The Kopi Dalar Story
Starting from curiosity, and how coffee connected him with friends from all over the world.
It Began with the Charm of a Cup of Coffee
2018
In 2018, David Layardi, affectionately known as “Dalar,” struck up a conversation with a barista at a cafe about how brewing techniques could alter the taste of coffee. His curiosity pushed him to begin exploring coffee flavors every lunch break at the office. Everyone watched, supported, and enjoyed David's brewing progress until one day, Theo made an investment by creating and gifting the name “Kopi Dalar.” A “whimsical investment” that has led him to continue exploring the endless magic of coffee to this day.
Japan, Destiny, and Sharing Coffee with the World's Palates
Destiny brought “Kopi Dalar” to Japan in October 2025. A new place, a new culture, new people, and challenges vastly different from Indonesia. A new chapter that introduced “Kopi Dalar” to various people from around the world, as Japan brought them together in a “Home” known as a “Social Residence”.
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2018
The Exploration of the Coffee World Begins
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2019
The Birth of the Name & Logo “Kopi Dalar” — Agustinus Theodorus's whimsical investment
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2020
The Pandemic, and home-based coffee research begins.
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2023
Exploring, Networking, and Learning from various cafes
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2025
A new chapter begins: October in Japan
Journey Statistics
Every number marks a step in Kopi Dalar's journey from Indonesia to the world.
- menu variations created
- 17 +
- cups served every 3 months
- 65 +
- bean varieties from around the world
- 20 +
“
The best coffee doesn't always come from the most expensive beans, but from who we enjoy it with.
David Layardi
Founder of Kopi Dalar
”
Voices from Around the World
Since arriving in Japan, Kopi Dalar has been enjoyed by friends and customers from thirteen countries.
“
The iced V60 is bright and clean—just like a crisp Japanese morning.
Yuki Tanaka
Specialty coffee enthusiast
”
Show All Reviews
★★★★★
"
"A stellar espresso in New York—a taste that keeps me coming back."
Emma Carter
Designer
New York, US
★★★★★
"
"This non-profit coffee yields the most genuine flavors."
Lucas Dubois
Brussels, BE
★★★★★
"
"A perfectly balanced piccolo—gentle acidity with just the right body."
Aarav Sharma
Home barista
Mumbai, IN
★★★★★
"
"From Indonesia to Japan, you can taste the love in every cup."
Sophie Martin
Paris, FR
★★★★★
"
"I never expected that one of the best coffees I've had would come from a passion project."
Daniel Reid
Auckland, NZ