Hidden in the heart of De Waterkant lies one of Cape Town’s best Coffee Roasting Houses. Origin leads the way for coffee excellence in Africa; it is not only a trendy café which roasts their own beans, but also a professional barista school. Here, you are welcomed and encouraged to learn about the intricacies and mysteries of coffee. Over the past five years the school has trained over 600 baristas.
As you step through the door into the original building you are immediately taken back to a retro, pre-industrial era where there is no mess and no fuss. The café’s concrete floors and high ceilings dotted with hanging lights make you feel like you stepped into New York City, but at the same time makes you feel strangely at home. You can smell the coffee roasting and see the love that goes into each cup as well as the sharing of wisdom that takes place behind the counter – a reminder of a time when artisans took extreme pride in their vocations. With Jack Johnson playing softly in the background it is a great way to ease into your day.
The restaurant has been there for eight years and is known for its great coffee as well as delicious breakfasts and lunches. Artisan food is on offer with breakfasts ranging from lovely baked goods to muesli, eggs benedict and omelettes. The lunch menu offers burgers, sandwiches and salads, depending on how hungry you are. We often pop through to Origin for either a pre-work strategy meeting or simply just a catch up. I highly recommend the salmon bagel (R45), omelette (R60) and my all-time favourite indulgence – the pain au chocolat (R18). Accompany this with a steaming hot cup of in-house, roasted coffee and you won’t go wrong. All ingredients are sourced from local artisans and ethical farmers and so all patrons are ensured peace of mind when eating at Origins.
The coffee is sourced from all over the world and it is up to you to choose your origin, blend and method. Although the menu may seem quite overwhelming at first and you may not know what to choose, the staff will take you through the options and advise on how best you can enjoy them. For those non coffee drinkers, don’t fear, Origin also stocks over 30 of Nigiro’s fine tea blends so there is plenty for you to choose from too.
The staff are friendly and the service is good, in a chilled out, laid-back Cape Town way. You are there to sit back, enjoy and unwind while the world goes on outside and that is what you can’t help but do!
28 Hudson Street, De Waterkant
Phone +27 21 421 1000
E-mail: info@originroasting.co.za | Facebook
