee experience?
Better yet: Where and how do we get one?
“A meaningful coffee experience is when a cup becomes more than just caffeine,” says Samuel Weekiat, Chua, founder of Borderless Coffee Co. in Singapore.
“It’s when the coffee, the environment, and the moment align – whether that’s a quiet pause you give yourself, or a shared conversation that feels unhurried. It’s meaningful when it lingers with you, not just on the palate but in memory.”
Intrigued? If you want it, he provides us with a few examples for inspiration. “I’ve had meaningful coffee moments everywhere – from street-side carts to quiet cafés in private spaces and also shopping malls,” he recalls.
“But the ones that matter most are often simple: a morning filter at home before the world wakes up, or a quick cup with besties or mates, where the conversation outshines the drink.”
Can’t create it at home that often? Then consider Borderless Coffee. They offer freshly made coffee sourced from Curate Coffee Roasters; Japanese tea sourced from Niko Neko Matcha; bakes and desserts (their financiers and tiramisu come highly recommended); and bottled beverages and retail coffee bean bags, all available in-store and for pre-order. They accept events and corporate orders too.
How do they do it?
“By keeping things approachable and intentional,” Sam answers.
“I’ve designed Borderless Coffee to be takeaway-focused (for now), yet warm and human. A friendly ‘hello’, coffee made with care, and bite-sized bakes you can savour quickly or slowly – it’s about small gestures that make the day feel lighter.”
The space, or the design of that space, is just as important.
“The design sets the stage. It’s not always about size but about flow: how easy it feels to order, wait, and leave without stress. Lighting, music, and even the way the counter greets you matter,” he adds.
“For us, it’s about warmth and openness – even if it’s just a small space, it should invite you in.”
What other elements does Borderless Coffee use to consistently produce meaningful coffee experiences for their customers?
“Consistency in quality, yes – but also consistency in attitude. The tone of service, the friendliness of the team, and even our collaborations with local communities and gyms shape the experience. We want customers to feel like they’re part of something bigger, not just a transaction.”
Excited for that relaxing cup? Get more insights and takeaways from Sam to make your next meaningful coffee experience possible.
How running Borderless Coffee has changed his views about what coffee – and a coffee experience – should be like
Sam: “I used to think coffee was mostly about precision – extraction curves, origins, ratios. Running Borderless Coffee taught me that it’s just as much about people. Coffee is a bridge, a connection. The experience isn’t just about perfect calibration; it’s creating a rhythm where customers feel seen, welcomed and included.”
Favourite facts about Borderless Coffee Co.
“We started as home-based (where customers pre-order for selected date delivery, not the latest ‘visit your house’ kind of home-based, hahaha), then (got into) corporate/event pop-up coffee carts, and found our permanent home (at Jalan Sultan) only after moving around. Every spot shaped us, and we carry that ‘borderless’ spirit in how we serve.”
Things people don’t usually know about running a café, and offering café services
“It’s equal parts coffee and logistics. Behind the counter, there’s the supply chain, scheduling, endless cleaning, and plenty of emotional labour.”
What makes a good café menu
“Balance – something for the curious and something for the creature-of-habit.”
Borderless Coffee Co. drinks you’d recommend to:
• first-timers
“Milo Mocha, a local flavour of a mocha (it’s truly a coffee starter pack), or our signature bottled beverage – it’s accessible, handy and sleek.”
• experienced coffee drinkers
“Our espresso-based drink to taste the beans at their core, and our Daredevil (seasonal) menu for the adventurous thrill-seekers.”
How to develop our coffee senses
“Slow down. Smell before you sip, notice the texture, and pay attention to the aftertaste. Coffee teaches patience.”
Tips to recreate our favourite café-style drinks at home
“Good beans, a reliable grinder, and don’t stress perfection – enjoy the process.”
Best coffee to have when:
• you want a change
“A single-origin pour-over.”
• it’s your nth cup of the day
“A light filter or cold brew.”
• you need something reliable
“A flat white or long black.”
• you’re feeling experimental
“A signature special or infused drink (like our Daredevil menu).”
• you want to enjoy your time alone
“A slow, meditative pour-over (or a hot black coffee).”
Your own coffee habits, musts and beliefs
“I start my mornings with my coffee – it’s grounding. My belief is that coffee should adapt to life, not the other way around. Sometimes you need that punchy espresso, other times a soft, tea-like pour-over. Flexibility is the philosophy.”
Best coffee and food pairings
“Espresso with dark chocolate, filter coffee with light pastries, and milk-based drinks with something buttery. (Or enjoy it in dessert. Our Classic Tiramisu is our hot-seller here too, made with in-house coffee blends.)”
Coffee etiquette, dos and don’ts
“Do ask questions, don’t feel intimidated. Coffee is for everyone, not just the experts.”
Tips for solo coffee drinkers
“Lean into it – bring a book, people-watch, or simply enjoy being still.”
Tips for coffee with a group
“Order different things and share. Coffee is communal.”
Favourite lessons about coffee
“The more you know, the more humble you become. Coffee keeps you learning.”
Your ideal coffee destination
“Anywhere with a balance of culture and community – Melbourne, Copenhagen, Japan and Korea come to mind.”
Top predictions and best hopes for coffee
“We’ll see more focus on sustainability, transparency and smaller, human-scale experiences. My hope is coffee continues to be a connector, not a divider. (I honestly hope coffee will become affordable again, for everyone to appreciate.)”
How to be more mindful of our coffee usage
“Be aware of waste – don’t overbuy, and appreciate every cup. Coffee is the product of so many hands; treat it with respect.”
Lastly: Is there such a thing as too much coffee?
“Yes and no. Physically, of course, your body will tell you. More often than ever, I get caffeine-crash. The more coffee I drink, the sleepier I am. So, to learn to step back, I pause and recalibrate my body (for more, hahaha). But in spirit? Coffee’s about variety. Too much of the same coffee can dull appreciation. That’s why exploring different brews, beans and styles keeps the relationship fresh.”
Find Borderless Coffee here, at 133 Jalan Sultan, 01-02, Singapore 199016, and on Facebook and Instagram.