Research shows that coffee ranks amongst the top most consumed beverage in the world. Yes folks, most of us can agree that we can’t survive the day without a caffeine fix, whether it be to kick start the day, ease the mid-afternoon slump or anything in between. For me, my daily coffee ritual is much more than just getting my caffeine fix, and I blame this all on my very first coffee drinking experience.
I was well into my adult years when I first started drinking coffee although I have always loved the smell of freshly brewed coffee, even as a young child. I can recall when my mom would press the start button on her percolator and the smell would slowly start wafting through our home, evoking feelings of indulgence as it was a departure from her usual cup of instant coffee. In the September of 2010 we were on holiday in Italy and after failing to find the perfect cup of tea, (I am a tea pot at heart) and after experiencing the joy of busy commuters and locals ordering their morning expresso (the only way Italians drink their coffee) at the counter of the café, I decided it was time for me to give it a go. We had spent that particular morning exploring an area of Milan and stopped along our route to rest our weary legs and I decided to order a cuppa. There we sipped on a milky coffee (to ease me into it), sat on the sidewalk watching the world go by and appreciating the fact we were in Italy, a country so dear to our hearts. I was hooked and enjoyed many more memorial cups during our stay. Can you blame me for wanting to recapture this experience while enjoying my cup back home?
Fortunately, over the last ten years the coffee culture in Cape Town has gone from zero to hero. Long gone are the days of sub-standard coffee and coffee shops. Today coffee roasting has become an art form with micro roasters popping up all the time, each adding another note into the ever evolving Cape Town coffee scene. I am always on the hunt for new spots to fulfil my commitment to coffee and here are my top five must visit coffee roasters in and around the city.
ORIGIN COFFEE ROASTERS
I would say that Origin were one of the front runners in the coffee culture movement in Cape Town and to this day, they never disappoint. Not only do I love their coffee, but I love their café in De Waterkant with its’ industrial vibe and the fact I am immediately transported to New York City (one of my favourite cities in the world) the minute I walk through the door. Here you can not only enjoy pastries, breakfasts and lunches but it’s a great spot for a business or social meeting and can even serve as a mobile office for the morning. What’s more, they offer coffee appreciation and home barista courses, something that I would definitely like to do. Oh and by the way, if you are ever in the V&A there is a mini Origin next to the tourism office so you can get your Origin fix there.
ROSETTA COFFEE ROASTERS
Tucked away in the Woodstock exchange is this gem of a spot. The Woodstock exchange is filled with creatives, and walking through the building fills me with inspiration, so finishing a visit with a cuppa from Rosetta only seems fitting. They serve a few sweet treats but the focus is really on the coffee and the various blends that you can choose from. The wooden benches in the courtyard offer a peaceful retreat, a place to ponder life and sip your worries away.
DELUXE COFFEE WORKS
Deluxe similarly to Origin was one of the front runners in the Cape Town coffee revolution. To them, it’s all about the coffee and they take much care in the roasting process which explains why I love this blend so much. There are a few shops dotted around the city, with the most recent addition being added in the Bo Kaap, each with its own unique feel and flare. Thankfully, Deluxe also supply many other cafes and restaurants around the city so there are more options to get your hands on this delicious cup of goodness.
BEAN THERE COFFEE ROASTERS
What first drew me to Bean There was the name. I love the play on words and after first visiting the Wale Street shop, I was smitten. The quirky vintage lamps and bicycles hanging above the coffee bar made me smile from ear to ear as did the knowledge that they are the first certified fair trade roasters in South Africa. While perched in the window, watching the world go by, you take a sip and you fall in love that little bit more. They also serve the most amazing pretzel baguettes, deliciousness between two pieces are starch. Go, you won’t regret it.
BOOTLEGGERS COFFEE
Whilst I originally I feared that I wouldn’t like bootleggers (because of a number of branches popping up around the city that could potentially mean a compromise on quality), I love it. I love how each shop has its’ own unique feel and style, although still woven from the same cloth, a common thread stitched into each. I have enjoyed a fabulous lunch at bootleggers and I must say that I was tempted by their sweet treats too, so if the bun less burger was anything to go by, then the rest of the goodies on offer will be fabulous too.
SPECIAL MENTION
No post about coffee would ever be complete with a mention of my precious Vida e Café. I can’t help it, I am a fan. Their coffee is delightful, their friendly barista’s get me every time, and I just love what the brand stands for, #nopassionnopoint. A super effective spot to grab a coffee on the run as they have stores dotted all around the city.
I do also have to say that there are plenty of other spots that serve delicious coffee in and around our city, most have their own house blends. Would you like to hear more about these? And do you have any other favourites that you would put on your top five roasters in the city?
written by guest blogger Melanie Van Heerden
thanks and enjoy …..
Pink Farm Chick 