Frequently Asked Questions
This page has been moved. View the most updated FAQ here.
This guide answers common questions about our unique gathering spaces that bring people together for meaningful conversations. Whether you’re curious about attending your first event, wondering how our discussions work, or interested in facilitating events, you’ll find essential information below about our community-driven initiative.
The Basics ☕
1. What is the Curious Souls Café?
Curious Souls Café is a third place (a social environment separate from home and the workplace) where people gather to engage in thoughtful conversations centered around meaningful questions. It’s designed to foster a sense of community, encourage self-reflection, and explore different perspectives on life.
Safe and Non-Judgmental Environment: It is designed as a safe space where participants feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and vulnerabilities without fear of judgment.
Beyond Small Talk: The café focuses on meaningful, deep, and introspective conversations that go beyond superficial topics.
Casual Philosophy and Psychology: It aims to be non-academic and casual, making it accessible to everyone.
Fostering Connection: The event serves as a platform for strangers to connect on a deeper level and form bonds.
2. What is the philosophy behind Curious Souls Café?
Curious Souls Café was founded to bridge the gap often created by online communication and personalized feeds, which can lead to social bubbles and isolation. We aim to break these barriers by facilitating face-to-face conversations.
We believe in the power of in-person interaction to foster deeper bonds and understanding that online exchanges cannot provide. Our core mission is centered on the invaluable experience of human connection in real life.
3. How does it compare to other meetup groups?
Curious Souls Café differentiates itself by its focus on fostering meaningful bonds (curious “souls”) rather than academic or debate-style discussions. While other groups might involve small talk or specific activities, Curious Souls Café centers on structured, deep conversations on personal and universal themes.
4. Is the Curious Souls Café free to attend?
Yes. Our public events are free and run as a community-driven initiative. We don’t charge admission or membership fees. You’re responsible only for your own food and drinks at the venue. Beware of anyone requesting payments on our behalf; when in doubt, email info@curioussouls.cafe to verify.
The Event Experience 💬
5. How are the discussions structured?
Generally, a session is structured into two rounds to balance structure and spontaneity.
First round: Participants use question cards curated by our facilitator to explore a topic.
Second round (optional): Participants write and discuss their own questions, focusing on the most engaging topics voted on by the group.
Moment of Truth: The final 5–10 minutes are for sharing key takeaways and feedback.
To learn more, the structure of our events is introduced here and further detailed here.
6. How do you balance formality and spontaneity?
While we use a base structure with rounds of questions, we intentionally avoid rigid adherence. There’s a strong emphasis on adapting to the group’s vibe, with flexibility to skip rounds or introduce fun elements like the “punishment” dice: https://curioussouls.cafe/dice/
This creates a comfortable atmosphere where participants feel free to engage authentically.
7. Who typically attends these events?
Since the event is conducted in English in Asia to appeal to a global audience, attendees are often diverse individuals. The participants usually include a mix of locals, expatriates, and people from various professional and cultural backgrounds who share an interest in meaningful conversations.
8. How does the event cater to both introverts and extroverts?
The format is designed to accommodate both introverts and extroverts. For introverts, the turn-taking format offers a clear framework, easing the pressure of spontaneous conversation. Extroverts benefit from the opportunity to openly share and engage. The focus on genuine sharing ensures a meaningful experience for everyone.
9. What role does the facilitator play?
The facilitator guides the discussion, sets the tone, introduces questions, manages time, and encourages participation from all members. They ensure everyone gets a chance to speak and are mindful of sensitive topics, steering the conversation if necessary to maintain a safe and harmonious group dynamic.
Community & Tools 🌏
10. What platforms and tools are used?
We use a variety of platforms to organize events and engage our community:
Meetup: Our primary platform for organizing events. A list of our groups is here.
Zoom Events: Hosted to help global community members reconnect.
Digital Tools: Our web app offers virtual question cards to facilitate discussions, a virtual dice roller to decide who starts, break ties, or engage in meaningful “punishment”, and action prompts to spark gratitude, kindness, and inspiration with randomly presented creative tasks.
11. When and where does it take place?
The initiative began in Hong Kong in July 2024. Our events are currently held regularly in:
Hong Kong: https://meetup.com/curious-souls-cafe
Singapore: https://www.meetup.com/curious-souls-cafe-singapore/
Other locations with events include Osaka, Taipei, Kuala Lumpur, and more:
Kuala Lumpur: https://www.meetup.com/curious-souls-cafe-kuala-lumpur/
As of September 2025, there have been more than 100 sessions globally.
12. What is the “global citizen” mindset?
The “global citizenship” mindset is a core tenet of our community, fostering an environment where individuals transcend national and cultural boundaries. The events use English to attract a wide, international audience, and discussions often touch on universal human experiences, offering a sense of belonging for those who may not feel fully at home in a single country.
13. What is the Curious Souls Café web app?
Our custom-designed web app is a companion tool used during events to spark conversations. Participants can scan a QR code to access virtual question decks on various topics. Features include generating random questions, saving favorites, using a dice roll to add a playful twist to discussions, and action prompts that use creative tasks to cultivate gratitude, encourage acts of kindness, and spark inspiration.
Overview: https://curioussouls.cafe/tools/ (and here for an intro of the dice).
Live app: https://app.curioussouls.cafe/
14. What is the significance of personalized touches?
Personalized touches are highly valued. The practice of incorporating questions written by previous attendees makes events feel more unique and reflects the collective insights of the community: https://app.curioussouls.cafe/topics/global-curiosities/
This commitment to personalization and evolution aims to keep the experience fresh, relevant, and deeply resonant for participants.
Other Initiatives & Contact ⭐
15. What is the Curious Souls Café for the Workplace initiative?
Curious Souls Café for the Workplace adapts our public events into facilitated sessions for business teams. The goal is to build authentic connection, empathy, and psychological safety.
Structured, meaningful conversations: Sessions use question prompts to guide non‑judgmental sharing and active listening.
Customizable to your goals: We tailor themes and branding to your company.
Works in-person or virtually: Formats are effective for on-site or remote teams.
Note on pricing: While our public café is a free initiative, workplace engagements are a paid, professional service.
Learn more: https://curioussouls.cafe/workplace
16. Got other questions or feedback for us?
Share feedback via this form: https://curioussouls.cafe/share/questions
Email info@curioussouls.cafe
