It is often said that you can count on your day being a lot better by starting it with a cup of coffee. And this is no different across Africa, where you can find the finest african coffee shops across the continent.
Coffee shops are no longer “just coffee shops'' as they have become an integral part of the African economy. Each business is trying to stand out and offer that ‘je ne sais quoi’ to complement your comforting cup . Pastries, breads, artisanal dishes and henna are now new and exciting options available with your coffee. The whole concept of grabbing a coffee has become a social experience to meet friends, work on projects or even find your soulmate.
For those of you who love to get their caffeine kick, we’ve got you covered. Here are five coffee shops across Africa that you must visit!
1. Vovo Telo
This top coffee shop in South Africa is a staple in several locations across the country. You’ll be spoilt for choice with the coffee drinks available on their diverse menu such as the Vietanemse Latte, which is brewed slowly to pack a stronger punch for all you caffeine-lovers out there. Other delicious delights on the menu include a Salted Caramel Mocha and Cortado.
But Vovo Telo is so much more than coffee in SA. Its conception came after the owners were inspired by a surfing holiday to Madagascar where an old man was peddling on a green bike and rode past them with fresh baguettes. They fell in love with artisanal bread and wanted to bring it back home - thus Vovo Telo was born. With a fusion of traditional methods and local ingredients, the breads and pastries are created for everyone to enjoy. Examples that’ll whet your appetite include the freshly baked Pretzel Bun which is sprinkled with salt and melted butter. If you have a sweet tooth, you must try the Very Berry Waffles topped with berry compote and honey mascarpone cream with a dollop of vanilla ice cream on the side. How delicious do they sound?
2. Galani Coffee
Venturing to Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa, where the coffee lover can stumble upon Galani Coffee. This coffee house, which was born in 1940, takes its name from the River Gelan that runs down the Bale Mountains to Arba Minch - crossing many of the coffee bean areas. In most of these regions, coffee beans are carried on the backs of donkeys, which explains the company’s logo featuring a donkey known as ‘the coffee carrier.’
In their sunlit space, the company’s Tumeric Latte is nothing short of delicious, and could go nicely with a Cheesy Crêpe - bursting with mozzarella, tomatoes and avocado. If you can’t get enough of Galani Coffee, you’ll be pleased to know you can purchase their house blend and special edition coffee bags online to drink in the comfort of your own home. Galani Coffee also provides training for professionals in brewing methods and barista skills. Fancy a fun afternoon date with your partner or friend? You should take part in Galani Coffee coffee-tasting sessions for locals.
3. Henna Café
When you are next in Morocco, you have to visit the Henna Café. In this intimate café, you can enjoy a variety of coffee, smoothies and seasonal juices. This oasis of culture and comfort in the centre of the medina provides affordable drip coffee and food, but also artistry in the form of henna. A Naquasha (henna artist) is available to draw intricate designs on your hands and feet, whilst you can enjoy eating Khleer (lamb and omelette sandwiches), salads or falafel which are all available on the menu.
This café is unlike many others as it is all about giving back to the community. Before the global coronavirus pandemic, the café funded a general education programme (which included up to eight free classes everyday) but has now repurposed their classroom as a soup kitchen providing free meals to those struggling in the covid pandemic crisis. The Henna Café is cooking 150 meals each day and buying just one coffee could support three people struggling in these unprecedented times.
4. Artcaffe
A coffee shop that has achieved “superbrand” status in East Africa is Artcaffe. With over 20 stores across Kenya, the company is known for its high-quality coffee and tasty baked goods for over the last decade. Coffee drinks on the varied menu include a Frothy Cappuccino, Classic French press, and a Vanilla Latte which is worth trying if you are feeling adventurous and want to spice up your usual coffee.
Artcaffe is a social hub in Kenya’s capital, Nairobi, where cakes, pastries and breads are freshly baked for your culinary pleasure. The restaurant’s almond cookies, apple pie and croissants are listed as favourites among customers. Visitors can also try a Cronut (a croissant-doughnut pastry) or order whole cakes baked to perfection which can be delivered straight to your home.
The chainstore company has also given local artists a chance to come up with various art designs of the city to feature on their takeaway coffee cups and have partnered with the charity Gawa to provide nutritious meals to those impacted by the coronavirus pandemic in Nairobi.
5. Central Park Cafe
The neighbourhood café in the heart of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania offers a wide variety of traditional coffees and iced drinks perfect for a hot day. These include the Iced Latte, Mocha Frappuccino and Frozen Hot Chocolate. If you do stop by, you have to try the Peanut Butter Frappuccino (iced coffee infused with peanut butter) which is a popular item at the cafe.
The ambience of the café is New York City meets peaceful Tanzania as Central Park Cafe is located on the fittingly named ‘Barack Obama Drive’. Its cozy setting is the ideal place to dine with family and friends.
In terms of food, you can expect American inspired dishes including Double-cheese Burgers, Steak and Cheese Sub, and mouth-watering maple syrup pancakes.