The other day, while I was strolling down the street, singing, “do wah diddy diddy dum diddy do”, “I came across a cafe, it look good, it look fine, thought I had to try the coffee some other time”.

While walking towards the photo shop or “studio”, as it is sometimes known as; to get some passport size photographs done; I came across this tiny (very, very small) cafe just next to the studio. It shared the shoplot space with the photo studio meaning half the width x the length was the cafe and the other half was the photo studio. Have a coffee while waiting for your photos to be processed or developed. I thought it as a nifty idea. Though these days, it only takes a few minutes to get your photographs done. Even then, get a coffee to go.

“Benson Brew” – that is the name of this coffee joint. It has such a nice ring to it.

First thing you will notice, is that you may just pass this cafe by without noticing (pun? intended?) it because of it’s size… if not for its signboard, which looks bigger than the shop. The front entrance width is not much wider that a single panel wide door. Open the door, and it will lead you through a short passage to the opening of the shop.

As you come up to the bar-like counter, you will notice it has 3 bar stool type of chairs at the counter. At hand, is Arian; the barista; to greet you.

A pleasant chap, he is quick to ask attend to your order. At the side of the counter, there is a large enough space for a small round table with 4 chairs. Very cosy. Great for meetings with clients or quiet chit chats with friends and family, without the disturbance, interruption or / and distraction of other people. Multi-million dollar deals can be signed here.

Arian says their business has been pretty good since their opening about 9 months ago. I would think so that it should be good. The coffee culture has gown or evolved dramatically over the last 10 years or so, that it would only be natural for the yuppies to be seen with a coffee in one hand, and a laptop, files and charts in the other.

Benson Brew is located in the heart of USJ Taipan city. Their immediate customers would be from the business and bank offices surrounding it.

Their prices when compared to the big name cafes (these are the guys they have to compete with), are about between 20% to 30% cheaper.

The treat that you will get about having your coffee at Benson Brew is that they serve Lavazza coffee. Lavazza is a well known Italian brand renowned for its coffee. What I found out is that Benson Cafe sells some Lavazza coffee beans that is not brought in to Malaysia by the Lavazza distributor itself. Benson Cafe imports these packets of coffee beans directly from Italy. Since they carry limited quantities, it fast sells out and one would have to wait for sometime before the next orders come on their shelves.

When I am in Taipan and have the time, I will drop in at Benson Brew for a coffee and some quiet time, where I can explore new ideas, concepts and stories for new articles and my book which is in a work-in-progress stage now.

NOTE: Taipan USJ is located in Subang Jaya, a city in the state of selangor, Malaysia.