Frequently cited as one of the best coffee shops in the entire world, Truth Coffee Roasting on Buitenkant Street in Cape Town is a treat for all the senses.
It’s not every day that a Cape Town establishment is announced as the best coffee shop in the entire world, but that is exactly what happened in 2015, when UK news agency, The Telegraph, awarded the title to Truth Coffee Roasting. We can’t say we’re surprised – the steampunk-themed coffee shop has always been at the top of our personal list of must-visit destinations in the Mother City.
Owner and proprietor David Donde worked alongside renowned interior design agency Haldane Martin to create a space where the romantic, steam-powered technology of their gargantuan vintage coffee roasting machine became the inspiration for a gathering space like no other.
The three-storey, turn of the century warehouse building that now houses Truth Coffee Roasting was stripped to its bare bones, exposing beautiful cast-iron pillars, Oregon pine roof trusses and floors, and original stone and brick walls. Tall steel and glass doors open onto Buitenkant Street and the building’s natural, aged patina was complemented with raw steel, timber, leather, brass, and copper finishes.
THE IMPORTANT BITS
Where? 36 Buitenkant St, Cape Town City Centre. Parking can be a bit of an issue, ever over weekends. Be prepared to pay an hourly rate if you want to park close-by; take a taxi of Uber if you want to avoid the hassle.
When? Monday to Thursday 7am-6pm, Friday 7am-late, Saturday 8am-6pm & Sunday 8am-2pm.
Who? Truth Coffee Roasting is great for just about everyone. Free Wi-Fi is provided within reason and there are plenty of power outlets for the footloose workforce – in fact, it cleverly descends from the ceilings above the long communal table, so you don’t even have to hide away in a dark corner if your laptop needs some juice.
However, if you’d prefer a dark corner away from the bustle to enjoy a private conversation or read your book, the leather booths towards the back are just the thing. Kids and moderate-sized pets are welcome, but they may be a little intimidated by the noise (Truth gets LOUD!), so just bear that in mind.
Same goes for business meetings – the place is impressive as hell, but you may battle to hear each other over the din during peak hours (approximately 10am to 2pm).
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What? Truth Coffee Roasting offers five distinct blends that are roasted and blended onsite from beans that are sourced from the world’s foremost Fair Trade producers. The breakfast menu features a great selection of reimagined classics like the Herby Stack Omelette and Truth-Style French Toast (a croissant smothered in vanilla egg nog, oven-baked and served with fresh Mascarpone & maple syrup).
The All-Day Menu is resplendent with delicious gourmet fair like the much-lauded Steamdog (a gourmet wiener on a steamed brioche roll, topped with caramelized onions and Cape mustard) and homemade duck liver pâté, laid on a fresh salad of baby cabbage, fennel & apple and dressed with orange and golden sultana dressing. YUM, you guys.
MUST TRY:
The Resurrection blend is Truth’s bestselling coffee, and it makes a chocolatey nutty flat white with a long, lingering caramel finish. Best of all – you can buy all the beans on site to recreate this experience at home. Too hot for the warm stuff? Try a cold-brewed Potion iced coffee; you’ll be converted for life.
Photography: Kleinjan Groenewald / Writing: Anna-Bet Stemmet
