Wednesday 27 November 2013

Best Little Coffee Shop in Sandakan




It's been a little over a year since I have moved here and a lot of water has gone under the bridge as they say.  One thing that has been a constant though, is my bi-weekly walk to the coffee shop. Not just any coffee shop mind you, but the one and only Equator Coffee. 

The first time I stepped into this little oasis was on my first trip to Sandakan some 6 years ago.  On that occasion, the only thing that has stuck in my mind was that it was very busy ( 9.00 pm) and Lili seemed to know every second person in there.  I have no recollection of seeing the owners then, but I do remember the quality of the coffee and cakes.

Fast forward 5 years to the time I started to become a regular. 

Going to Equator for me is a 2 kilometre late morning walk and by the time I get there I’m hot and thirsty. 
Almost always, I am greeted by the proprietor, Vincent who is usually finishing off the preparation for the opening of the day's trade.  This place is spotless.  You won't find any dishes left on the table or a dirty coffee machine here.  Vincent and his wife are meticulous in the way they do their business.  In my experience, it’s the best in town for maintaining hygiene standards and the decor is both pleasant to the eye and functional.  In other words, clean and well kept.

Unlike most food outlets, you get a lot of attention from the owners.  No 18 year old running this show. Vincent is always on hand to make sure the customer is getting what he or she is paying for.  Never far away he observes his staff, making sure all is right.  He manages to do so in a manner that is attentive  and not intrusive.   An art that defines a quality establishment. 

Whilst Vincent mans the front, his wife Oi Len works untiringly in their small kitchen producing the multitude of scrumptious cakes that are on offer.  My waste line can testify to the quality.  

It would be amiss of me not to mention the other staff that under Vincent’s direction deliver an effective and efficient service in a polite and courteous manner. 

Service and quality are only a part of the reason I frequent Equator Coffee.   Being a foreigner to this land, it's difficult to come across someone who you can have a good constructive conversation in English with. Vincent is such a person whose life's experience through reading and travelling has given him a sound knowledge base on many subjects. The enduring conversations between us complement my daily coffee fix to perfection and for that I am eternally thankful. 

So, if you happen to be passing this way in your travels, go to Bandar Indah, Sandakan and ask anyone where Equator Coffee is, they’ll know.





1 comment:

  1. You are far too kind and generous with your words, Aister, but my sincere gratitude for the write-up. And for your support as well. We do try our best in terms of service quality and quality per se.

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