After quite a while not exploring unique coffee shops, my desire can't be held back when I heard about this place in Yogyakarta, which is my hometown. So, when I got the chance last month to go back to my hometown, I immediately set my time to visit this place called Lituhayu Shadow Puppet Coffee. Yup, the name clearly describes the entertainment that they offer. I headed to the location in the evening as it is absolutely the best time for silhouettes to come alive.
Once I arrived, my curiosity grew even stronger. The place was rather quiet, with only a few guests around. It made sense as it was only 6:30 p.m., a bit early for Yogyakarta, where most people usually head out for evening coffee around eight or later. I asked one of the staff members, and they confirmed it: the café tends to get lively much later at night. Honestly, that actually worked perfectly for me. The calm atmosphere meant I could relax and enjoy the show in a more peaceful setting.
My eyes were immediately drawn to a large white cloth stretched across one side of the room, glowing softly from a light projected behind it. On the screen, I noticed the silhouettes of coffee-making tools—a V60, a French press, a grinder, and other familiar shapes. It didn’t take long for me to guess what it tends to show: the baristas will prepare drinks behind the cloth, and they become the “shadow puppets” themselves. An interesting and wonderfully unique concept… but how would it actually look ?
I was handed the menu and decided to order a cup of coffee along with some crispy mushrooms to munch on. Once my order was taken, the main show began. The barista stepped behind the white cloth and started preparing the equipment. Then, just as I’d guessed, their movements appeared as clear silhouettes on the screen—every gesture, every pour, every clink of the tools visible only through shadow. Ahh ! here is the show.....
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Below is the link to a short video of the barista’s ‘shadow puppet’ performance done by the barista :
It was such a simple idea, yet incredibly creative and engaging. For a coffee lover like me, watching the entire brewing process turned into a shadow-puppet performance was clearly a truly unique and delightful experience.
The coffee was great, and the crispy mushroom was quite good as well. The prices were quite affordable. Overall, I’m very satisfied with the evening and the wonderful experience. I hope that when I get the chance to visit again, I can come during a busier time so I can enjoy more of the “shadow puppets” performance, as I’m sure there will be more orders and more to see.
Business information
Lituhayu "Shadow Puppet" Coffee
Jl. Tirtomartani,no. 351, Kalasan, Sleman, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Opening hours : 06.00 am - 11.00 pm